Liver function tests in toxoplasmosis

ABSTRACT
Objective: To highlight the possible effects of toxoplasmosis on serum activities of liver enzymes.
Methods: Sixty serologically toxoplasmosis positive women referred to the Public Health Laboratory Centre in Nineveh Province were enrolled during the period from Oct. 2008 – March 2009. Their ages ranged between 16-35 years and mean±SD (24.9±4.8 years). Cases were compared with 40 age matched apparently healthy high school, medical college students and employees of Mosul College of Medicine control women who were serologically negative for toxoplasmosis; their ages ranged between 17-35 years and mean ± SD (23.9± 5.5years).
Serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured in all cases and controls.
Results: Liver enzymes activities were higher in patients compared with those of the controls.
Conclusion: A probable involvement of the liver in the disease process was noticed for the toxoplasmosis patients although not sufficient to produce clinical signs and symptoms of liver disease.