Seroprevalence of specific antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among patients with malignant tumors in Dali, Yunnan province.

Abstract

To investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with malignant tumors, we aimed to provide insights into improving the prognosis and quality of life of these patients. A total of 721 patients with malignant tumors admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Dali University from November 2020 to May 2022, along with 100 healthy volunteers from the hospital during the same period, were enrolled. Demographic data and serum samples were collected, and serum-specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were considered positive for T. gondii infection if either IgG or IgM antibodies were detected. The seroprevalence of specific IgG and IgM antibodies was compared between patients with malignant tumors and healthy volunteers. The positivity rates for anti-T. gondii antibodies in patients with malignant tumors was significantly higher than that in healthy volunteers (31.2% vs. 13.0%; χ² = 14.141, P < 0.01). Pairwise comparisons revealed that the positive rates of serum anti-T. gondii antibodies in patients with various types of malignant tumors were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers (all P values < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the average age and sex composition between patients with malignant tumors and healthy volunteers (P > 0.05). The results indicate a high seroprevalence rate of T. gondii infections among patients with malignant tumors, which was significantly higher than that among healthy volunteers.