Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies Among HIV-Positive Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Benue State, North Central Nigeria

Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is a life-threatening opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those living with HIV/AIDS. This study determines the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies among HIV-positive patients attending a tertiary hospital in Benue State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was employed, recruiting 200 HIV-positive adult patients from the antiretroviral therapy clinic of the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. Blood samples were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data on CD4 cell count, antiretroviral therapy regimen, cat ownership, consumption of undercooked meat, and soil exposure were obtained through structured interviews. Current literature from 2020 to 2024 reports seroprevalence rates of T. gondii among HIV patients in Nigeria ranging from 30 to 60 percent, with low CD4 counts consistently associated with active toxoplasmosis risk. Benue State presents a particularly relevant context given the high HIV burden and widespread animal husbandry practices involving cats and small ruminants. This study will stratify seroprevalence by CD4 count category, sex, age, and behavioural risk factors, providing clinically relevant data for prophylaxis decision-making. Findings will inform the Benue State Ministry of Health and the Federal Medical Centre on optimising toxoplasmosis screening protocols within HIV care programmes. Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, seroprevalence, HIV-positive patients, Benue State, opportunistic infection.