Molecular Evolution of Toxoplasma gondii in Thalassemic Patients Using Nested PCR Targeting B1 and RE Genes

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis, caused by T gondii, is a parasitic disease affecting various mammalian hosts. Thalassemia, an inherited microcytic hemolytic anemia, is characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production. This study aimed to establish a molecular detection method using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the B1 and RE genes of T. gondii in thalassemic Iraqi patients. The study samples comprised 165 thalassemic patients and 80 healthy individuals, aged from 2 to 45 years (mean age 15.387 ± 0.627 years). Samples were collected from Al-Karma Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, between March and June 2022.  Two diagnostic tests were used for toxoplasmosis IgM/IgG antibodies immunochromotography rapid test which found 44(26.67%) for IgG and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Key findings include: Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were found in 36.4% (60/165) of thalassemic patients, with an average titer of 41.475 ± 9.193 IU/mL.T. gondii DNA was detected in 60% of thalassemic patients using the B1 gene, compared to a 30% positivity rate in the control group. For the RE gene, only 5% of thalassemic patients tested positive, while the control group showed no positive results. These results highlight the significant presence of T. gondii DNA in thalassemic patients and demonstrate the effectiveness of nested PCR in detecting toxoplasmosis. The higher prevalence of toxoplasmosis in thalassemic patients compared to healthy individuals underscores the need for vigilant screening and management in this vulnerable population.