Seroprevalence and evolution of toxoplasmic serology in renal, hepatic and bone marrow transplant recipients

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the seroprevalence as well as the risk of acute toxoplasmosis in patients who have undergone kidney, liver or bone marrow transplants.

Patients and method: A prospective study was carried out from January 01, 1999 to December 2017. Toxoplasmic serologies were carried out from the serum of 888 (444 donor / recipient couples) patients at the level of the Parasitology-Mycology laboratory of the Mustapha University Hospital. 'Algiers by the immunoenzymatic ELISA technique (358 candidates for renal transplantation, 69 for bone marrow transplant, 17 for liver transplantation).

Results: The overall seroprevalence was 54.5%. 81 kidney transplant recipients were transplanted and had regular toxoplasmosis serologies: 45 were seropositive and 36 seronegative before transplantation: no acute toxoplasmosis was observed in the 36 patients and no reactivation in the remaining 45 after transplantation. 17 liver transplant recipients were transplanted and had regular toxoplasmosis serologies, 5 were seropositive and 5 seronegative before transplantation: no acute toxoplasmosis was observed in the 5 seronegative patients and no reactivation in the remaining 5 after transplantation. For bone marrow transplant recipients, for practical reasons, serological monitoring could not be carried out.

Conclusion: serological surveillance in transplant recipients remains necessary, especially in seronegative patients. It is important to know the serology of the recipient before the transplant and if possible that of the donor in order to more easily interpret any changes. This monitoring must be very regular to allow the rapid diagnosis of progressive toxoplasmosis.