Clinico-epidemiological and sociodemographic profile of HIV/AIDS patients who are co-infected with Toxoplasma gondii in the border region of Brazil

Abstract The present study assessed clinico-epidemiological and sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients who were co-infected with T. gondii in the border region of Brazil. HIV-positive patients who were attended by the Expert Assistance Service in Foz do Iguaçu city were assessed using a questionnaire and medical records. Of the 332 patients with HIV/autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) who were evaluated, 111 had serology for toxoplasmosis, which could be attributed to the location of the city (i.e., border region) and tourism that encourages the intense flow of people. Toxoplasmosis infection was prevalent among patients who were 18-60 years old, had education up to the 4th grade of elementary school, ate raw vegetables from home, handled soil without gloves, drank untreated water, and allowed street cats to enter their homes. These findings contribute to assessments of the toxoplasmosis profile of HIV/AIDS patients who have a high rate of toxoplasmosis. The results may contribute to improving public health, especially in border regions with characteristics that are similar to this study. Effective measures need to be implemented to control morbidity and mortality that are associated with HIV/AIDS and toxoplasmosis in the evaluated population.

摘要 本研究针对巴西边境地区同时感染刚地弓形虫（T. gondii）的人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）感染者，评估其临床流行病学特征、社会人口学特征及相关危险因素。研究对象为伊瓜苏市专家诊疗服务接诊的HIV阳性患者，通过问卷调查与病历查阅的方式完成评估。在纳入评估的332例HIV/获得性免疫缺陷综合征（AIDS）患者中，111例完成了弓形虫血清学检测，该现象可归因于该市的边境区位属性与旅游业驱动的高强度人员流动。研究显示，18~60岁、小学四年级及以下学历、食用自制生食蔬菜、徒手接触土壤、饮用未处理生水、允许流浪猫进入居所的患者群体，弓形虫感染率更高。本研究结果有助于明确高弓形虫感染率的HIV/AIDS患者群体的感染特征，可为改善公共卫生工作提供参考，尤其适用于与本研究具有相似特征的边境地区。需针对本次评估人群制定有效防控举措，以降低HIV/AIDS与弓形虫联合感染相关的发病率与死亡率。