Abstract

Background: This study investigates the variation in complement proteins C3 and C4 levels between Iraqi type II diabetic patients infected with Toxoplasma gondii and non-diabetic control individuals. T. gondii is a widespread intracellular parasite that can infect most warm-blooded animals, including humans. Type II diabetes mellitus is characterized by abnormal metabolism and elevated blood sugar due to insufficient insulin secretion or reduced insulin effectiveness.
Patients and Methods: The study involved 109 blood samples from Iraqi type II diabetic patients and 80 samples from non-diabetic controls. The participants' ages averaged (49.9 ± 1.29). The levels of Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG and IgM) were tested using immunochromatography and CMIA, while glucose levels were measured using fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1C tests. Complement protein levels (C3 and C4) were evaluated through ELISA.
Results: The results showed that diabetic patients had higher blood glucose levels, with fasting blood sugar at 174.6 mg/dL and HbA1C at 7.91%. Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 41.29% of diabetic patients and 38.75% of healthy individuals. Moreover, diabetic patients infected with Toxoplasma exhibited significantly higher levels of C3 (189.3 ± 5.7 mg/dL) and C4 (38.67 ± 0.89 mg/dL) proteins compared to other groups. All specimens were negative for Toxoplasma IgM.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that Toxoplasma infection may influence complement protein levels in diabetic patients, highlighting the interaction between these conditions.