HOST SUSCEPTIBILITY, BIOCHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHANGES IN TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION: A FOCUS ON ABO BLOOD GROUPS AND HEPATIC INDICATORS

Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Objectives: This study investigated the association between toxoplasmosis infection and potential risk factors such as animal contact and blood type, in addition to analyzing selected serum biochemical parameters. Methods: between December 2022 and May 2023 in Baghdad, Iraq, and involved pregnant women aged between 21 and 25 years. A total of 134 venous blood samples were collected from participants attending medical centers and maternity units in the city. Results: demonstrated that there was no statistically significant association between toxoplasmosis and interaction with animals (p > 0.05), indicating that animal contact alone may not be a sufficient risk factor in the studied population. Interestingly, blood type emerged as the only variable showing a statistically significant positive association with T. gondii infection, suggesting a possible genetic or immunological predisposition related to certain blood groups. Furthermore, although not statistically significant, infected individuals displayed slightly lower mean serum levels of liver enzymes — aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) compared to non-infected controls. Conclusion:  This finding can indirectly suggest the possible slight, hepatic involvement in latent or chronic toxoplasmosis and justifies further research. These results help us further understand the pathogenesis and epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and why there must be more information about its prevention on the population level, particularly among receptive aged people. These factors should be addressed to avoid negative effects and secure the health of next generations who can contribute to the country development.