Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in eastern China. Therefore, 287 primary CRC patients and 287 age-matched healthy control subjects were recruited to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and identify the risk factors of infection. Enzyme-linked immunoassays were used to test for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies. Forty-six (16%) samples were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in patients with CRC, compared with 26 (9.1%) in the healthy controls, a significant difference (P = 0.007). By contrast, eight (2.8%) patients tested positive for T. gondii IgM antibodies, compared with three (1.1%) in the controls, a difference that was not significant (P = 0.13). Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that a rural residence (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.15–7.01; P = 0.024) and treatment with chemotherapy (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.02–4.57; P = 0.045) were risk factors for T. gondii infection in patients with CRC. Thus, T. gondii infection is serious in patients with CRC, and a rural residence and treatment with chemotherapy are independent risk factors for infection by this parasite. Therefore, medical professionals should be aware of this pathogen in patients with CRC, and the causes of T. gondii infection in these patients need to be explored further.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies, with the morbidity increasing steadily in recent years [1]
T. gondii infection is serious in patients with CRC, and a rural residence and treatment with chemotherapy are independent risk factors for infection by this parasite
Eight (2.8%) patients tested positive for T. gondii IgM antibodies, compared with three (1.1%) controls, a difference that was not significant (P = 0:13)
Summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies, with the morbidity increasing steadily in recent years [1]. The most common adverse effects that lead to death in malignancy patients immunocompromisation by tumors and antitumor treatments are complications associated with infection, such as those caused by bacteria and viruses [3, 4]. Parasites, especially those that cause opportunistic infections, have received relatively little attention in malignancy patients. In immunocompromised patients, such as those with a tumor, T. gondii may cause a serious, life-threatening infection. In Iran, T. gondii DNA was BioMed Research International detected in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissue [12]
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