Toxoplasma gondii IgG seroprevalence in children with cancer from National Children’s Antineoplastic Drug Program network in the Metropolitan Region, Chile: a multicenter study.

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan that affects a third of the world population and whose updated seroprevalence in children with cancer in our environment is unknown. Aim: To describe the seroprevalence of IgG anti-T. gondii in pediatric population with cancer treated in hospitals of the Metropolitan Region, Chile. Method: Cross-sectional study of the population of pediatric cancer patients treated in Santiago city, A serum sample was taken from 100 patients between June 2016 and May 2019. ELISA IgG T. gondii was performed. Results: Of 100 children, 51% male. 12 were positive (12%), 84 negative (84%) and 4 indeterminate (4%). The stratification by age showed 43% patients between 0-5 years, 29% between 6-10 years, 20% in the group of 11-15 years and 8% in patients > 15 years. Sixty one percent of the samples came from patients with acute leukemia. The percentage of women who tested positive for IgG was 21% compared to 4% in men (P <0.0011). Conclusion: 84% of children undergoing cancer treatment are seronegative for T. gondii, so it is important to educate on the prevention of the acquisition of this parasite in this population, due to the risk of developing serious and fatal disease.