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Chandrasena N, Herath R, Rupasinghe N, Samarasinghe B, Samaranayake H, Kastuririratne A, de Silva NR. Toxoplasmosis awareness, seroprevalence and risk behavior among pregnant women in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. Pathog Glob Health 2016; 110:62-7. [PMID: 27092763 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2016.1173325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary gestational toxoplasmosis can be transmitted to the fetus with deleterious effects on the pregnancy. There is very little information regarding gestational toxoplasmosis in Sri Lanka. This survey was done to determine the prevalence and awareness of toxoplasmosis and to identify risk factors of infection among pregnant women in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka. METHODS Women attending obstetric clinics at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital in 2014 were tested for Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) specific Immunoglobulins G (IgG) and M (IgM) subtypes using the OnSite Toxo IgG/IgM Rapid Test-Dip Strip(®). Disease awareness and risk behaviors of the participants were investigated. RESULTS Of the 293 participants (mean age 27 years, SD ± 5.92), 38% were primigravidae with a mean gestational age of 16.2 weeks (SD 7). The prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies was 12.3% (n = 36) and zero, respectively. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were calculated to determine risk factors of infection (cat-ownership, handling cats, consumption of meat, commercial meals and unwashed raw vegetables and fruits, handling soil and not washing hands after handling soil). On bivariate analysis, eating commercially prepared meals weekly or more was associated with toxoplasma seroprevalence with marginal statistical significance. On multivariate analysis, none of the considered risk factors were significant. Toxoplasma awareness was 4.4% (n = 13); health personnel (46.2%, n = 6) and media (53.8%, n = 7) being sources of information. CONCLUSIONS Health education programs to increase awareness of toxoplasmosis is recommended at antenatal clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilmini Chandrasena
- a Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology , University of Kelaniya , Ragama , Sri Lanka
| | - Rasika Herath
- b Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University of Kelaniya , Ragama , Sri Lanka
| | - Nawamalika Rupasinghe
- a Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology , University of Kelaniya , Ragama , Sri Lanka
| | - Buddhini Samarasinghe
- a Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology , University of Kelaniya , Ragama , Sri Lanka
| | - Hasaranga Samaranayake
- b Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University of Kelaniya , Ragama , Sri Lanka
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352
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Do differences in Toxoplasma prevalence influence global variation in secondary sex ratio? Preliminary ecological regression study. Parasitology 2016; 143:1193-203. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016000597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYSex of the fetus is genetically determined such that an equal number of sons and daughters are born in large populations. However, the ratio of female to male births across human populations varies significantly. Many factors have been implicated in this. The theory that natural selection should favour female offspring under suboptimal environmental conditions implies that pathogens may affect secondary sex ratio (ratio of male to female births). Using regression models containing 13 potential confounding factors, we have found that variation of the secondary sex ratio can be predicted by seroprevalence of Toxoplasma across 94 populations distributed across African, American, Asian and European continents. Toxoplasma seroprevalence was the third strongest predictor of secondary sex ratio, β = −0·097, P < 0·01, after son preference, β = 0·261, P < 0·05, and fertility, β = −0·145, P < 0·001. Our preliminary results suggest that Toxoplasma gondii infection could be one of the most important environmental factors influencing the global variation of offspring sex ratio in humans. The effect of latent toxoplasmosis on public health could be much more serious than it is usually supposed to be.
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353
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Seroprevalence and Serointensity of Latent Toxoplasma gondii in a Sample of Elderly Adults With and Without Alzheimer Disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2016; 30:123-6. [DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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354
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Gan X, Zhang X, Cheng Z, Chen L, Ding X, Du J, Cai Y, Luo Q, Shen J, Wang Y, Yu L. Toxoplasma gondii inhibits differentiation of C17.2 neural stem cells through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 473:187-193. [PMID: 27012204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a major cause of congenital brain disease. T. gondii infection in the developing fetus frequently results in major neural developmental damage; however, the effects of the parasite infection on the neural stem cells, the key players in fetal brain development, still remain elusive. This study is aiming to explore the role of T. gondii infection on differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate the inhibited differentiation of NSCs induced by the infection. Using a differentiation medium, i.e. , DMEM: F12 (1:1 mixture) supplemented with 2% N2, C17.2 neural stem cells (NSCs) were able to differentiate to neurons and astrocytes, respectively evidenced by immunofluorescence staining of differentiation markers including βIII-tubulin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). After 5-day culture in the differentiation medium, the excreted-secreted antigens of T. gondii (Tg-ESAs) significantly down-regulated the protein levels of βIII-tubulin and GFAP in C17.2 NSCs in a dose-dependent manner. The protein level of β-catenin in the nucleus of C17.2 cells treated with both wnt3a (a key activator for Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway) and Tg-ESAs was significantly lower than that in the cells treated with only wnt3a, but significantly higher than that in the cells treated with only Tg-ESAs. In conclusion, the ESAs of T. gondii RH blocked the differentiation of C17.2 NCSs and downregulated the expression of β-catenin, an essential component of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The findings suggest a new mechanism underlying the neuropathogenesis induced by T. gondii infection, i.e. inhibition of the differentiation of NSCs via blockade of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, such as downregulation of β-catenin expression by the parasite ESAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Gan
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Zhengyang Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Lingzhi Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Xiaojuan Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Biochemistry, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Yihong Cai
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China.
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China.
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355
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Shen G, Wang X, Sun H, Gao Y. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection among HIV/AIDS Patients in Eastern China. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 54:93-6. [PMID: 26951986 PMCID: PMC4792320 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.1.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, occurs throughout the world. Human T. gondii infection is asymptomatic in 80% of the population; however, the infection is life-threatening and causes substantial neurologic damage in immunocompromised patients such as HIV-infected persons. The major purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in subjects infected with HIV/AIDS in eastern China. Our findings showed 9.7% prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in HIV/AIDS patients, which was higher than in intravenous drug users (2.2%) and healthy controls (4.7%), while no significant difference was observed in the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody among all participants (P>0.05). Among all HIV/AIDS patients, 15 men (7.7%) and 10 women (15.9%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibody; however, no significant difference was detected in the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody between males and females. The frequency of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody was 8.0%, 13.2%, 5.5%, and 0% in patients with normal immune function (CD4(+) T-lymphocyte count ≥500 cells/ml), immunocompromised patients (cell count ≥200 and <500 cells/ml), severely immunocompromised patients (cell count ≥50 and <200 cells/ml), and advanced AIDS patients, respectively (cell count <50 cells/ml), while only 3 immunocompromised patients were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibody. The results indicate a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in HIV/AIDS patients in eastern China, and a preventive therapy for toxoplasmosis may be given to HIV/AIDS patients based on CD4(+) T lymphocyte count.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuxi No. 9 People's Hospital, 999 Liangxi Road, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province 214062, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuxi No. 9 People's Hospital, 999 Liangxi Road, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province 214062, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuxi No. 9 People's Hospital, 999 Liangxi Road, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province 214062, China
| | - Yaying Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuxi No. 9 People's Hospital, 999 Liangxi Road, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province 214062, China
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356
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Is Toxoplasma Gondii Infection Related to Brain and Behavior Impairments in Humans? Evidence from a Population-Representative Birth Cohort. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148435. [PMID: 26886853 PMCID: PMC4757034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite present in around a third of the human population. Infected individuals are commonly asymptomatic, though recent reports have suggested that infection might influence aspects of the host’s behavior. In particular, Toxoplasma infection has been linked to schizophrenia, suicide attempt, differences in aspects of personality and poorer neurocognitive performance. However, these studies are often conducted in clinical samples or convenience samples. Methods/Results In a population-representative birth-cohort of individuals tested for presence of antibodies to T. gondii (N = 837) we investigated the association between infection and four facets of human behavior: neuropsychiatric disorder (schizophrenia and major depression), poor impulse control (suicidal behavior and criminality), personality, and neurocognitive performance. Suicide attempt was marginally more frequent among individuals with T. gondii seropositivity (p = .06). Seropositive individuals also performed worse on one out of 14 measures of neuropsychological function. Conclusion On the whole, there was little evidence that T. gondii was related to increased risk of psychiatric disorder, poor impulse control, personality aberrations or neurocognitive impairment.
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357
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Flegr J. Heterozygote Advantage Probably Maintains Rhesus Factor Blood Group Polymorphism: Ecological Regression Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147955. [PMID: 26811928 PMCID: PMC4728066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhesus factor polymorphism has been an evolutionary enigma since its discovery in 1939. Carriers of the rarer allele should be eliminated by selection against Rhesus positive children born to Rhesus negative mothers. Here I used an ecologic regression study to test the hypothesis that Rhesus factor polymorphism is stabilized by heterozygote advantage. The study was performed in 65 countries for which the frequencies of RhD phenotypes and specific disease burden data were available. I performed multiple multivariate covariance analysis with five potential confounding variables: GDP, latitude (distance from the equator), humidity, medical care expenditure per capita and frequencies of smokers. The results showed that the burden associated with many diseases correlated with the frequencies of particular Rhesus genotypes in a country and that the direction of the relation was nearly always the opposite for the frequency of Rhesus negative homozygotes and that of Rhesus positive heterozygotes. On the population level, a Rhesus-negativity-associated burden could be compensated for by the heterozygote advantage, but for Rhesus negative subjects this burden represents a serious problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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358
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Celik T, Gokcen C, Aytas O, Ozcelik A, Celik M, Coban N. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in stutterers is higher than in the control group. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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359
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Hernandez MDP, Martin P, Simkins J. Infectious Complications After Liver Transplantation. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2015; 11:741-753. [PMID: 27134589 PMCID: PMC4849501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the standard of care for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. More than 6000 liver transplants are performed annually in the United States. High patient and graft survival rates have been achieved in great part due to the availability of potent immunosuppressive agents. Systemic immunosuppression has rendered the liver recipient susceptible to de novo infections as well as reactivation of preexisting latent infections. Infections occurring during the first month post-OLT are usually nosocomial, donor-derived, or the result of a perioperative complication. The development of opportunistic infections (OIs) such as Aspergillus and the reactivation of latent infections such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis are more frequent 1 to 6 months posttransplant, when the net state of immunosuppression is the highest. Immunosuppressive therapy is tapered 6 to 12 months post-OLT; therefore, infections occurring during that time period and afterward generally resemble those of the general population. Screening strategies applied to determine the risk of an infection after transplantation and the use of prophylactic antimicrobial therapy have reduced the incidence of OIs after OLT. This article will review the various causes of infection post-OLT and the therapies used to manage complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Pilar Hernandez
- Dr Hernandez is an assistant professor of medicine and Dr Martin is a professor of medicine in the Division of Hepatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr Simkins is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Paul Martin
- Dr Hernandez is an assistant professor of medicine and Dr Martin is a professor of medicine in the Division of Hepatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr Simkins is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Jacques Simkins
- Dr Hernandez is an assistant professor of medicine and Dr Martin is a professor of medicine in the Division of Hepatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida. Dr Simkins is an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
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360
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Trisciuoglio A, Zanet S, Marello G, Chiesa F, Nucera DM, Bergallo M, Gennero MS, Ferroglio E. The use of loop-mediated isothermal amplification improves Toxoplasma gondii detection in wildlife. J Vet Diagn Invest 2015; 27:754-7. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638715611170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is among the most widespread parasites worldwide. Wildlife is recognized as an important reservoir and source of infection of T. gondii. The goal of the present work was to assess the performance of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) as a diagnostic tool for T. gondii infection in the skeletal muscle and central nervous system (CNS) of free-ranging ungulates and carnivores. Fifty-seven wild animals were tested for the presence of T. gondii DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and LAMP. The use of LAMP amplification improved sensitivity in T. gondii molecular detection compared with conventional PCR on skeletal muscle (χ2 = 5.8, P < 0.05), having a lower minimum detection limit (0.1 tachyzoite) than PCR (1 tachyzoite). No significant differences existed between the detection capacities of both assays when performed on CNS. LAMP is a valid tool to improve the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in wild game meat. The technique provides a sensitive yet specific method that can be applicable to both field surveys and large-scale testing of wildlife samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Trisciuoglio
- Departments of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (Trisciuoglio, Nucera), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Veterinary Sciences (Zanet, Chiesa, Ferroglio), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy (Marello, Gennero)
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (Bergallo)
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Departments of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (Trisciuoglio, Nucera), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Veterinary Sciences (Zanet, Chiesa, Ferroglio), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy (Marello, Gennero)
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (Bergallo)
| | - Giuseppina Marello
- Departments of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (Trisciuoglio, Nucera), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Veterinary Sciences (Zanet, Chiesa, Ferroglio), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy (Marello, Gennero)
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (Bergallo)
| | - Francesco Chiesa
- Departments of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (Trisciuoglio, Nucera), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Veterinary Sciences (Zanet, Chiesa, Ferroglio), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy (Marello, Gennero)
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (Bergallo)
| | - Daniele M. Nucera
- Departments of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (Trisciuoglio, Nucera), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Veterinary Sciences (Zanet, Chiesa, Ferroglio), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy (Marello, Gennero)
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (Bergallo)
| | - Massimiliano Bergallo
- Departments of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (Trisciuoglio, Nucera), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Veterinary Sciences (Zanet, Chiesa, Ferroglio), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy (Marello, Gennero)
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (Bergallo)
| | - Maria S. Gennero
- Departments of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (Trisciuoglio, Nucera), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Veterinary Sciences (Zanet, Chiesa, Ferroglio), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy (Marello, Gennero)
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (Bergallo)
| | - Ezio Ferroglio
- Departments of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (Trisciuoglio, Nucera), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Veterinary Sciences (Zanet, Chiesa, Ferroglio), University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy (Marello, Gennero)
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (Bergallo)
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361
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Flegr J. Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Consequences of Chronic Toxoplasma Infection. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-015-0024-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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362
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Lanchava L, Carlson K, Šebánková B, Flegr J, Nave G. No Evidence of Association between Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Financial Risk Taking in Females. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136716. [PMID: 26401912 PMCID: PMC4581702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Past research linked Toxoplasma gondii (TG) infection in humans with neurological and mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and attention disorders), irregularities of the dopaminergic and testosterone system, and increased likelihood of being involved in traffic accidents. Methodology/Principal Findings We test for an association between TG infection and financial decision-making (DM) using a case-control design in a sample of female Czech students (n = 79). We estimate each subject's risk attitude and loss aversion using an experimental economic task involving real monetary incentives. We find no significant evidence that either measure of decision-making is associated with TG infection. Conclusion We were unable to find evidence of an association between TG infection and financial decision-making in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasha Lanchava
- Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education and Economics Institute (CERGE-EI), Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kyle Carlson
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States of America
| | - Blanka Šebánková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gideon Nave
- Department of Computation & Neural Systems, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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363
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Kankova S, Flegr J, Calda P. An elevated blood glucose level and increased incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women with latent toxoplasmosis. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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364
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A game-theoretic approach to valuating toxoplasmosis vaccination strategies. Theor Popul Biol 2015; 105:33-8. [PMID: 26319752 DOI: 10.1016/j.tpb.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite often found in wild and domestic cats, and it is the cause of the disease toxoplasmosis. More than 60 million people in the United States carry the parasite, and the Centers for Disease Control have placed toxoplasmosis in their disease classification group Neglected Parasitic Infections as one of five parasitic diseases targeted as priorities for public health action. In recent years, there has been significant progress toward the development of a practical vaccine, so vaccination programs may soon be a viable approach to controlling the disease. Anticipating the availability of a toxoplasmosis vaccine, we are interested in determining when cat owners should vaccinate their own pets. We have created a mathematical model describing the conditions under which vaccination is advantageous. Our model can be used to predict the average vaccination level in the population. We find that there is a critical vaccine cost threshold above which no one will use the vaccine. A vaccine cost slightly below this threshold, however, results in high usage of the vaccine, and consequently in a significant reduction in population seroprevalence. Not surprisingly, we find that populations may achieve herd immunity only if the cost of vaccine is zero.
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365
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Grace D. Food Safety in Low and Middle Income Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:10490-507. [PMID: 26343693 PMCID: PMC4586623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120910490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Evidence on foodborne disease (FBD) in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is still limited, but important studies in recent years have broadened our understanding. These suggest that developing country consumers are concerned about FBD; that most of the known burden of FBD disease comes from biological hazards; and, that most FBD is the result of consumption of fresh, perishable foods sold in informal markets. FBD is likely to increase in LMICs as the result of massive increases in the consumption of risky foods (livestock and fish products and produce) and lengthening and broadening value chains. Although intensification of agricultural production is a strong trend, so far agro-industrial production and modern retail have not demonstrated clear advantages in food safety and disease control. There is limited evidence on effective, sustainable and scalable interventions to improve food safety in domestic markets. Training farmers on input use and good practices often benefits those farmers trained, but has not been scalable or sustainable, except where good practices are linked to eligibility for export. Training informal value chain actors who receive business benefits from being trained has been more successful. New technologies, growing public concern and increased emphasis on food system governance can also improve food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia Grace
- Program Leader Food Safety and Zoonoses, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya.
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Jiménez E, de Andrés J, Manrique M, Pareja-Tobes P, Tobes R, Martínez-Blanch JF, Codoñer FM, Ramón D, Fernández L, Rodríguez JM. Metagenomic Analysis of Milk of Healthy and Mastitis-Suffering Women. J Hum Lact 2015; 31:406-15. [PMID: 25948578 DOI: 10.1177/0890334415585078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some studies have been conducted to assess the composition of the bacterial communities inhabiting human milk, but they did not evaluate the presence of other microorganisms, such as fungi, archaea, protozoa, or viruses. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the metagenome of human milk samples provided by healthy and mastitis-suffering women. METHODS DNA was isolated from human milk samples collected from 10 healthy women and 10 women with symptoms of lactational mastitis. Shotgun libraries from total extracted DNA were constructed and the libraries were sequenced by 454 pyrosequencing. RESULTS The amount of human DNA sequences was ≥ 90% in all the samples. Among the bacterial sequences, the predominant phyla were Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. The healthy core microbiome included the genera Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Lactobacillus, and Propionibacterium. At the species level, a high degree of inter-individual variability was observed among healthy women. In contrast, Staphylococcus aureus clearly dominated the microbiome in the samples from the women with acute mastitis whereas high increases in Staphylococcus epidermidis-related reads were observed in the milk of those suffering from subacute mastitis. Fungal and protozoa-related reads were identified in most of the samples, whereas Archaea reads were absent in samples from women with mastitis. Some viral-related sequence reads were also detected. CONCLUSION Human milk contains a complex microbial metagenome constituted by the genomes of bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. In mastitis cases, the milk microbiome reflects a loss of bacterial diversity and a high increase of the sequences related to the presumptive etiological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Jiménez
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain Probisearch, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier de Andrés
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain Probisearch, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Ramón
- Lifesequencing S.L., Parc Científic Universitat de València, Paterna, Spain
| | - Leónides Fernández
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain Probisearch, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M Rodríguez
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain Probisearch, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
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367
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Kankova S, Flegr J, Calda P. The influence of latent toxoplasmosis on women's reproductive function: four cross-sectional studies. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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368
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION A number of different infections are associated with acute psychosis. However, relationships between infections and acute psychosis in patients with schizophrenia have not been extensively explored. Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii is a replicated risk factor for schizophrenia. Previous studies have focused on T. gondii IgG antibodies, which are a marker of lifetime exposure, whereas IgM antibodies are a marker of acute/recent exposure, persistent infection, or reinfection. We performed a meta-analysis of T. gondii IgM antibodies and acute psychosis, to further investigate whether infections may be associated with relapse in schizophrenia. METHODS We identified articles by systematic searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, and ISI databases. We included studies, in English, of serum T. gondii IgM antibodies in patients with acute psychosis and controls. RESULTS Sixteen independent samples (2353 patients and 1707 controls) met inclusion criteria. Data were pooled using a random effects model. There was a significant increase in risk of positive T. gondii IgM antibodies in acute psychosis compared with controls (7.6% vs 5.7%, OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.23-2.27, P = .001). The association was stronger for patients with chronic schizophrenia (8.7% vs 4.6%, OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.63-3.96, P < .001) than first-episode psychosis. In meta-regression analyses, age, sex, and publication year were unrelated to the association; however, there was a significant association with geographic region. DISCUSSION An increased seroprevalence of T. gondii IgM in patients with acute psychosis complements and extends previous findings, suggesting that infections may be relevant to the etiopathophysiology of relapse in some patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel M Monroe
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA
| | - Peter F Buckley
- Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA
| | - Brian J Miller
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA;
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369
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Abstract
The existence of an association between schizophrenia and an infection by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has been suspected since the 1950s. Two significant phenomena first garnered the attention of the psychiatric community toward toxoplasmosis, the illness precipitated by an infection of the parasite. Transient symptoms of acute toxoplasmosis sometimes resemble the clinical picture of paranoid schizophrenia. Many studies have also found an increased seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in clients of mental health institutions in comparison with members of control populations. We have had to wait until the first decade of our millennium for several independent research teams to make discoveries that would shed light on the possible mechanisms that link the Toxoplasma parasite to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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370
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Gebremedhin EZ, Tadesse G. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in animals and humans in Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:291. [PMID: 26017571 PMCID: PMC4449589 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0901-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and assess the potential risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections in animals and humans in Ethiopia by using meta-analytical methods. METHODS Published studies on T. gondii in animals and humans in Ethiopia were searched in Medline, Google Scholar and the lists of references of articles. Eligible studies were selected by using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risks of within and across study biases, and the variations in prevalence estimates attributable to heterogeneities were assessed. Pooled prevalence was estimated by the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. RESULTS Thirty two studies were eligible and data from 5689 animals and 5718 humans were used for quantitative syntheses. The pooled IgG seroprevalence in cats, small ruminants and humans were estimated at 87.72% (95% CI = 78.63, 93.28), 34.59% (95% CI = 21.08, 51.12) and 74.73% (95% CI = 61.85, 84.36), respectively. The odds of infections were higher in pregnant than in non pregnant women (OR = 3.96), in individuals that had contact with cats than those with no contact (OR = 2.53), and in urban than in rural inhabitants (OR = 2.06). CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasmosis is highly prevalent and could be a cause of considerable reproductive wastage in small ruminants and multiple diseases in humans in Ethiopia. Public education on preventive measures could help reduce the transmission of the parasite to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Getachew Tadesse
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia.
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371
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Zamboni DS, Lima-Junior DS. Inflammasomes in host response to protozoan parasites. Immunol Rev 2015; 265:156-71. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dario S. Zamboni
- Department of Cell Biology; School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto; University of São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto Brazil
| | - Djalma S. Lima-Junior
- Department of Cell Biology; School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto; University of São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto Brazil
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372
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Toxoplasma gondii exposure in patients suffering from mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:172. [PMID: 25886154 PMCID: PMC4397680 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-0912-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii infection has been associated with psychiatric diseases. However, there is no information about the link between this infection and patients with mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use. Methods We performed a case-control study with 149 psychiatric patients suffering from mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use and 149 age- and gender-matched control subjects of the general population. We searched for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in the sera of participants by means of commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassays. Seroprevalence association with socio-demographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics in psychiatric patients was also investigated. Results Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were present in 15 (10.1%) of 149 cases and in 14 (9.4%) of 149 controls (P = 1.0). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in 11 (7.4%) of the 149 cases and in 16 (10.7%) of the 149 controls (P = 0.31). No association of T. gondii exposure with socio-demographic characteristics of patients was found. Multivariate analysis of clinical and behavioral characteristics of cases showed that T. gondii seropositivity was positively associated with consumption of opossum meat (OR = 10.78; 95% CI: 2.16-53.81; P = 0.003) and soil flooring at home (OR = 11.15; 95% CI: 1.58-78.92; P = 0.01), and negatively associated with suicidal ideation (OR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05-0.64; P = 0.008). Conclusions Mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use do not appear to represent an increased risk for T. gondii exposure. This is the first report of a positive association of T. gondii exposure with consumption of opossum meat. Further studies to elucidate the role of T. gondii infection in suicidal ideation and behavior are needed to develop optimal strategies for the prevention of infection with T. gondii.
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373
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Abstract
Parasitic diseases are a serious global health concern. Many of the most common and most severe parasitic diseases, including Chagas' disease, leishmaniasis, and schistosomiasis, are also classified as neglected tropical diseases and are comparatively less studied than infectious diseases prevalent in high income nations. The NLRs (nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich-repeat-containing proteins) are cytosolic proteins known to be involved in pathogen detection and host response. The role of NLRs in the host response to parasitic infection is just beginning to be understood. The NLR proteins NOD1 and NOD2 have been shown to contribute to immune responses during Trypanosoma cruzi infection, Toxoplasma gondii infection, and murine cerebral malaria. The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by T. cruzi and Leishmania amazonensis but also induces pathology during infection with schistosomes or malaria. Both the NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes respond to T. gondii infection. The NLRs may play crucial roles in human immune responses during parasitic infection, usually acting as innate immune sensors and driving the inflammatory response against invading parasites. However, this inflammatory response can either kill the invading parasite or be responsible for destructive pathology. Therefore, understanding the role of the NLR proteins will be critical to understanding the host defense against parasites as well as the fine balance between homeostasis and parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn M Clay
- The Interdisciplinary Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Iowa, 400 EMRB, 500 Newton Rd., Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
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374
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Rosypal AC, Houk AE, Zajac AM, Lindsay DS. Prevalence of IgG Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Veterinary and Undergraduate Students at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Zoonoses Public Health 2015; 62:553-6. [PMID: 25753511 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed parasitic protozoan that infects humans and other warm-blooded vertebrates. Felids are the only definitive host for T. gondii, and they excrete oocysts in their faeces. The national prevalence in humans is declining in the United States. This zoonotic organism is of particular interest due to its importance in pregnant women, in individuals with altered immune systems, and in reactivated ocular infections. Exposure to the parasite in humans is usually associated with consumption of raw or undercooked meat or by accidental ingestion of oocysts. It was hypothesized that veterinary students would have a greater chance at exposure to the parasite than an average population of undergraduate students due to increased contact with cats who are infected. A commercially available ELISA was used to examine serum samples from 336 students (252 veterinary students and 84 undergraduate students) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine for serum IgG antibodies to T. gondii antigen. The prevalence of T. gondii in these subjects was 5.6% in veterinary school students (n = 252) and 2.4% in undergraduates (n = 84). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in veterinary versus undergraduate students. The overall prevalence of 4.8% in all students in this study reflects the continuing decline of antibodies to T. gondii in humans in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Rosypal
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - A E Houk
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - A M Zajac
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - D S Lindsay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Virginia Tech Faculty of Health Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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375
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Brydak-Godowska J, Moneta-Wielgoś J, Kęcik D, Borkowski PK. Management of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis during pregnancy, postpartum period and lactation: clinical observations. Med Sci Monit 2015; 21:598-603. [PMID: 25711713 PMCID: PMC4350878 DOI: 10.12659/msm.892219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During pregnancy and labor, the immune response is physiologically impaired and women are more susceptible to infections. Since many drugs may have potentially adverse effects on the fetus and newborn, less aggressive treatment regimens should be considered in pregnant and lactating patients. The aim of our study was to present the management of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis during pregnancy, postpartum period, and lactation. Material/Methods A retrospective study was undertaken of the clinical records of 24 women during pregnancy, postpartum period, and lactation who were referred in the years 1994–2014 to the Department of Zoonoses and Tropical Diseases or the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw for toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. The diagnosis was based on the typical ophthalmoscopic picture, confirmed by serological testing using an ELISA method. Results A total of 28 attacks of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis were observed in 24 patients during pregnancy, postpartum period, and lactation. The choice of treatment was guided by the character and location of the inflammatory lesion and the gestational age. Topical (steroidal/nonsteroidal eye drops) and systemic treatments with spiramycin or azithromycin, Fansidar (pyrimethamine 25 mg/sulfadoxine 500 mg), and prednisone were used. Conclusions Management of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis during pregnancy, postpartum period, or lactation must be individualized and guided by the gestational age and location of the active lesion. Women of childbearing age with toxoplasma ocular lesions should be informed by their doctors about possible active recurrences during pregnancy and followed carefully by an ophthalmologist when pregnant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dariusz Kęcik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Karol Borkowski
- Department of Zoonoses and Tropical Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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376
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Brydak-Godowska J, Borkowski PK, Rabczenko D, Moneta-Wielgoś J, Kęcik D. Do pregnancy, postpartum period and lactation predispose to recurrent toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis? Med Sci Monit 2015; 21:582-4. [PMID: 25703198 PMCID: PMC4349134 DOI: 10.12659/msm.892220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrund The aim of the study was a statistical analysis of the possible effects of pregnancy, postpartum period, and lactation on increased risk for reactivation of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. Material/Methods A retrospective study was undertaken of the clinical records of 661 patients referred with the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis to the Department of Zoonoses and Tropical Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw and to the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw in the years 1994–2014. This group of inpatients consisted of 213 women of child-bearing age (18 to 40 years). Reactivation of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis was observed in 24 women aged 15 to 39 years who were pregnant, in the postpartum period, or lactating. To compare the rate of the relapses in pregnant/lactating patients vs. non-pregnant/non-lactating patients, the Fisher exact test was used. Calculations were performed with WinPepi software (Abramson JH (2004) WINPEPI (PEPI-for-Windows) for epidemiologists. Epidemiologic Perspectives & Innovations, 2005, 1: 6). Results A total of 28 reactivations of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis were observed (16 episodes in pregnancy, 4 in the postpartum period, and 8 during lactation) in 24 women aged 15 to 39 years. In 3 women, multiple episodes were reported (in early pregnancy and the postpartum period in 2 women, and during 2 pregnancies and lactation in 1 woman). Statistical analysis showed that the risk of an episode of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is 7.4-fold higher in pregnancy compared to the non-pregnant/non-lactating women (p<0.0001). Conclusions Women of childbearing age with toxoplasma ocular lesions should be informed by their doctors about possible active recurrences during pregnancy and should be followed carefully by an ophthalmologist when pregnant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr Karol Borkowski
- Department of Zoonoses and Tropical Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniel Rabczenko
- Department-Centre for Monitoring and Analyses of Population Health Status, National Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Dariusz Kęcik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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377
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Golka K, Falkenstein M, Gajewski PD. The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii: neurotoxicological relevance beyond the typical clinical pictures. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:485-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1465-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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378
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Interaction between Helicobacter pylori and latent toxoplasmosis and demographic variables on cognitive function in young to middle-aged adults. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116874. [PMID: 25590622 PMCID: PMC4295891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori and latent toxoplasmosis are widespread diseases that have been associated with cognitive deficits and Alzheimer's disease. We sought to determine whether interactions between Helicobacter pylori and latent toxoplasmosis, age, race-ethnicity, educational attainment, economic status, and general health predict cognitive function in young and middle-aged adults. To do so, we used multivariable regression and multivariate models to analyze data obtained from the United States' National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which can be weighted to represent the US population. In this sample, we found that 31.6 percent of women and 36.2 percent of men of the overall sample had IgG Antibodies against Helicobacter pylori, although the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori varied with sociodemographic variables. There were no main effects for Helicobacter pylori or latent toxoplasmosis for any of the cognitive measures in models adjusting for age, sex, race-ethnicity, educational attainment, economic standing, and self-rated health predicting cognitive function. However, interactions between Helicobacter pylori and race-ethnicity, educational attainment, latent toxoplasmosis in the fully adjusted models predicted cognitive function. People seropositive for both Helicobacter pylori and latent toxoplasmosis - both of which appear to be common in the general population - appear to be more susceptible to cognitive deficits than are people seropositive for either Helicobacter pylori and or latent toxoplasmosis alone, suggesting a synergistic effect between these two infectious diseases on cognition in young to middle-aged adults.
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379
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Afifi MA, Al-Rabia MW. The immunomodulatory effects of rolipram abolish drug-resistant latent phase of Toxoplasma gondii infection in a murine model. J Microsc Ultrastruct 2015; 3:86-91. [PMID: 30023187 PMCID: PMC6014187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmau.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Latent toxoplasmosis always has the risk of reactivation leading to significant sequelae. The available medications, for chronic toxoplasmosis, are awfully limited by resistance of Toxoplasma cysts. Therefore, there is a growing necessity for novel therapeutic approaches. Agents increasing cAMP levels and downregulating proinflammatory cytokine could inhibit Toxoplasma conversion to the bradyzoite stage. This study explores a potential immunomodulatory effect of rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor, on the course of experimental toxoplasmosis and links this role to deterrence of the resistant chronic phase of the disease. Materials and methods: Mice infected with low pathogenic strain of Toxoplasma gondii were treated with rolipram for three weeks. The effect of rolipram was evaluated through tissue injury scoring, brain cyst count, specific IgG titers as well as TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-12 assays. Results: Rolipram was partially able to prevent the progression to chronic toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma brain cyst burden showed a 74% reduction while Toxoplasma-induced inflammatory foci per liver area and nucleated cells per inflammatory focus were significantly reduced: 57.14% and 61.3% respectively. Significant reduction of TNF-α (84.6%), IFN-γ (76.7%) and IL-12 (71%) levels was demonstrated along with significant inhibition of anti-Toxoplasma antibody response. Conclusion: Rolipram efficiently modulated the Toxoplasma-induced immunological changes with a consequent remission of chronic toxoplasmosis. This study is the first to report the utilization of PDE4 inhibitors as possible immune modulators of chronic phase of Toxoplasma infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Afifi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
| | - Mohammed W Al-Rabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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380
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Moghimi M, Doosti M, Vahedian-Ardakani HA, Talebi A, Akhavan-Ghalibaf M, Najafi A, Aminorroaya MM, Yazdani S, Shayestehpour M, Bahrami H, Khodayari F. Serological Study on Cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasma Gondii in Thalassemia Major Patients of Yazd, Iran. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY 2015; 5:149-54. [PMID: 26705454 PMCID: PMC4688599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beta-thalassemia patients receive blood products from blood transfusion centers repeatedly. Blood transfusion can transmit Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Toxoplasma gondii. The aim of this study was serological evaluation of these two infectious agents in thalassemia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a cross-sectional study, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing was performed to detect IgM and IgG antibodies against CMV and Toxoplasma gondii in 96 thalassemia patients (under 18 years) and 144 healthy people. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and Chi-square test. RESULTS A significant difference was observed in CMVIgM antibody levels between test groups in women (p<0.05). The prevalence of CMV IgM, CMV IgG, Toxo-IgG, and Toxo IgM antibodies in thalassemia patients were 5.2%, 95.9%, 16%, and 0%, respectively. CONCLUSION In all thalassemia patients, Cytomegalovirus IgG is higher than healthy people. In addition, CMV IgM antibodies are higher in female patients. Antibody screening (IgM) on blood products for detecting Cytomegalovirus is necessary, but for Toxoplasma gondii is not necessary in the Yazd transfusion center.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Moghimi
- Assistant Professor of Clinical and Surgical Pathology,Department of Pathology,Shahid Sadoughi،Yazd ،Iran
| | - M Doosti
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - HA Vahedian-Ardakani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - A Talebi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - M Akhavan-Ghalibaf
- Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - A Najafi
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Yazd, Iran
| | - MM Aminorroaya
- Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Sh Yazdani
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - M Shayestehpour
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Corresponding Author Shayestehpour M MSc, Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, .
| | - H Bahrami
- Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - F Khodayari
- Shahid Sadoughi hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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381
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Uppal B, Aggarwal P, Perween N, Sud A. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma among HIV infected and HIV non-infected individuals in North India. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF TROPICAL DISEASE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s2222-1808(15)60848-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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382
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Flegr J, Dama M. Does the prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis and frequency of Rhesus-negative subjects correlate with the nationwide rate of traffic accidents? Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2014. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2014.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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383
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Effects of latent toxoplasmosis on autoimmune thyroid diseases in pregnancy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110878. [PMID: 25350671 PMCID: PMC4211690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis, one of the most common zoonotic diseases worldwide, can induce various hormonal and behavioural alterations in infected hosts, and its most common form, latent toxoplasmosis, influences the course of pregnancy. Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) belong to the well-defined risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is a link between latent toxoplasmosis and maternal AITD in pregnancy. METHODS Cross-sectional study in 1248 consecutive pregnant women in the 9-12th gestational weeks. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb), and free thyroxine (FT4) were assessed by chemiluminescence; the Toxoplasma status was detected by the complement fixation test (CFT) and anti-Toxoplasma IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Overall, 22.5% of the women were positive for latent toxoplasmosis and 14.7% were screened positive for AITD. Women with latent toxoplasmosis had more often highly elevated TPOAb than the Toxoplasma-negative ones (p = 0.004), and latent toxoplasmosis was associated with decrease in serum TSH levels (p = 0.049). Moreover, we found a positive correlation between FT4 and the index of positivity for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies (p = 0.033), which was even stronger in the TPOAb-positive Toxoplasma-positive women, (p = 0.014), as well as a positive correlation between FT4 and log2 CFT (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS Latent toxoplasmosis was associated with a mild increase in thyroid hormone production in pregnancy. The observed Toxoplasma-associated changes in the parameters of AITD are mild and do not seem to be clinically relevant; however, they could provide new clues to the complex pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases.
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Prusa AR, Kasper DC, Pollak A, Gleiss A, Waldhoer T, Hayde M. The Austrian Toxoplasmosis Register, 1992-2008. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 60:e4-e10. [PMID: 25216688 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine the incidence of primary gestational infections with Toxoplasma gondii and congenital toxoplasmosis in Austria, a country with a nationwide prenatal serological screening program since 1974. METHODS We analyzed retrospective data from the Austrian Toxoplasmosis Register of pregnant women with Toxoplasma infection and their offspring with births between 1992 and 2008, identified by the prenatal mandatory screening program. Treatment was administered to women from diagnosis of a Toxoplasma infection until delivery. Infected infants were treated up to 1 year of life routinely. Clinical manifestations in infected infants were monitored at least for 1 year and documented in the register. RESULTS The Austrian Toxoplasmosis Register included 2147 pregnant women with suspected Toxoplasma infection. Annually, 8.5 per 10 000 women acquired Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy, and 1.0 per 10 000 infants had congenital toxoplasmosis (13% mean transmission rate). Our data showed that women treated according to the Austrian scheme had a 6-fold decrease in the maternofetal transmission rate compared to women without treatment. CONCLUSIONS Results from the Austrian Toxoplasmosis Register show the efficiency of the prenatal screening program. Our results are of clinical relevance for infants, healthcare systems, and policy makers to consider preventive Toxoplasma screening as a potential tool to reduce the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David C Kasper
- Research Core Unit for Pediatric Biochemistry and Analytics
| | | | - Andreas Gleiss
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems
| | - Thomas Waldhoer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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