The Variable Levels of IL-6 and Nitric Oxide in Hemodialysis Patients upon Exposure to Toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is the most prevalent protozoa infection, affecting a wide variety of hosts. Toxoplasmosis is normally asymptomatic in immunocompetent people, but it can cause substantial issues in immunocompromised people and can progress to a life-threatening infection. This study aimed to determine the effect of toxoplasmosis on the levels of IL-6 and nitric oxide in hemodialysis patients. Overall, 300 patients referred to the Medical City, Al-karama General Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq were enrolled from 2021–2022. All serum samples were tested for T. gondii immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) antibodies, IL-6 and nitric oxide levels. In hemodialysis patients infected with T. gondii, the IL-6 and nitric oxide levels were higher than the hemodialysis patient without toxoplasmosis. The mean IL-6 levels were higher in hemodialysis patients infected with toxoplasmosis compare with hemodialysis patient without toxoplasmosis in different gender and age while the level of nitric oxide had no significant differences according to gender. It was concluded imply that the accidental occurrence of toxoplasmosis could be seen as a danger sign for hemodialysis patients.