Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.
Authors
1
Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, MenoufiaUniversity, Menoufia, Egypt
2
Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
3
Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
4
Department of Pediatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
Abstract
Background: No doubt, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic conditions in children increasing their vulnerability and risk for various infectious diseases. Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular opportunistic protozoan parasite causing risky complications, especially in immune-compromised humans. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of T. gondii (IgG & IgM) among known diabetes mellitus children with type I, and risk factors between both groups (diabetic and non-diabetic). Methodology: A total of 200 blood samples were taken from children who attended the Outpatient Clinic of Pediatric Endocrinology, at Menoufia University Hospitals. Blood samples were taken from 100 known T1DM patients, and 100 apparently healthy ones. All samples were examined for random blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C), and anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG & IgM) by ELISA. Results: The results didn't show a significant difference in anti-T. gondii IgG between diabetic patients (10%) and controls (15%), without IgM positivity in either case. But seropositive IgG was significantly associated with higher HBA1C levels in diabetic patients (P< 0.001). Environmental factors such as residence, soil, and/or cat contact were major determinants of seropositivity in both groups. Conclusions: We conclude that T. gondii IgG seroprevalence does not significantly differ between diabetic and non-diabetic children; however, it is associated with poor glycemic control in diabetics. Environmental factors, including soil and cat contact, play a critical role in exposure risk.
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