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Molaei S, Asfaram S, Mashhadi Z, Mohammadi-Ghalehbin B, Iranpour S. Insights into parasites and COVID-19 co-infections in Iran: a systematic review. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:350-358. [PMID: 38288655 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-documented that using immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids or cytokine blockers in treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk of co-infections. Here we systematically summarized the cases of COVID-19-associated parasitic infections (CAPIs) in Iran. METHODS From 19 February 2020 to 10 May 2023, all studies on Iranian patients suffering from CAPIs were collected from several databases using a systematic search strategy. RESULTS Of 540 records, 11 studies remained for data extraction. In this research, most of the studies were related to Lophomonas and Toxoplasma. Of 411 cases of CAPIs, toxoplasmosis (385 [93.7%]) had the highest rate of infection among Iranian patients, followed by blastocystosis (15 [3.6%]), fascioliasis (4 [0.97%]), leishmaniasis (3 [0.7%]), lophomoniasis (3 [0.7%]) and strongyloidiasis (1 [0.2%]). In general, Blastocystis enhanced diarrhoea in patients with COVID-19. Lophomonas, Toxoplasma and Strongyloides increased the severity of COVID-19, but Fasciola decreased its intensity. Patients with a history of cutaneous leishmaniasis showed mild symptoms of COVID-19. Also, patients with a prior history of hydatid cysts were not affected by COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Due to the similar symptoms of some parasitic diseases and COVID-19 and immunosuppressive treatment regimens in these patients that may cause the reactivation or recurrence of parasitic infections, early diagnosis and treatment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Molaei
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Shabnam Asfaram
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Zahra Mashhadi
- School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Behnam Mohammadi-Ghalehbin
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
| | - Sohrab Iranpour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil 56189-53141, Iran
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Hamdy DA, Eid RA, Abdel-Tawab H, El-Badry MA, Abdallah AM, El Wahab WMA. Impact of latent toxoplasmosis on pneumonic and non-pneumonic COVID-19 patients with estimation of relevant oxidative stress biomarkers. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2024; 71:2024.008. [PMID: 38628099 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2024.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Susceptibility to COVID-19, the most devastating global pandemic, appears to vary widely across different population groups. Exposure to toxoplasmosis has been proposed as a theory to explain the diversity of these populations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible association between latent toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 and its probable correlation with markers of oxidative stress, C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin. In a case-control study, blood samples were collected from 91 confirmed (48 non-pneumonic; NP, and 43 pneumonic; P) COVID-19 patients and 45 healthy controls. All participants were tested for IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide [NO], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and reduced glutathione [GSH]), and CRP and serum ferritin levels were determined. In COVID-19 patients, IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 54% compared to 7% in the control group, with the difference being statistically significant (P ˂ 0.001). However, no significant correlation was found between the severity of COVID-19 and latent T. gondii infection. Latent toxoplasmosis had a strong influence on the risk of COVID-19. NO and SOD levels were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients, while GSH levels decreased significantly in them compared to control subjects (P ˂ 0.001 for both values). CRP and ferritin levels were also significantly elevated in P COVID-19 patients infected with toxoplasmosis. This is the first study to look at the importance of oxidative stress indicators in co-infection between COVID-19 and T. gondii. The high prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in COVID-19 suggests that T. gondii infection can be considered a strong indicator of the high risk of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Hamdy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ragaey A Eid
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and infectious diseases (Tropical Medicine Department), College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef,Egypt
| | - Heba Abdel-Tawab
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El-Badry
- Research Institute of Medical Entomology, General Organisation for Teaching Hospitals and Institutes (GOTHI), Giza, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman M Abdallah
- Department of Chest Diseases, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Wegdan M Abd El Wahab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, College of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Mahmoudi MR, Saadat F, Yaghubi Kalurazi T, Ali Verdiloo F, Karanis P. Latent toxoplasmosis in COVID-19 patients and link with higher mortality in COVID-19 male patients. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106402. [PMID: 37866548 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunocompromised patients may be at risk for reactivating the toxoplasmosis infection; therefore, early diagnosis would be highly desirable in these individuals. This study evaluated the possible association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and latent Toxoplasma gondii infection in Guilan province, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was performed among 210 COVID-19 patients referred to Guilan University of Medical Sciences hospitals in 2022. Peripheral blood samples were taken for serum separation, collected into tubes, and kept at - 20 °C until use. Blood samples were obtained from COVID-19 patients. IgG antibody to Toxoplasma gondii was detected by a commercial ELISA kit. Accordingly, IgG absorbance levels <9 were considered harmful, 9-11 was considered borderline, and >11 was positive. RESULTS Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were found in 73.9 % of patients with COVID-19 in male patients. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in dead and lived COVID-19 male patients was 83.3 % and 66.7 %, respectively, and this difference was significant. A present study found a significant correlation between the rising titer of Toxoplasma IgG and the severity of COVID-19. There was no significant difference between the hospitalization duration factor and the seropositivity rate. CONCLUSION Regarding the significant association between the rising titer of Toxoplasma IgG and the severity of COVID-19. The findings demonstrated an association between the severity and mortality rate of COVID-19 with higher titer Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. Toxoplasmosis is currently considered a risk factor for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Farshid Saadat
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Tofigh Yaghubi Kalurazi
- Department of Health, Nutrition and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Faizeh Ali Verdiloo
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany; Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Gouda MA, AboShabaan HS, Abdelgawad AS, Abdel Wahed AS, A Abd El-Razik K, Elsaadawy Y, Abdel-Wahab AA, Hawash Y. Association between breakthrough infection with COVID-19 and Toxoplasma gondii: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17636. [PMID: 37848511 PMCID: PMC10582182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44616-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The breakthrough infection following COVID-19 vaccination has been a subject of concern recently. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccine efficacy diminishes over time due to multiple factors related to the host, and vaccine. Coinfection with other pathogens was claimed earlier as a contributing cause for this phenomenon. Hence, we aimed to stratify the association of post-COVID-19 vaccination breakthrough coinfection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and its impact on disease severity. This cross-sectional study included 330 COVID-19-vaccinated patients confirmed by RT-PCR. They were also screened for anti- T. gondii antibodies using ELISA. Toxoplasma seropositive cases' whole blood was screened for DNA using PCR to correlate results with COVID-19 severity. Out of 330 COVID-19 vaccinated patients with breakthrough infection, 34.5% (114 patients) showed positivity for Toxoplasma IgG by ELISA, and none of the cases was IgM positive. Eleven patients (9.6%) of the IgG-positive cases were positive by PCR. Positive PCR cases correlated positively with the Toxoplasma IgG titer (P < 0.001), and the Cutoff point was 191.5. Molecular analysis of Toxoplasma and COVID-19 severity showed that 8 (72.7%), 1 (9.1%), and 2 cases (18.2%) had mild, moderate, and severe courses of the disease, respectively, with no significant correlation. Our study reported a heightened prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis among mild cases of COVID-19 breakthrough infection. Nevertheless, a discernible correlation between latent toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 severity is lacking. Hence, implementing studies on a larger scale could provide a more comprehensive comprehension of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa A Gouda
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Hind S AboShabaan
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Abdelgawad
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Aliaa Sabry Abdel Wahed
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Khaled A Abd El-Razik
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yara Elsaadawy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Yousry Hawash
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
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Habib S, Hamza E, El-Gamal R, Nosser NA, Aboukamar WA, Abdelsalam S, Sobh A, Elegezy M, Elbayoumy M, Eldars W, Elmasry K, Elnagdy MH. Clinical and Immunological Impacts of Latent Toxoplasmosis on COVID-19 Patients. Cureus 2023; 15:e45989. [PMID: 37900421 PMCID: PMC10601516 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parasites are well-known immune-modulators. They inhibit some aspects of the immune system to ensure persistence inside the host for a long time; meanwhile, they stimulate other immune aspects to assure the survival of the host. Wide variations in the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among developed and developing countries were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parasitic infections, including Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), were claimed to contribute to such variations. Methods To explore a possible relationship between latent toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 severity, our study included 44 blood samples from moderate/severe COVID-19 patients, who were admitted to Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt, during the pandemic. Patients' sera were screened for Toxoplasma IgG antibodies using ELISA (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, USA), and the gene expression of important immune markers (iNOS, arginase-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β) was checked using real-time quantitative PCR. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the patients' medical records. Results Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 33 (75%) of patients. None of the studied clinical or laboratory parameters showed any significant changes in relation to toxoplasmosis seroprevalence. Further classification of the patients according to COVID-19 severity and Toxoplasma seroprevalence did not reveal any changes related to toxoplasmosis as well. Conclusion Our study indicates that latent toxoplasmosis has no effect on the severity of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Habib
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Eman Hamza
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Horus University, New Damietta, EGY
| | - Randa El-Gamal
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Horus University, New Damietta, EGY
- Medical Experimental Research Center (MERC), Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Nessma A Nosser
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Wafaa A Aboukamar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Sherehan Abdelsalam
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Ali Sobh
- Department of Pediatrics, Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Mohamed Elegezy
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Mohamed Elbayoumy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Waleed Eldars
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, EGY
| | - Khaled Elmasry
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, USA
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
| | - Marwa H Elnagdy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EGY
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, New Mansoura University, New Mansoura, EGY
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Bártová E, Marková J, Sedláčková J, Banďouchová H, Račka K. Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Encephalitozoon spp. in Vespertilionid Bats from Central Europe. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9887. [PMID: 37373032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bats may carry various viruses and bacteria which can be harmful to humans, but little is known about their role as a parasitic source with zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to test wild bats for the presence of selected parasites: Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and microsporidia Encephalitozoon spp. In total, brain and small intestine tissues of 100 bats (52 Myotis myotis, 43 Nyctalus noctula and 5 Vespertilio murinus) were used for the DNA isolation and PCR detection of the abovementioned agents. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected by real-time PCR in 1% of bats (in one male of M. myotis), while all bats were negative for N. caninum DNA. Encephalitozoon spp. DNA was detected by nested PCR in 25% of bats, including three species (twenty-two M. myotis, two N. noctula and one V. murinus). Positive samples were sequenced and showed homology with the genotypes Encephalitozoon cuniculi II and Encephalitozoon hellem 2C. This is the first study on wild vespertilionid bats from Central Europe and worldwide, with a relatively high positivity of Encephalitozoon spp. detected in bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bártová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Marková
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Sedláčková
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Banďouchová
- Department of Ecology and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karol Račka
- Department of Epizootology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 04181 Košice, Slovakia
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Salas-Lais AG, Muñoz-Medina JE, Fernandes-Matano L, Pérez LRR, Franco de León K. Association of Toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 in a MexicanPopulation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1441. [PMID: 37374943 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causal agent of COVID-19; the first report of SARS-CoV-2 infection was in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. This virus has since caused the largest pandemic in history, and the number of deaths and infections has been significant. Nevertheless, the development of vaccines has helped to reduce both deaths and infections. Comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, heart and lung diseases, and obesity have been identified as additional risk factors for infection and the progression of COVID-19. Additionally, latent toxoplasmosis has been reported to be a risk factor for acquiring COVID-19 in some studies, but other studies have suggested a negative association between these two infections. Furthermore, in patients after vaccination or with COVID-19 and coinfection, an increase in the lethality and mortality of toxoplasmosis has been observed. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to determine the association of toxoplasmosis with COVID-19 in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Serum samples from 384 patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19 using IgG antibodies against the S1/S2 antigens of SARS-CoV-2 were collected. Subsequently, anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were analyzed with ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 20.0 frequencies, percentages, 2 × 2 tables, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were positive in 105/384 (27.34%) and (26/191) 13.6% of patients, respectively. The positivity for both infections was higher in patients aged >40 years old. Subjects who were overweight or obese were mainly positive for both IgG antibodies against S1/S2 SARS-CoV-2 and Toxoplasma antibodies. In conclusion, the coinfection rate was 21.7%. The prevalence of S1/S2 SARS-CoV-2 was 308/384 (80.2%), and the percentage of Toxoplasma antibodies was 27.34%.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Angel Gustavo Salas-Lais
- Coordinación de Calidad de Insumos y Laboratorios Especializados, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de Mexico 07760, Mexico
| | - José Esteban Muñoz-Medina
- Coordinación de Calidad de Insumos y Laboratorios Especializados, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de Mexico 07760, Mexico
| | - Larissa Fernandes-Matano
- Coordinación de Calidad de Insumos y Laboratorios Especializados, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de Mexico 07760, Mexico
| | - Laura Rocío Rodríguez Pérez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Karen Franco de León
- Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
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8
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Geraili A, Badirzadeh A, Sadeghi M, Mousavi SM, Mousavi P, Shahmoradi Z, Hosseini SM, Hejazi SH, Rafiei-Sefiddashti R. Toxoplasmosis and symptoms severity in patients with COVID-19 in referral centers in Northern Iran. J Parasit Dis 2022; 47:185-191. [PMID: 36532601 PMCID: PMC9741704 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01556-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis has been categorized as one of the long-lasting protozoan parasitic infections. It affects almost one-third of the world's population. In recent years, several documented studies have elucidated that infected individuals have a remarkably higher incidence of distinct health problems and show various adverse effects. In the PCR-positive COVID-19 patients in Gonbad-e-Kavus, Kalaleh, and Minoodasht counties in the northern part of Iran from June 2021 to December 2021, we sought to investigate any potential relationships between the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and acute and latent toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Whole blood samples of 161 COVID-19 patients with positive PCR. The samples were centrifuged to separate serum and screened for two important antibodies against T. gondii (IgM and IgG) by using ELISA kits for human anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG. Anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in 8/161 (5.0%) and 42/161 (26.1%) COVID-19 patients, respectively. No significant relationships were found between Toxoplasma IgM and IgG results with clinical signs, age, sex, contact with animals, comorbidities, and also the mortality rate of people with COVID-19. These findings showed that acute and latent toxoplasmosis infections are common among patients with COVID-19; however, no significant associations were found between toxoplasma infections and the symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore, toxoplasmosis is not considered a risk factor for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Geraili
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Badirzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadeghi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Mousavi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parisa Mousavi
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycolog, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zabihollah Shahmoradi
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycolog, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Department of Dermatology, Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sayed-Mohsen Hosseini
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycolog, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Raheleh Rafiei-Sefiddashti
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Pyrimethamine induces phototoxicity in human keratinocytes via lysosomal and mitochondrial dependent signaling pathways under environmental UVA and UVB exposure. Toxicology 2022; 479:153320. [PMID: 36108988 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Pyrimethamine (PYR) is used to treat parasitic infections including toxoplasmosis, pneumonia and cystoisosporiasis in HIV patients. Various oral medicines have shown phototoxicity therefore, we aimed to study the phototoxicity of PYR and its molecular mechanism involving stress responsive lysosomal protein Lamp2 and mitochondrial mediated signaling pathway under normal UVA/B exposure. We found that photodegradation and subsequent photoproduct formation was evident through LCMS/MS analysis. Photosensitized PYR produces ROS that cause damage to DNA, cell membrane and membrane bound organelles in human keratinocytes. PYR triggered cytotoxicity and phototoxicity that was evident through MTT and NRU assay respectively. Intracellular ROS generation caused phosphatidyl serine (PS) translocation in cell membrane, lysosome membrane permeabilization (LMP) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse that was further validated through caspase3 activation. DNA damage was measured as tail DNA formation and cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Photosensitized PYR induces oxidative stress in the form of overexpression of Lamp2 that ultimately led to cellular apoptosis. Moreover, the effects of UVB were higher than UVA, probably due to its direct interaction with various macromolecules. We propose that photoexcited PYR may be harmful to human health even at normal sunlight exposure. Therefore, protective procedures should be practiced during PYR medication.
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10
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Montazeri M, Nakhaei M, Fakhar M, Pazoki H, Pagheh AS, Nazar E, Zakariaei Z, Mirzaeian H, Sharifpour A, Banimostafavi ES, Musavi F, Rasouli K, Soleymani M, Moradi E. Exploring the Association Between Latent Toxoplasma gondii Infection and COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients: First Registry-Based Study. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1172-1179. [PMID: 35545737 PMCID: PMC9094600 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00559-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to determine the possible association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and COVID-19 outcomes among 133 patients with an RT-PCR-positive test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), hospitalized at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Sari, Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, during August to November 2020. Methods A questionnaire was used to collect baseline data from the patients who were registered to the Iranian National Registry Center for Toxoplasmosis (INRCT). Also, blood samples were taken from each patient for detecting anti-T. gondii antibodies and T. gondii DNA using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and conventional-PCR methods, respectively. Variables related to the COVID-19 severity and outcomes were indicated based on multiple multinomial logistic regression models. Results Of 133 patients enrolled in the INRCT with COVID-19 through RT-PCR, 50 (37.59%), 52 (39.1%), and 31 (23%) suffered from mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19, respectively. 57.1% of the patients who died had severe COVID-19, while among those with other outcomes, only 18.60% had severe COVID-19 (P < 0.05). Anti-T. gondii IgG was detected in 109/133 (81.95%) patients, which was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Among those with negative and positive anti-T. gondii IgG, 2 (8.30%) and 29 (26.60%) had severe COVID-19, respectively (P > 0.05). T. gondii DNA and anti-T. gondii IgM were not found in any of the patients. Moreover, all deaths occurred in those with moderate or severe COVID-19 and a positive anti-T. gondii IgG. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first registry-based study concerning T. gondii infection among patients with COVID-19. Our data show the high rate of latent T. gondii infection among COVID-19 with different severity. However, there is no significant relationship between latent T. gondii infection and COVID-19 severity and outcomes. Thus, conducting multicenter studies in different geographic regions of the world could offer a better understanding of this relationship.
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