Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection and Interferon Levels among Patients with Lung Cancer

Background: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among patients with lung cancer at the Oncology Teaching Hospital and outpatient clinics in Baghdad. 90 samples were collected from lung cancer patients and a control group with toxoplasmosis. Methods: 90 blood samples were collected from patients and people suffering from Toxoplasmosis gondii and healthy people who do not suffer from both diseases during the period extending from October 2022 to April 2023, In a city Baghdad. The ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent technique was used, which includes microtiter plates that are pre-loaded with an IFN-specific antibody. Results: The rate of infection with the parasite was shown according to gender, as Females showed a higher prevalence (43%) than males (30%). The results were also shown when linking infection with the parasite with the location of residence, as the highest rate of positive infection was recorded among city center residents. This rate reached 61% among city residents. and a lower percentage among residents of rural areas, reaching (12%). A higher prevalence was observed among smokers (41%) compared with non-smokers (32%). Conclusion: The concentration in the group of people Interferon-α concentration reached 1.0869 ± 0.1303 pg/mL.In contrast, in the group of people with lung cancer and severe Toxoplasma gondii infection, its concentration reached pg/ml (0.8243±0.2736).Histopathological examination confirmed malignant cells.