Work

Primary and Nested PCR Amplification of B1 Gene to Confirm Seropositivity of Toxoplasmosis Among Cancer Patients in Sri Lanka

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: , affects approximately 30% of the human population worldwide. Reactivation of latent infection in immunocompromised people leads to fatal disease. This study aimed to determine the seropositivity of toxoplasmosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), confirmed by primary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR (nPCR), and validate ELISA against nPCR among a group of cancer patients. Of the 321 participants, six (1.9%) patients were positive for nPCR and both IgG and IgM ELISA tests while 36 (11.2%) and 131 (40.8%) showed evidence of possibly acute and past infection, respectively, and 15 (4.7%) were indeterminate. Among them, 19 (5.9%) nPCR positives would have been ignored as having evidence of past infection. Four (1.2%) patients would not have been treated at all if only ELISA had been performed as they had indeterminate ELISA results. This is the first study that used primary and nPCR with B1 gene amplification for confirmation of toxoplasmosis among cancer patients in Sri Lanka. These findings emphasize the need for confirmatory tests, such as nPCR, particularly in cancer patients who exhibit a weak antibody response. Implementing such tests can aid clinicians in effectively managing these patients, given the rising incidence and mortality rates of cancer in Sri Lanka.

Source: Journal of Tropical Medicine

DOI: 10.1155/jotm/5040196

Authors: G. P. C. Weerasooriya, A. Manamperi, B. M. H. A. Banneheke

Institutions: University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, Bangor University

Language: English

Topic: Toxoplasma gondii Research Studies

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,630