Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Among HIV-Positive Individuals at Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, North Central Nigeria

Toxoplasma gondii co-infection in HIV-positive individuals poses a significant risk for cerebral toxoplasmosis, particularly in those with advanced immunosuppression, and warrants targeted serological surveillance. This study determined the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among HIV-positive patients attending the antiretroviral therapy clinic of Federal Medical Centre Makurdi, Benue State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 HIV-positive adults. Serum samples were tested for anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD4 cell counts and clinical staging data were retrieved from patient records. Sociodemographic and dietary information were collected by questionnaire. Anti-toxoplasma IgG seroprevalence was 47.2%, while IgM was detected in 8.3%, suggesting recent or active infection in a subset of patients. Seroprevalence increased significantly with declining CD4 count, reaching 72.7% in those with CD4 below 200 cells per microlitre. Consumption of undercooked meat and contact with cats were significantly associated with seropositivity. Male patients and those aged 30 to 49 years had higher seroprevalence. The study recommends routine toxoplasma serological screening for all HIV patients at ART initiation, primary prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole in CD4-depleted patients, and health education on risk factors for toxoplasma acquisition in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: Toxoplasma gondii, HIV, seroprevalence, cerebral toxoplasmosis, Makurdi