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Dragomir A, Lupu MA, Lighezan R, Paduraru AA, Olariu TR. Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases from Western Romania: A Case-Control Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1575. [PMID: 37511950 PMCID: PMC10382031 DOI: 10.3390/life13071575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately one third of the world's human population. The seroepidemiology of T. gondii in cardiovascular patients is poorly discussed in the existing literature. We aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cardiovascular patients from Western Romania. (2) Methods: Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies was conducted in 256 patients with cardiovascular diseases and 261 matched blood donors. (3) Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 64.06% in patients with cardiovascular diseases and 52.88% in blood donors and tended to increase with age in both groups. The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was significantly higher in cardiovascular male patients (69.94%) compared to male blood donors (55.69%) (p = 0.006). When compared to the control group, a significantly higher prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was found among patients with hypertension (82.35%; p = 0.01) and unstable angina (67.56%; p = 0.02). (4) Conclusions: This study brings new epidemiological information on the prevalence of T. gondii in Romanian cardiovascular patients. T. gondii seroprevalence was significantly higher in patients with hypertension and unstable angina, suggesting that individuals with these diagnoses may be more frequently infected with T. gondii. This study may be a valuable starting point for further research to better evaluate the impact of T. gondii exposure on patients with cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dragomir
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Lighezan
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Regional Blood Transfusion Center, 300737 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Rare cardiac complication of toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent host. IDCases 2022; 29:e01533. [PMID: 35756700 PMCID: PMC9218370 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Filipowicz A, Coca MN, Blair BM, Chang PY. ACUTE MYOCARDITIS WITH CARDIOGENIC SHOCK AND MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE, FOLLOWED BY BILATERAL PANUVEITIS MASQUERADING AS ENDOGENOUS ENDOPHTHALMITIS, DUE TO TOXOPLASMA GONDII IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT. Retin Cases Brief Rep 2021; 15:575-580. [PMID: 30664080 DOI: 10.1097/icb.0000000000000855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report a case of systemic and ocular toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient, who developed myocarditis with resulting cardiogenic shock and multiple organ failure, followed by bilateral panuveitis masquerading as endogenous endophthalmitis. METHODS Single case report with images. RESULTS A 59-year-old man with a history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and associated scleromyxedema but otherwise immunocompetent was admitted to the intensive care unit for cardiogenic shock and multiple organ failure due to presumed viral myocarditis. After hospital discharge, ophthalmic examination revealed what seemed to be endogenous fungal endophthalmitis in both eyes. The ocular inflammation failed to improve on local and systemic antifungal therapies. After repeated testing and vitrectomy, the causative organism responsible for his intraocular inflammation remained elusive. The patient was then found to have significantly elevated serum titers of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM, followed by an appearance of a focal retinochoroidal lesion more typical of ocular toxoplasmosis. Systemic anti-Toxoplasma therapy led to resolution of intraocular inflammation, and the patient had since fully recovered from the myocarditis and its multiple comorbidities. Of note, myocardial biopsy and polymerase chain reaction testing of aqueous and vitreous fluids were all negative for Toxoplasma. CONCLUSION Even in an immunocompetent patient, Toxoplasma can result in myocarditis with significant morbidities and even death, and its ocular manifestation may be quite different from the classic focal retinochoroiditis. In addition, polymerase chain reaction analysis of ocular fluids can be unreliable in an immunocompetent host, and thus treatment decision should be guided by clinical history and examination findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Filipowicz
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI), Waltham, Massachusetts
| | - Mircea N Coca
- Everett Hurite Ophthalmic Association, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Barbra M Blair
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter Y Chang
- Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI), Waltham, Massachusetts
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Zhou Z, Ortiz Lopez HIA, Pérez GE, Burgos LM, Farina JM, Saldarriaga C, Lopez-Santi R, Cotella JI, Pérez ALS, Baranchuk A. Toxoplasmosis and the Heart. Curr Probl Cardiol 2020; 46:100741. [PMID: 33183832 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2020.100741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a common disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite with high prevalence in tropical regions. Most infections show minimal symptoms, but immunocompromised patients tend to have a poor prognosis. Cardiovascular manifestations in toxoplasmosis are rare and reported in a limited number of patients. As part of the "Neglected Tropical Diseases and Other Infectious Diseases Affecting the Heart" (NET-Heart) project, this paper aims to systematically review all available information regarding the cardiovascular implications of toxoplasmosis. Relevant studies were identified in the MEDLINE and/or PubMed database, and 48 articles were ultimately included. This was completed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Cardiac compromise in toxoplasmosis mainly involves myocarditis, and complications vary widely in severity. Toxoplasmic myocarditis is challenging to diagnose, as endomyocardial biopsy is usually required. This article provides a summary of cardiac toxoplasmosis, including an original algorithm facilitating diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zier Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Lucrecia Maria Burgos
- Department of Heart Failure, Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Transplant, Instituto Cardiovascular de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Clara Saldarriaga
- Department of Cardiology and Heart Failure Clinic, Cardiovascular Clinic Santa Maria, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ricardo Lopez-Santi
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital Italiano de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Ignacio Cotella
- Division of Cardiology, Centro Privado de Cardiología San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - Adrian Baranchuk
- Division of Cardiology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Ortiz HIA, Farina JM, Saldarriaga C, Mendoza I, Sosa Liprandi A, Wyss F, Burgos LM, Alexander B, Baranchuk A. Human African trypanosomiasis & heart. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2020; 18:859-865. [PMID: 32967478 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2020.1828066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human African Trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease resulting from the infection with the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Neurological compromise often dominates, and the impact of cardiovascular involvement has not been fully investigated. Recently, publications indicate that cardiovascular compromise is more frequent than previously thought. Early detection of cardiac complications may be of utmost importance for healthcare teams. AREA COVERED As a part of the 'Neglected Tropical Diseases and other Infectious Diseases involving the Heart' (the NET-Heart Project), the purpose of this article is to review all the information available regarding cardiovascular implications of this disease, focusing on diagnosis and treatment, and proposing strategies for early detection of cardiac manifestations. An electronic systematic literature review of articles published in MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE was performed. From 50 initial studies, 18 were selected according to inclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was used for conducting and reporting this review. EXPERT OPINION Cardiovascular compromise through infiltrative and inflammatory mechanisms seems to be frequent, and includes a wide spectrum of severity. Conventional 12-lead electrocardiogram could be a useful test for screening cardiovascular manifestations and used as a guide for considering specific treatments or more sophisticated diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clara Saldarriaga
- Department of Cardiology and Heart Failure, Cardiovascular Clinic Santa Maria, University of Antioquia , Medellín, Colombia
| | - Ivan Mendoza
- Department of Medicine, Instituto de Medicina Tropical , Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Alvaro Sosa Liprandi
- Department of Cardiology, Sanatorio Güemes, Francisco Acuña de Figueroa , Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Wyss
- Department of Cardiology, Technology and Cardiovascular Service of Guatemala - Cardiosolutions , Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Lucrecia Maria Burgos
- Department of Heart Failure, Pulmonary Hypertension and Heart Transplant, Instituto Cardiovascular De Buenos Aires , Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bryce Alexander
- Division of Cardiology, Kingston Health Science Center, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adrian Baranchuk
- Division of Cardiology, Kingston Health Science Center, Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Gohari O, Dalimi A, Pirestani M. Toxoplasma infection in patients with myocardial infarction. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2020; 132:736-741. [DOI: 10.1007/s00508-020-01682-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Nunes MCP, Guimarães Júnior MH, Diamantino AC, Gelape CL, Ferrari TCA. Cardiac manifestations of parasitic diseases. Heart 2017; 103:651-658. [PMID: 28285268 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2016-309870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The heart may be affected directly or indirectly by a variety of protozoa and helminths. This involvement may manifest in different ways, but the syndromes resulting from impairment of the myocardium and pericardium are the most frequent. The myocardium may be invaded by parasites that trigger local inflammatory response with subsequent myocarditis or cardiomyopathy, as occurs in Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis and infection with free-living amoebae. In amoebiasis and echinococcosis, the pericardium is the structure most frequently involved with consequent pericardial effusion, acute pericarditis, cardiac tamponade or constrictive pericarditis. Chronic hypereosinophilia due to helminth infections, especially filarial infections, has been associated with the development of tropical endomyocardial fibrosis, a severe form of restrictive cardiomyopathy. Schistosomiasis-associated lung vasculature involvement may cause pulmonary hypertension (PH) and cor pulmonale Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, which is characterised by progressive interstitial fibrosis and restrictive lung disease, may lead to PH and its consequences may occur in the course of filarial infections. Intracardiac rupture of an Echinococcus cyst can cause membrane or secondary cysts embolisation to the lungs or organs supplied by the systemic circulation. Although unusual causes of cardiac disease outside the endemic areas, heart involvement by parasites should be considered in the differential diagnosis especially of myocardial and/or pericardial diseases of unknown aetiology in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. In this review, we updated and summarised the current knowledge on the major heart diseases caused by protozoan and metazoan parasites, which either involve the heart directly or otherwise influence the heart adversely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carmo P Nunes
- Hospital das Clinicas, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Costa Diamantino
- Hospital das Clinicas, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Claudio Leo Gelape
- Hospital das Clinicas, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Elliott EB, McCarroll D, Hasumi H, Welsh CE, Panissidi AA, Jones NG, Rossor CL, Tait A, Smith GL, Mottram JC, Morrison LJ, Loughrey CM. Trypanosoma brucei cathepsin-L increases arrhythmogenic sarcoplasmic reticulum-mediated calcium release in rat cardiomyocytes. Cardiovasc Res 2013; 100:325-35. [PMID: 23892734 PMCID: PMC3797627 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvt187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims African trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma brucei species, leads to both neurological and cardiac dysfunction and can be fatal if untreated. While the neurological-related pathogenesis is well studied, the cardiac pathogenesis remains unknown. The current study exposed isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes and adult rat hearts to T. brucei to test whether trypanosomes can alter cardiac function independent of a systemic inflammatory/immune response. Methods and results Using confocal imaging, T. brucei and T. brucei culture media (supernatant) caused an increased frequency of arrhythmogenic spontaneous diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)-mediated Ca2+ release (Ca2+ waves) in isolated adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Studies utilising inhibitors, recombinant protein and RNAi all demonstrated that this altered SR function was due to T. brucei cathepsin-L (TbCatL). Separate experiments revealed that TbCatL induced a 10–15% increase of SERCA activity but reduced SR Ca2+ content, suggesting a concomitant increased SR-mediated Ca2+ leak. This conclusion was supported by data demonstrating that TbCatL increased Ca2+ wave frequency. These effects were abolished by autocamtide-2-related inhibitory peptide, highlighting a role for CaMKII in the TbCatL action on SR function. Isolated Langendorff perfused whole heart experiments confirmed that supernatant caused an increased number of arrhythmic events. Conclusion These data demonstrate for the first time that African trypanosomes alter cardiac function independent of a systemic immune response, via a mechanism involving extracellular cathepsin-L-mediated changes in SR function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth B Elliott
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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Montgomery C, Suggs S, Emory C, Pitcher JD. Trichinellosis Masquerading as a Soft-Tissue Mass: A Case Report. JBJS Case Connect 2012; 2:e52. [PMID: 29252550 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.cc.k.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Corey Montgomery
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, 531, Little Rock, AR 72205.
| | - Steven Suggs
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, PO Box 016960 (D-27), Miami, FL 33101
| | - Cynthia Emory
- Department of Orthopaedics, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
| | - J David Pitcher
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, PO Box 016960 (D-27), Miami, FL 33101
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Neghina R, Neghina AM, Marincu I, Iacobiciu I. Cardiac involvement in patients with trichinosis hospitalized in western Romania. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2010; 7:1235-8. [PMID: 20618083 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2010.0573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disturbances are reported as major trichinosis complications, and myocarditis is the most frequent of them. Previous Romanian surveillances on prevalence of cardiac involvement indicated a rate of 30%–50%. The present study aimed to overview the clinical and the main epidemiological characteristics of persons from western Romania found to have trichinosis and cardiac involvement. PATIENTS AND METHODS Hospitalization documents of individuals with trichinosis and cardiac complications admitted at the Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Timisoara, Romania, were retroactively investigated. Patients were residents of three Romanian counties and were hospitalized between 1990 and 2001. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients, found to have trichinosis, presented cardiac involvement. Of the study group, six patients (21.4%) died during hospitalization and their necropsy revealed the diagnosis of myocarditis. For the remaining patients, myocarditis was only suspected and cardiac abnormalities were mainly evidenced by electrocardiography. The mean age of the patients was 38 years (range, 3–80 years) and there were 18 male patients (64.3%). Repolarization disturbances predominated and myalgia was the most common symptom. The mean eosinophil value of the study group was 16.9% (range, 2–70%). CONCLUSIONS Cardiac involvement represented and still continues to be a major complication in Romanian patients. According to its potentially lethal outcome, myocarditis must be considered in such patients even when specific symptoms are missing. Prophylactic measures are also very important and should be based especially on health education programs for the masses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Neghina
- Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 5 Vasile Lucaciu St., Timisoara, Romania.
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Pérez-Arellano JL, Bengoa Dolón M, Gómez Munuera M, Muro A. Lesiones cardíacas y pulmonares importadas. MEDICINE - PROGRAMA DE FORMACIÓN MÉDICA CONTINUADA ACREDITADO 2010; 10:3771-3775. [PMID: 32287887 PMCID: PMC7143584 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-5412(10)70112-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J L Pérez-Arellano
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical. Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria. Las Palmas. Gran Canaria. España
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas y Quirúrgicas. Universidad de Las Palmas. Las Palmas. Gran Canaria. España
| | - M Bengoa Dolón
- Servicio de Neumología. Hospital Universitario Insular de Gran Canaria. Las Palmas. Gran Canaria. España
| | - M Gómez Munuera
- Servicio de Medicina Interna. Hospital Universitario de Salamanca. Salamanca. España
| | - A Muro
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Parasitaria y Molecular. CIETUS. Facultad de Farmacia. Universidad de Salamanca. Salamanca. España
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Neghina R, Neghina AM, Marincu I, Moldovan R, Iacobiciu I. Trichinellosis, a threatening and re-emerging disease in a Romanian western county. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2010; 9:717-21. [PMID: 19402764 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2008.0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trichinellosis is frequently reported in east European countries like Romania, where the yearly incidence during 1990-1999 was 5.5 cases/100,000 inhabitants. Arad, a western Romanian county, is known as one of the most endemic regions of trichinellosis. A major and unforgettable epidemic of trichinellosis has developed at the beginning of 1973 in this county. The present study focuses on human trichinellosis patients from Arad County, emphasizing on epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis of the medical records of 335 patients found to have trichinellosis during 1996-2006 and hospitalized in Arad County. The mean age of the trichinellosis patients was 33.6 years, and majority (64.8%) were inhabitants of the rural areas. RESULTS Winter was the season with the highest number of cases (71.6%). Fever was the most frequent manifestation of the disease (85.4%), followed by myalgia (83%). Eosinophilia ranged predominantly between 20% and 20.99% (19.4%). Albendazole was the specific drug administered in 49.4% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS Trichinellosis still remains a concern and a major issue of public health in Arad County. Implementation of strict hygienic measures, especially in the rural areas, must be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Neghina
- Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.
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Transplantation and tropical infectious diseases. Int J Infect Dis 2009; 14:e189-96. [PMID: 19647464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2009.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2008] [Revised: 04/03/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of transplant recipients with tropical infectious diseases is growing due to increasing international travel and the rising number of transplants taking place in the tropics and subtropics. With increases in population migration, the prevalence of individuals infected with geographically restricted organisms also rises. There are three potential categories of tropical infections in transplant patients: (1) donor-related infections transmitted by the graft or through transfusion of blood products; (2) reactivation or recrudescence of latent infections in the donor recipient; and (3) de novo acquisition of infection in the post-transplant period through the traditional route of infection. We present an overall discussion of the association of parasitic (protozoa and helminths) and non-parasitic (viral, bacterial, and fungal) tropical infectious diseases and solid-organ and hematopoietic transplantation. We also suggest potential screening guidelines for some of these tropical infections.
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