Serological and molecular diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii in blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples from hospitalized patients with neurological brain disorders: a case series study

The aim of this study was to perform the laboratory and molecular diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii in patients with neurological brain disorders in the city of Jataí, GO, Brazil as well as highlighting the toxoplasmosis’ risk behavior. To achieve this aim, a questionnaire was applied to these patients, and it was associated with the blood for serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection. The samples were analyzed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The results indicated contact with stray cats, fresh vegetables, raw meat and meat products consumption. Seroreactivity for IgG in serum samples was 100% (14/14) and in CSF, 6.7% (1/14). In the molecular diagnosis, the presence of T. gondii DNA was not detected. Our data suggests that educational actions on toxoplasmosis prophylaxis are recommended using several tools, such as social media, to raise public awareness about this. KEY WORDS: Neurological infectious disorders; T. gondii serology; T. gondii molecular diagnosis; Toxoplasma gondii.