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Baghdadi HBA, Albalawi AE, Shater AF, Almohammed H, Alanazi AD. Linalool-zinc oxide nanocomposite controls Toxoplasma gondii infection through inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and pathogenicity. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2400039. [PMID: 38690754 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202400039] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The present in vitro and in vivo study aimed to fabricate and characterize linalool-zinc oxide nanoparticles (Lin-ZNP) and evaluate their effectiveness against Toxoplasma gondii infection in terms of inflammation, oxidative stress, and pathogenicity. Lin-ZNP was synthesized using an ethanolic solution of polyvinyl alcohol. The anti-Toxoplasma and cytotoxicity activities of Lin-ZNP were investigated, along with its effects on nitric oxide (NO) production, caspase-3 activity, and pro-inflammatory genes. After treating T. gondii-infected mice with Lin-ZNP for 14 days, the number and size of tissue cysts, antioxidant potential, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and T. gondii pathogenicity-related genes were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The Lin-ZNP composite showed a reduced tendency with an average size of 105 nm. Lin-ZNP significantly reduced the viability of tachyzoites. The obtained selectivity index higher than 10, indicating high specificity for parasites with low cytotoxicity to normal cells. The Lin-ZNP significantly (p < 0.05) increased the production of NO, caspase-3 activity, and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory genes. Lin-ZNP significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the size and number of tissue cysts and caused a significant reduction in the level of malondialdehyde and a considerable increase (p < 0.001) in antioxidant enzymes and their expression genes. Lin-ZNP significantly downregulated both mRNA and protein expression of the inflammation-related markers associated with the TLRs/NF-κB pathway. The expression levels of the T. gondii pathogenicity-related genes were significantly downregulated (p < 0.05). The recent survey indicated that Lin-ZNP manages T. gondii infection by its antioxidant activity and inhibiting the TLRs/NF-κB pathway without toxicity in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanadi B A Baghdadi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdurrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Basic and Applied Scientific Research Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aishah E Albalawi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Shater
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan Almohammed
- General Science Department, Deanship of Supportive Studies, Alasala University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, Ad-Dawadimi, Saudi Arabia
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Majeed QAH, Alnomasy SF, Shater AF, Alanazi AD. High Efficacy of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Treatment of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection Through Their Immunomodulatory, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Potency. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1201-1211. [PMID: 38634986 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00845-8] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The present experimental survey designed to green synthesis, characterization, as well as in vitro and in vivo anti-Toxplasma gondii activity of silver nanoparticles (SLN) green synthesized by Lupinus arcticus extract. SLN were green synthesized based on the reducing by L. arcticus extract through the precipitation technique. In vitro lethal effects of SLN on T. gondii tachyzoites, infectivity rate, parasites inside of the human macrophage cells (THP-1 cells), nitric oxide (NO) triggering, and iNOS and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) expression genes were evaluated. In vivo, after establishment of toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice via T. gondii ME49 strain, mice received SLN at 10 and 20 mg/kg/day alone and combined to pyrimethamine at 5 mg/kg for 14 days. SLN exhibited a spherical form with a size ranging from 25 to 90 nm. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of SLN and pyrimethamine against tachyzoites was 29.1 and 25.7 µg/mL, respectively. While, the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) value of SLN and pyrimethamine against THP-1 cells was 412.3 µg/mL and 269.5 µg/mL, respectively. SLN in combined with pyrimethamine obviously (p < 0.05) decreased the number and size of the T. gondii cysts in the infected mice. The level of NO, iNOS and IFN-γ genes was obviously (p < 0.001) upregulated. SLN obviously (p < 0.05) decreased the liver level of oxidative stress and increased the level of antioxidant factors. The findings displayed the promising beneficial effects of SLN mainly in combination with current synthetic drugs against latent T. gondii infection in mice. But we need more experiments to approve these findings, clarifying all possible mechanisms, and its efficiency in clinical phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qais A H Majeed
- Department of Science, College of Basic Education, PAAET, Aridiya, Kuwait
| | - Sultan F Alnomasy
- Department of Medical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Al-Quwayiyah, 19257, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah F Shater
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah D Alanazi
- Departmentof Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi, 11911, Saudi Arabia.
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Kassie E, Kebede N, Kassa T, Garoma A, Girma M, Asnake Y, Alemu A, Degu S, Tsigie M. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:61-68. [PMID: 37571984 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad053] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women at the Debre Markos Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A facility-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among pregnant women from March 2020 to May 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from randomly selected participants. Five millilitres of blood was collected and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to test for T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. A logistic regression model was computed to identify the risk factors. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was estimated along with the 95% confidence interval (CI). A statistically significant association was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS T. gondii IgG antibody positivity was found in 38.8% (n=132) of 340 pregnant women. Contact with cats (AOR 2.5 [95% CI 1.5 to 4.2]), eating raw/undercooked meat (AOR 5.7 [95% CI 3.2 to 10.3]), consuming unwashed vegetables (AOR 4.1 [95% CI 2.1 to 8.0]), a history of abortion (AOR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1 to 3.3]) and drinking water sources (AOR 2.5 [95% CI 1.2 to 5.2]) demonstrated a statistically significant association with T. gondii infection. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasmosis was found to be fairly common in pregnant mothers. Proper cat excreta disposal, not eating raw/undercooked meat, maintaining hand cleanliness and following environmental sanitation protocols could be important to decrease T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enirsie Kassie
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nigatu Kebede
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfu Kassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Garoma
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Musse Girma
- National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center, Sebeta, Ethiopia
| | - Yewbnesh Asnake
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ayinalem Alemu
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sileshi Degu
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Alanazi AD, Alnomasy SF. Immunomodulatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Green Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles for Treatment of Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1574. [PMID: 38004439 PMCID: PMC10675508 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111574] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nowadays, interest in the use of nanotechnology for medical purposes is increasing. The current experimental investigation is planned for the green synthesis, characterization, and efficacy of copper nanoparticles (CLN) against chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection. METHODS Green synthesis of CNP was performed using the Lupinus arcticus extract via the precipitation method. The effects of CNP on tachyzoites, infectivity rate, parasites inside THP-1 cells, nitric oxide (NO) triggering, iNOS, and IFN-γ expression genes were evaluated. Following toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice via the T. gondii ME49 strain, mice received CNP at 5 and 10 mg/kg/day alone and combined with pyrimethamine (PYM) at 5 mg/kg for two weeks. CNP's in vivo effects were evaluated by analyzing the load and size of cysts, oxidant/antioxidant enzymes, and bradyzoite surface antigen 1 (BAG1) expression gene levels. RESULTS CNP displayed a circular shape ranging from 10 to 85 nm. The IC50 value of CNP and PYM against tachyzoites was 37.2 and 25.7 µg/mL, respectively, whereas the CC50 value of CNP and pyrimethamine against THP-1 cells was 491.4 μg/mL and 269.5 μg/mL, respectively. The rate of infectivity and parasite load among THP-1 cells exposed to CNP was obviously reduced (p < 0.05). CNP at the doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg predominantly along with PYM evidently (p < 0.05) reduced the number and size of the T. gondii cysts in the infected mice. The levels of NO, iNOS, and IFN-γ genes were remarkably (p < 0.001) boosted compared with the cells without treatment. CNP at the doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg drastically (p < 0.05) reduced the oxidative stress markers in the infected mice, whereas CNP significantly elevated the level of antioxidant factors. CNP also revealed no toxicity in the liver and kidney at the tested doses in healthy mice. CONCLUSIONS Our experimental study reported the beneficial effects of CNP principally along with existing chemical drugs against latent toxoplasmosis in mice, whereas the possible action mechanisms of CNP are controlling oxidative stress, refining antioxidant enzymes, and increasing the production of immunomodulatory cytokines with no toxicity to the function of vital organs. But, additional trials are required to confirm these results, as well as to clarify the accurate mechanisms and their toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah D. Alanazi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi 11911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan F. Alnomasy
- Department of Medical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Al-Quwayiyah 19257, Saudi Arabia;
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Alanazi AD, Majeed QAH, Alnomasy SF, Almohammed HI. Potent In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Stachys lavandulifolia Methanolic Extract against Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:355. [PMID: 37505651 PMCID: PMC10384536 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070355] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro, in vivo, and safety of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. methanolic extract (SLME) against acute toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii RH strain in mice. METHODS MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to evaluate the in vitro effect of the SLME on T. gondii tachyzoites. Totally, 72 male BALB/c mice (40 mice for in vivo evaluation of SLME and 32 mice for its toxicity effects on liver and kidney serum enzymes) were used for the present investigation. At first, 40 mice were orally pre-treated with the SLME at doses of 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg/day for two weeks. Mice were checked daily, and the rate of survival and the mean number of tachyzoites were recorded. Liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, the effects on kidney and liver function, as well as the expression level of the proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), were studied by the quantitative real-time PCR. Flow cytometry analysis was performed on the effects of SLME on the detection of apoptotic and necrotic cells in T. gondii tachyzoites. RESULTS The SLME at the concentrations 75 and 150 µg/mL completely killed the tachyzoites after 2 hr of incubation. SLME at 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg/day increased the survival rate of infected mice by the sixth, seventh, and eighth days, respectively. SLME also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the LPO and NO levels and upregulated the IL-1β and IFN-γ mRNA gene expression levels, whereas no considerable change was observed in the serum level of kidney and liver enzymes. Flow cytometry analysis revealed the prompted early and late apoptosis after exposure to T. gondii tachyzoites with various concentrations of SLME. CONCLUSION We found the relevant in vitro anti-Toxoplasma effects of SLME against T. gondii. Moreover, the results confirmed the promising in vivo prophylactic effects of SLME. SLME provokes the innate immune system, induces apoptosis, modulates the proinflammatory cytokines, and inhibits hepatic injury in infected mice. With all these descriptions, further surveys are required to support these findings and elucidate this plant's possible mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah D Alanazi
- Departmentof Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Humanities, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 1040, Ad-Dawadimi 11911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Qais A H Majeed
- Department of Science, College of Basic Education, PAAET, Aridiya, Kuwait City 23167, Kuwait
| | - Sultan F Alnomasy
- Department of Medical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Al-Quwayiyah 19257, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan I Almohammed
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Medicine, Almaarfa University, Riyadh 11597, Saudi Arabia
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Selim A, Marzok M, Alshammari A, Al-Jabr OA, Salem M, Wakid MH. Toxoplasma gondii infection in Egyptian domestic sheep and goats: seroprevalence and risk factors. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:182. [PMID: 37129639 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03603-6] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that has been associated with reproductive failure in small ruminants. Although T. gondii infections in ruminants and humans have been recorded in several Egypt's governorates, but little is known about the risk factors associated with T. gondii infections. In this study, 350 sheep and 290 goat serum samples from three governorates in Egypt were examined for presence of antibodies against T. gondii, and evaluate the associate risk factors for the infection. The seroprevalence in sheep and goats was 24% and 38.28%, respectively. In sheep and goats, age, sex, the presence of cats, and hygienic conditions were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. In addition, the prevalence rates were significantly higher in older animals more than 2 years old, females, among animals contacted with cats, and animals living in bad hygienic condition. In conclusion, sheep and goats in the examined regions are commonly infected with T. gondii. The identification of risk variables defines the sort of actions to be implemented in order to decrease, and prevent T. gondii infection in small ruminant animals and, as a result, human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Marzok
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Ayed Alshammari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar A Al-Jabr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Asha, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Salem
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 12613, Egypt
| | - Majed H Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Ezzatkhah F, Mahmoudvand H, Raziani Y. The role of Curcuma longa essential oil in controlling acute toxoplasmosis by improving the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1161133. [PMID: 37249978 PMCID: PMC10214415 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1161133] [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] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chemotherapy with synthetic drugs is the principal approach for toxoplasmosis treatment; however, recent studies reported the limitations and adverse side effects of these chemical drugs. Objective This study aimed to examine the in vitro and in vivo effects of Curcuma longa essential oil (CLE) against the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain. Methods The in vitro effect of different concentrations of CLE on T. gondii tachyzoites was assessed by cell viability assay. Flow cytometry and apoptosis analysis were performed, and nitric oxide production by CLE was also evaluated in tachyzoites. BALB/c mice were orally treated with various doses (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg·kg-1·day-1) of CLE for 2 weeks. After the induction of acute toxoplasmosis in the mice, their survival rate and the mean number of peritoneal parasites were checked. The hepatic level of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers was evaluated by commercial kits. The mRNA expression level of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Results CLE, especially at 50 µg/ml, showed potent inhibitory effects on T. gondii tachyzoites. It increased the survival rate (ninth day) and reduced the mean number of peritoneal tachyzoites in the infected mice. CLE dependently increased (p < 0.01) the number of necrotic and apoptotic cells as well as NO production. CLE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the hepatic level of oxidative stress markers but increased (p < 0.001) the antioxidant enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines in the infected mice, with no important toxicity for vital organs. Conclusion The findings of this survey revealed the significant in vitro inhibitory effects of CLE on T. gondii tachyzoites. The results also exhibited promising in vivo effects of CLE. CLE improved the survival rate of infected mice and reduced the parasite number in them. Although the mechanisms of action of CLE are not clear, our study demonstrated its beneficial effects on acute toxoplasmosis by strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Still, more studies are required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ezzatkhah
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Hossein Mahmoudvand
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Yosra Raziani
- Nursing Department, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hillah, Babylon, Iraq
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dos Santos PV, de Toledo DNM, de Souza DMS, Menezes TP, Perucci LO, Silva ZM, Teixeira DC, Vieira EWR, de Andrade-Neto VF, Guimarães NS, Talvani A. The imbalance in the relationship between inflammatory and regulatory cytokines during gestational toxoplasmosis can be harmful to fetuses: A systematic review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1074760. [PMID: 36742306 PMCID: PMC9889920 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1074760] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the available information on inflammatory and regulatory plasma mediators in pregnant women (PW) diagnosed with toxoplasmosis. Source: The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Lilacs databases were evaluated until October 2022. Study eligibility criteria: This review was carried out following the PRISMA and registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42020203951). Studies that reported inflammatory mediators in PW with toxoplasmosis were considered. Evaluation methods After excluding duplicate articles, two authors independently carried out the process of title and abstract exclusion, and a third resolved disagreements when necessary. The full text was evaluated to detect related articles. The extraction table was built from the following data: Author, year of publication, journal name and impact factors, country, study design, number of gestations and maternal age (years), gestational period, diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, levels of inflammatory markers, laboratory tests, and clinical significance. Methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Results Of the 1,024 studies reported, only eight were included. Of the 868 PW included in this review, 20.2% were IgM+/IgG- and 50.8% were IgM-/IgG+ to T. gondii, and 29.0% uninfected. Infected PW presented higher plasma levels ofIL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, CCL5, and IL-10. Regarding the methodological quality, four studies obtained high quality. Data from this review pointed out the maintenance of the inflammatory pattern during pregnancy with a closely related to the parasite. Conclusion Immune status in PW defined the course of the T. gondii infection, where the equilibrium between inflammatory and regulatory cytokines mitigated the harmful placenta and fetus effects. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420203951.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Vilela dos Santos
- Laboratory of the Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences (ICEB), Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Débora Nonato Miranda de Toledo
- Laboratory of the Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences (ICEB), Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Débora Maria Soares de Souza
- Laboratory of the Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences (ICEB), Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Prata Menezes
- Laboratory of the Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences (ICEB), Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Luiza Oliveira Perucci
- Laboratory of the Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences (ICEB), Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Zolder Marinho Silva
- Laboratory of the Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences (ICEB), Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Ed Wilson Rodrigues Vieira
- Department of Maternal and Child Nursing and Public Health, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Federal University of the Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Sernizon Guimarães
- Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - André Talvani
- Laboratory of the Immunobiology of Inflammation, Department of Biological Sciences/Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences (ICEB), Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health and Nutrition, School of Nutrition, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
- Graduate Program of Health Science, Infectiology and Tropical Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Lu YN, Shen XY, Lu JM, Jin GN, Lan HW, Xu X, Piao LX. Resveratrol inhibits Toxoplasma gondii-induced lung injury, inflammatory cascade and evidences of its mechanism of action. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154522. [PMID: 36332392 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan that can infect host to cause toxoplasmosis. We have previously reported that resveratrol (RSV) has protective effects against liver damage in T. gondii infected mice. However, the effect of RSV on lung injury caused by T. gondii infection and its mechanism of action remain unclear. PURPOSE In this work, we studied the protective effects of RSV on lung injury caused by T. gondii infection and explored the underlying mechanism. METHODS Molecular docking and localized surface plasmon resonance assay were used to detect the molecular interactions between RSV and target proteins. In vitro, the anti-T. gondii effects and potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of RSV were investigated by quantitative competitive-PCR, RT-PCR, ELISA, Western blotting and immunofluorescence using RAW 264.7 cells infected with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain. In vivo, the effects of RSV on lung injury caused by T. gondii infection were assessed by observing pathological changes and the expression of inflammatory factors of lung. RESULTS RSV inhibited T. gondii loads and T. gondii-derived heat shock protein 70 (T.g.HSP70) expression in RAW 264.7 cells and lung tissues. Moreover, RSV interacts with T.g.HSP70 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), respectively, and interferes with the interaction between T.g.HSP70 and TLR4. It also inhibited the overproduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase, TNF-α and high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) by down-regulating TLR4/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which is consistent with the effect of TLR4 inhibitor CLI-095. In vivo, RSV improved the pathological lung damage produced by T. gondii infection, as well as decreased the number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and the release of HMGB1 and TNF-α. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that RSV can inhibit the proliferation of T. gondii and T.g.HSP70 expression both in vitro and in vivo. RSV can inhibit excessive inflammatory response by intervening T.g.HSP70 and HMGB1 mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation, thereby ameliorating lung injury caused by T. gondii infection. The present study provides new data that may be useful for the development of RSV as a new agent for the treatment of lung damage caused by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Nan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Xin Yu Shen
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Jing Mei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Guang Nan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Hui Wen Lan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China.
| | - Lian Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR. China.
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Paraboni MLR, Manfredini V, Schreiner GE, Gonçalves IL, Silveira C, Commodaro AG, Belfort R. Comparative study of oxidative stress and antioxidative markers in patients infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Int 2022; 91:102645. [PMID: 35977613 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Recently, oxidative stress and antioxidative compounds have been described as potential biomarkers. However, there is no consensus on the most appropriate oxidative and antioxidative biomarkers for patients with Toxoplasma gondii. In the present study, we evaluated the levels of lipid, protein, DNA oxidative damage and antioxidants in samples from patients infected with T. gondii with and without ocular toxoplasmosis. The levels of MDA, TBARS, micronuclei, carbonyl, GSH, vitamin C and vitamin E were measured on samples from 8 patients positive for T. gondii antibodies with ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), 20 patients positive for T. gondii antibodies without ocular toxoplasmosis (non OT), and 12 healthy individuals negative for T. gondii antibodies. The levels of MDA, TBARS, carbonyl and micronuclei were significantly higher in non OT patients, while MDA and TBARS levels were lower in OT patients. In contrast, the antioxidative factors, GSH and vitamin E levels were significantly lower in non OT patients, while vitamin C was lower in non OT and OT patients. Additionally, non OT patients were indicated to be high producers of oxidative markers (TBARS, MDA, micronuclei and carbonyl), while control group was indicated to be high producer of antioxidative markers (GSH, vitamins C and E). However, OT patients were not found as high producers of oxidative nor antioxidative markers. Our results provide a starting point of possible markers to better understand the disease pathogenesis in patients infected with T. gondii. Additional studies are needed to clarify the potential contribution of oxidative and antioxidative markers in these patients population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Lúcia Romani Paraboni
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Regional Integrada Alto Uruguai e Missões, Sete de Setembro Avenue, 1621, Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul 99709-910, Brazil.
| | - Vanusa Manfredini
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 585, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Gênifer Erminda Schreiner
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 585, Uruguaiana, RS, Brazil
| | - Itamar Luís Gonçalves
- Universidade Regional Integrada Alto Uruguai e Missões, Sete de Setembro Avenue, 1621, Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul 99709-910, Brazil
| | - Claudio Silveira
- Clinica Silveira, Sete de Setembro Avenue, 1502, Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Ademe M, Kebede T, Teferra S, Alemayehu M, Girma F, Abebe T. Is latent Toxoplasma gondii infection associated with the occurrence of schizophrenia? A case-control study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270377. [PMID: 35737701 PMCID: PMC9223392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Neurotropic pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) which result in chronic infections in the brain are associated with mental illnesses. In view of this, a growing body of literature has revealed the possible interaction of schizophrenia and T. gondii infection.
Method
A case-control study was conducted from February 2018 to January 2019 among 47 Schizophrenia patients and 47 age and sex-matched controls. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum was used for serological analysis of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies through chemiluminescent immunoassay. Proportions and mean with standard deviations (SD) were used as descriptive measures and variables with p-values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant and independently associated with schizophrenia.
Result
The mean ages of schizophrenia patients and controls were 29.64 ± 5.8 yrs and 30.98 ± 7.3 yrs, respectively. We found that 81.9% (77/94) of the study subjects had a positive anti-T. gondii IgG antibody. While the difference is statistically insignificant, schizophrenic patients have a marginally higher seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis than controls (87.2% vs 80.9%; p = 0.398). Schizophrenia cases who live in homes with soil floors have a significantly higher T. gondii infection as compared to those who live in homes with cement/ceramic floors (90.9% vs 33.3%; p = 0.004). Furthermore, there was a significantly lower T. gondii infection among schizophrenic cases who were taking antipsychotic medication for more than three yrs (79.3% vs 100.0%, p = 0.039). On the other hand, among all study subjects who have T. gondii infection, subjects who are addicted to khat and alcohol were about seven times more likely to develop schizophrenia (71.4% vs 47.7%, OR = 7.13, p = 0.024).
Conclusion
Our data is not sufficient to show a significant positive correlation between T. gondii infection and schizophrenia. For study subjects with T. gondii infection, addiction to khat and alcohol is one of the risk factors for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muluneh Ademe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Tadesse Kebede
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Teferra
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Melkam Alemayehu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Friehiwot Girma
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Tamrat Abebe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Chadha A, Chadee K. The NF-κB Pathway: Modulation by Entamoeba histolytica and Other Protozoan Parasites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:748404. [PMID: 34595137 PMCID: PMC8476871 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.748404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites have led to worldwide devastation because of their ability to cause infectious diseases. They have evolved as successful pathogens in part because of their remarkable and sophisticated ways to evade innate host defenses. This holds true for both intracellular and extracellular parasites that deploy multiple strategies to circumvent innate host defenses for their survival. The different strategies protozoan parasites use include hijacking the host cellular signaling pathways and transcription factors. In particular, the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway seems to be an attractive target for different pathogens owing to their central role in regulating prompt innate immune responses in host defense. NF-κB is a ubiquitous transcription factor that plays an indispensable role not only in regulating immediate immune responses against invading pathogens but is also a critical regulator of cell proliferation and survival. The major immunomodulatory components include parasite surface and secreted proteins/enzymes and stimulation of host cells intracellular pathways and inflammatory caspases that directly or indirectly interfere with the NF-κB pathway to thwart immune responses that are directed for containment and/or elimination of the pathogen. To showcase how protozoan parasites exploits the NF-κB signaling pathway, this review highlights recent advances from Entamoeba histolytica and other protozoan parasites in contact with host cells that induce outside-in and inside-out signaling to modulate NF-κB in disease pathogenesis and survival in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attinder Chadha
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kris Chadee
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Evaluation of the Tyrosine and Dopamine Serum Levels in Experimental Infected BALB/c Mice with Chronic Toxoplasmosis. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:5511516. [PMID: 34447590 PMCID: PMC8384541 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5511516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma parasite alters the transduction of neurotransmitter signals and leads to changes in the level of brain neurotransmitters including tyrosine and dopamine, so behavior changes can occur in infected hosts. Based on this concept, this study was conducted for evaluation of the tyrosine and dopamine serum levels in infected mice with chronic toxoplasmosis. Materials and Methods Toxoplasma gondii (Prugniaud strain II) was injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice to induce chronic toxoplasmosis. Modified agglutination test (MAT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and microscopic methods were conducted to confirm the induction of chronic toxoplasmosis. The infected mouse sera were separated at days 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 for evaluation of tyrosine and dopamine serum levels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results Microscopic methods confirmed the formation of the Toxoplasma cysts in mouse tissues. Inducing chronic toxoplasmosis is also confirmed by MAT, PCR, and histological methods. HPLC results indicated a decrease in serum tyrosine level at day 40 in infected mice in comparison to control, and the levels were too low to be measured at other times. However, a significantly high serum dopamine level was observed that gradually increased after parasite inoculation. Conclusions No detection of tyrosine level in most of the sample groups is probably related to the very low concentration of tyrosine in sera. However, low concentration of tyrosine at day 40 and increase of dopamine in most of the sample groups suggest the production of dopamine from tyrosine due to the presence of Toxoplasma in infected mice.
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Adugna B, Tarekegn ZS, Damtie D, Woldegebreal SN, Raju RP, Maru M, Ayele A. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Northwest Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:1295-1303. [PMID: 33883909 PMCID: PMC8053702 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s299106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasmosis is a life-threatening disease in pregnant women, having social and economic impacts due to congenital toxoplasmosis. However, in Ethiopia, it is neglected zoonotic disease, which requires screening and identifying risk factors in pregnant women to plan a public health intervention. Methods This institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed from March to April 2019 to estimate the seropositivity and assess potential risk factors for T. gondii among pregnant women attending antenatal care in four public hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Four hundred and one pregnant women were recruited to collect serum samples. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were tested using Toxo-Latex slide agglutination test. Results Thus, the overall seropositivity for T. gondii was found 70.8% (95% CI: 66.3–75.5). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the average monthly income, occupational status, habits of handwashing practices after handling raw meat, water sources for drinking and agroclimatic situations revealed significant (p < 0.05) effects on seropositivity for T. gondii in pregnant women. Conclusion This survey showed high seropositivity for T. gondii among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, further studies on bioassay, isolation and genotype of the pathogen are crucial. It also requires action to prevent and control the infection with T. gondii in pregnant women, which poses a potential threat to a foetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyansa Adugna
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Semera University, Semera, Ethiopia
| | - Zewdu Seyoum Tarekegn
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Debasu Damtie
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.,The Ohio State University Global One Health LLC, Eastern Africa Regional Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Seleshe Nigatu Woldegebreal
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - R P Raju
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Moges Maru
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abrham Ayele
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Ka'e AC, Sosso SM, Fokam J, Simo RK, Essama SR, Nka AD, Yagai B, Dzukou CJN, Tchouaket MCT, Chenwi C, Abba A, Fainguem N, Zam MKN, Yimga JF, Colizzi V, Ndjolo A. Anti-Toxoplasmic Immunoglobulin G Quantitation Correlates with Immunovirological Parameters of HIV-Infected Cameroonians. Curr HIV Res 2021; 19:73-83. [PMID: 32885755 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x18666200903172523] [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: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is still a neglected common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, who are mainly people living with HIV (PLHIV) in whom reactivation of toxoplasmosis may occur with advanced HIV conditions in resource-limited settings (RLS). OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the correlation between anti-toxoplasmic immunoglobulin G (anti-Toxo IgG) concentration and the immuno-virological status of PLHIV. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in the year 2018 among 100 PLHIV aged ≥18 years in Yaounde-Cameroon. For each participant, anti-Toxo IgG, CD4-T lymphocytes, and plasma viral load (PVL) were measured using ELISA, flow cytometry, and real-time PCR, respectively. RESULTS Overall, 56% of the participants were seropositive for anti-Toxo IgG, while 33% were negative and 11% were equivocal. All (n=19) those with PVL>1000 copies/mL were seropositive to anti-Toxo IgG versus 52.85% (37/70) with PVL<1000 copies/mL; p<0.0001. Interestingly, all (n=11) those with severe immunodeficiency (T-CD4<200 cells/μL) were positive to anti-Toxo IgG versus 57.69% (45/78) with T-CD4>200 cells/μL; p<0.0001. Most importantly, PVL and anti- Toxo IgG concentration were positively correlated (r = 0.54; p<0.0001), while T-CD4 and anti- Toxo IgG concentration were negatively correlated (r = - 0.70; p<0.0001). Adjusting age, gender, immune status, and virological profile in logistic regression shows that only immune status was independently associated with the serological status of toxoplasmosis (p=0.0004). CONCLUSION In Cameroon, about half of PLHIV might be seropositive to anti-Toxo IgG, with decreasing immunity appearing as a risk of toxoplasmosis relapse. Thus, in the context of immunodeficiency, routine quantification of anti-Toxo IgG would alleviate the programmatic burden of this opportunistic infection in RLS with the generalized HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Christelle Ka'e
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Samuel Martin Sosso
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Joseph Fokam
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Rachel Kamgaing Simo
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Sara Riwom Essama
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Alex Durand Nka
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Bouba Yagai
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Michel Carlos Tommo Tchouaket
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Collins Chenwi
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Aissatou Abba
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Nadine Fainguem
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Marie Krystel Nnomo Zam
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Junie Flore Yimga
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Alexis Ndjolo
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Center for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
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Wei XY, Gong QL, Zeng A, Wang W, Wang Q, Zhang XX. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in China from 2010 to 2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med 2021; 186:105230. [PMID: 33348304 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widely distributed protozoan parasite that can infect a variety of warm-blooded animals including humans and goats. This is the first meta-analysis to assess the overall seroprevalence and potential risk factors of T. gondii infection among goats in China. Databases including the VIP Chinese Journal Databases (VIP), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, WanFang, ScienceDirect, and PubMed were searched comprehensively for relevant studies published from 2010 to date. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled seroprevalence estimates with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) and data were analyzed from 13 provinces in China. The pooled T. gondii seroprevalence in goats was estimated as 9.9 %. Goats T. gondii had the highest seroprevalence in Southwestern China (13.3 %) and the lowest in Northeastern China (7.3 %). The seroprevalence in the sub-group before 2012 (8.0 %) was lower than that in 2012-2015 (15.2 %) and 2016 or later (9.2 %). Goats aged > 12-months had a higher seroprevalence (11.7 %) than ≤ 12-months (10.7 %). The seroprevalence in female goats was 12.5 % and 12.2 % in male goats. In season subgroups, the seroprevalence was lowest in autumn (6.1 %). Naturally grazed goats had a seroprevalence of 8.1 % of infection and 7.8 % in intensively fed goats. We also evaluated the effects of geographical and climate variables on the pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii in goats in China. The results indicated that toxoplasmosis is widely distributed in goats in China. In the context of ensuring animal welfare, we suggest the continued promotion of the transition from natural grazing to intensive agriculture to strengthen disease prevention. Prevention would be better carried out in areas suitable for the survival and reproduction of T. gondii. Breeders need to regularly disinfect the feeding areas and pens or other areas of goat activity thoroughly to reduce the impact of environmental factors responses on the infection of goats to T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266109, PR China; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China.
| | - Qing-Long Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, PR China.
| | - Ao Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China.
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, PR China.
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266109, PR China.
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Tarekegn ZS, Dejene H, Addisu A, Dagnachew S. Potential risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women and HIV infected individuals in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008944. [PMID: 33320848 PMCID: PMC7771857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular and neurotropic apicomplexan protozoan parasite infecting almost all warm-blooded vertebrates including humans. To date in Ethiopia, no systematic study has been investigated on the overall effects of potential risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women and HIV infected individuals. We intended to determine the potential risk factors (PRFs) associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii from published data among pregnant women and HIV infected individuals of Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY An systematic review of the previous reports was made. We searched PubMed, Science Direct, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar for studies with no restriction on the year of publication. All references were screened independently in duplicate and were included if they presented data on at least two risk factors. Meta-analysis using the random or fixed-effects model was made to calculate the overall effects for each exposure. RESULTS Of the 216 records identified, twenty-four reports met our eligibility criteria, with a total of 6003 individuals (4356 pregnant women and 1647 HIV infected individuals). The pooled prevalences of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found at 72.5% (95% CI: 58.7% - 83.1%) in pregnant women and 85.7% (95% CI: 76.3% - 91.8%) in HIV infected individuals. A significant overall effect of anti-Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity among pregnant women (p < 0.05) was witnessed with age, abortion history, contact with cats, cat ownership, having knowledge about toxoplasmosis, being a housewife and having unsafe water source. Age, cat ownership, and raw meat consumption were also shown a significant effect (p < 0.05) to anti-Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity among HIV infected individuals. CONCLUSIONS This review showed gaps and drawbacks in the earlier studies that are useful to keep in mind to design accurate investigations in the future. The pooled prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was found to be higher among pregnant women and HIV infected individuals. This suggests that thousands of immunocompromised individuals (pregnant women and HIV infected patients) are at risk of toxoplasmosis due to the sociocultural and living standards of the communities of Ethiopia. Appropriate preventive measures are needed to reduce the exposure to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Further studies to investigate important risk factors are recommended to support the development of more cost-effective preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewdu Seyoum Tarekegn
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Haileyesus Dejene
- Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Agerie Addisu
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Shimelis Dagnachew
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Watanabe M, Sadiq MB, Mulop NIA, Mohammed K, Rani PAM, Fong LS, Aziz NA, Kamaludeen J, Ramanoon SZ, Mansor R, Ping TL, Syed-Hussain SS. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Stray Dogs from Various Locations in West and East Malaysia. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 58:487-492. [PMID: 33202500 PMCID: PMC7672237 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2020.58.5.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite; Toxoplasma gondii, which is one of the most important zoonotic parasite worldwide. In dogs, the sexual reproductive cycle of T. gondii is lacking, and the animals are not widely consumed as food, but they are vital in the mechanical transmission of the parasite. However, there is no present data on the exposure of stray dogs to T. gondii in Malaysia. The objective of this serological survey was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and associated factors in stray dogs in East and West Malaysia. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 222 stray dogs from 6 different states in East and West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) using an Indirect ELISA. The seroprevalence for T. gondii was 23.4% (Confidence interval: CI 17.8-29.2%). Stray dogs from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur had the highest seroprevalence (32.4%; CI 13.2-45.5%) and lowest in those from Penang and Kedah (12.5%; CI 1.3-23.5%). Gender and breed were not associated with T. gondii seropositivity. However, adult dogs were more likely to be seropositive for T. gondii (OR=2.89; CI 1.1-7.7) compared with younger dogs. These results revealed that T. gondii is prevalent in stray dogs in the studied areas in Malaysia, and indicative of the level of environmental contamination of this parasite especially in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malaika Watanabe
- Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed Babatunde Sadiq
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Nazrul Iqbal Abdul Mulop
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Konto Mohammed
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, P.M.B. 1069, Bama Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Puteri Azaziah Megat Rani
- Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Lau Seng Fong
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azlina Aziz
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Juriah Kamaludeen
- Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Siti Zubaidah Ramanoon
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Rozaihan Mansor
- Department of Farm and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Tan Li Ping
- Department of Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Sharifah Salmah Syed-Hussain
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu, Sarawak Campus, P.O Box 396, Nyabau Road, 97008 Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Mulugeta S, Munshea A, Nibret E. Seroprevalence of Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Infect Dis (Lond) 2020; 13:1178633720948872. [PMID: 32922029 PMCID: PMC7450295 DOI: 10.1177/1178633720948872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes a zoonotic disease called toxoplasmosis. If the infection acquired during pregnancy is not detected and treated early, the parasite can be transmitted transplacentally to the fetus, resulting in congenital toxoplasmosis, which likely leads to serious consequences in the fetus. Toxoplasmosis constitutes a major public health problem particularly in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and to assess the potential risk factors of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data on the sociodemographic and potential obstetric and behavioral risk factors were gathered through pretested structured questionnaires, and 3 mL of venous blood was also drawn from each of randomly selected 233 study subjects. The serum samples were separated from the blood samples and tested for anti-Toxoplasma antibody using Toxo-latex slide agglutination test. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between risk factors considered and T gondii infection. Results The overall prevalence of T gondii infection was 67.8%, indicating a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the study area. In multivariate analysis, keeping domestic cat at home was found to be the only explanatory variable of toxoplasmosis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.449, 95% confidence interval = 1.183-5.070, P = .016). All sociodemographic variables and most of the potential obstetric and behavioral risk factors were not statistically significant explanatory variables of T gondii infection. Conclusion The prevalence of toxoplasmosis is high in the study area. Thus, pregnant women should be aware of the potential risk of the disease when keeping cats at home and management of their litter. Inclusion of serologic screening for T gondii infection at antenatal care is warranted for prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senait Mulugeta
- Biology Department, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Abaineh Munshea
- Biology Department, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.,Health Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Endalkachew Nibret
- Biology Department, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.,Health Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Zeng A, Gong QL, Wang Q, Wang CR, Zhang XX. The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in deer from 1978 to 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2020; 208:105529. [PMID: 32433912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans, is an intracellular protozoan parasite. The immunocompromised patients or pregnant women infected by Toxoplasma usually can cause encephalitis or abortion. Deer are also the important intermediate host of the parasite and people can be infected by ingesting the undercooked venison. Therefore, to raise the attention of the researchers and T. gondii infection on people in deer, we conducted the meta-analysis. All potential publications on the T. gondii infection in deer were retrieved by searching the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer- Link, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and VIP Chinese Journal Databases. Finally, a total of 48 publications were included. The pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in deer was 22.92% (95% CI 17.89-28.38) calculated by the random effect model. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in deer was the lowest in Asia (12.72%, 95% CI 6.29-20.89), and the highest in North America (32.21%, 95% CI 20.32-45.39). The highest point estimate of deer T. gondii in detection method subgroup was using MAT (31.28%, 95% CI 20.15-43.61). The estimated pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in elk (63.50%, 95% CI 50.01-76.01) was higher than other types of deer. Our meta-regression analysis found that the subgroups including region, sampling year, age, climate, and deer species may be the main heterogeneous source in our meta-analysis. It is necessary to monitor the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in deer at all times. Furthermore, people should be taken to precautions when ingesting the venison by cooking it well before serving to prevent the T. gondii infection via eating venison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, China
| | - Qing-Long Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province, 130118, China
| | - Chun-Ren Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, 163319, China.
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266109, China.
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21
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A Review on the Present Advances on Studies of Toxoplasmosis in Eastern Africa. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:7135268. [PMID: 32724808 PMCID: PMC7364236 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7135268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. It was discovered over 100 years ago and is credited as the most successful parasitic organism worldwide, able to infect and multiply in all warm blooded animals including an estimated 2.3 billion people. Toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals. Infection in the developing fetus and immunocompromised individuals can cause severe clinical disease. Toxoplasmosis is also a major cause of reproductive failure in livestock. The economic impact of toxoplasmosis is believed to be substantial. Factors associated with toxoplasmosis infection have been defined. Eastern Africa region is a high-risk area mainly due to the close association of humans and livestock as well as sociocultural practices, poor environmental hygiene, and poverty. The present paper provides a narrative review of published data on toxoplasmosis in Eastern Africa.
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Senosy SA. Knowledge and attitudes about toxoplasmosis among female university students in Egypt. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2020; 34:/j/ijamh.ahead-of-print/ijamh-2019-0207/ijamh-2019-0207.xml. [PMID: 32109206 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2019-0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to assess toxoplasmosis-related knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices among female undergraduate students in Beni-Suef University, Egypt. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional design with a multi-stage random sample of female Beni-Suef university students were recruited in this survey over a period of 8 weeks' duration using a self-administrated questionnaire. Results Among 1079 female students, only 35 (3.2%) had good knowledge. Female students of the Health Care faculty and students from rural areas had a significantly higher rate of good knowledge. The results also illustrated that most of the studied sample (63%) had a negative attitude. Nearly one-third of participants were convinced that toxoplasmosis shows symptoms and only (25.6%) agreed about the occurrence of toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy. A significant positive correlation was found between the total knowledge score and the total attitude score of female students, indicating that students with better knowledge had more positive attitudes. Of the participants, 67.1% always ate fast food, while 70.7%, 72% and 78.2% of female students reported hand washing after gardening, cleaning areas where cats were and cooking with meat, respectively. Conclusion Knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis was deficient among female students attending Beni-Suef University, and they had a negative attitude regarding toxoplasmosis. There was also a positive correlation between students' knowledge and their attitude toward toxoplasmosis infection. Many students avoided risk behaviors in the correct way, without realizing what they avoided. There is a critical need for efficient educational programs to raise the population's awareness regarding toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa A Senosy
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, 62511 Mukbel, Egypt, Phone: +20 109 940 8780, Fax: +00 208 223 18605
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Allahyari M, Mohabati R, Vatanara A, Golkar M. In-vitro and in-vivo comparison of rSAG1-loaded PLGA prepared by encapsulation and adsorption methods as an efficient vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii”. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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24
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Li X, Ni HB, Ren WX, Jiang J, Gong QL, Zhang XX. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in horses: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop 2020; 201:105222. [PMID: 31639325 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, one of the most common zoonoses worldwide, is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Horses are an intermediate host of T. gondii, representing a potential risk for humans. To determine the T. gondii seroprevalence in horses worldwide, a global meta-analysis was conducted. A total of 35 publications were obtained by searching the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Chinese Web of knowledge (CNKI) and Wanfang databases. A total of 12,354 horses were assessed, of which 1580 were positive for T. gondii. The pooled overall seroprevalence of horses infected by T. gondii was 11.29%. No significant difference of T. gondii seroprevalence was observed between male and female horses. The seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses from different countries varied. Our findings suggest that toxoplasmosis is prevalent in horses worldwide. Therefore, it is necessary to implement continuous monitoring of the status of T. gondii seroprevalence in horses. Moreover, powerful regulatory measures should be implemented to prevent and control the spread of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, PR China; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province 163319, PR China
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, PR China
| | - Wei-Xin Ren
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang Province 163319, PR China
| | - Jing Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Shuangyang, Jilin Province 130600, PR China.
| | - Qing-Long Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 266109, PR China.
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Leroy J, Houzé S, Dardé ML, Yéra H, Rossi B, Delhaes L, Gabriel F, Loubet P, Deleplancque AS, Senneville E, Ajana F, Sendid B, Malvy D. Severe toxoplasmosis imported from tropical Africa in immunocompetent patients: A case series. Travel Med Infect Dis 2019; 35:101509. [PMID: 31712179 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2019.101509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In immunocompetent patients the infection is usually benign. However, cases of severe and even lethal primo-infections are regularly reported in South America. In contrast, data from tropical Africa are fragmentary. METHODS Data for French cases of severe toxoplasmosis acquired between 2013 and 2018, in tropical Africa and among immunocompetent patients were collected retrospectively in 2018. RESULTS Four male patients with a mean age of 34-years were identified. All infections originated in West or Central Africa. The clinical presentations were heterogeneous: two patients had severe disseminated toxoplasmosis, of which one presented with chorioretinitis associated with myositis and the other with febrile pneumopathy; one patient presented with post-infectious acute cerebellar ataxia and the final case had general symptoms and skin manifestations. The diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis was confirmed by serology in four patients. Molecular diagnosis confirmed T. gondii infection in three patients with Africa 1 as the dominant genotype. The infection was cured with anti-infective treatment in all four patients. Ocular sequelae were reported in the two patients with chorioretinitis. CONCLUSIONS Imported cases of severe toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients are rare in France. However, this aetiology should be evoked rapidly in a patient with a severe infectious syndrome who has recently visited or originated from tropical Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Leroy
- CHU Lille, Parasitology Mycology Department, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995 - LIRIC - Lille Inflammation Research International Center, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Sandrine Houzé
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- Inserm UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Limoges, Limoges, 87025, France; Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center, CHU Limoges, 87042, Limoges, France
| | - Hélène Yéra
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Paris Descartes, Hôpitaux Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, CHU Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Rossi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beaujon Hospital, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Nord Val de Seine, APHP, Clichy, France
| | - Laurence Delhaes
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Bordeaux Hospital University Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frédéric Gabriel
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Bordeaux Hospital University Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Paul Loubet
- IAME, UMR 1137, Inserm, Paris Diderot University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, AP-HP, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, Infectious Diseases Department, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Deleplancque
- CHU Lille, Parasitology Mycology Department, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995 - LIRIC - Lille Inflammation Research International Center, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Eric Senneville
- Infectious Diseases Department, Gustave Dron Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Faïza Ajana
- Infectious Diseases Department, Gustave Dron Hospital, Tourcoing, France
| | - Boualem Sendid
- CHU Lille, Parasitology Mycology Department, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995 - LIRIC - Lille Inflammation Research International Center, F-59000, Lille, France.
| | - Denis Malvy
- Department for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Hospital Centre of Bordeaux, Inserm 1219, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a global health threat in which occurrence in pregnant women poses grave consequences to fetal wellbeing. Studies on prenatal Toxoplasma gondii infection are generally limited in sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria. The risk of transmission of toxoplasmosis is very high in Nigeria due to the favourable climatic conditions and prevailing behavioural and socio-economic factors that could aid transmission. Currently, there are no systematic and organized procedures for diagnosis and treatment of maternal toxoplasmosis in Nigeria. These conditions forecast possible unabated transmission in many areas and exponential impact on associated adverse events of the disease during pregnancy. This paper highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy which may forestall subsequent development of infection in children delivered by infected mothers. Inclusion of toxoplasmosis control policy in the routine antenatal care of pregnant women is therefore strongly recommended.
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Kang HJ, Chu KB, Lee SH, Kim MJ, Park H, Jin H, Quan FS. Virus-like Particle Vaccine Containing Toxoplasma gondii Rhoptry Protein 13 Induces Protection against T. gondii ME49 Infection in Mice. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 57:543-547. [PMID: 31715698 PMCID: PMC6851246 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2019.57.5.543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii can infect humans worldwide, causing serious diseases in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. T. gondii rhoptry protein 13 (ROP13) is known as one of the key proteins involved in host cell invasion. In this study, we generated virus-like particles (VLPs) vaccine expressing T. gondii rhoptry ROP13 and investigated VLPs vaccine efficacy in mice. Mice immunized with ROP13 VLPs vaccine elicited significantly higher levels of T. gondii-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgA antibody responses following boost immunization and challenge infection, whereas antibody inductions were insignificant upon prime immunization. Differing immunization routes resulted in differing antibody induction, as intranasal immunization (IN) induced greater antibody responses than intramuscular immunization (IM) after boost and challenge infection. IN immunization induced significantly higher levels of IgG and IgA antibody responses from feces, antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), CD4+ T, CD8+ T cells and germinal center B cell responses in the spleen compared to IM immunization. Compared to IM immunization, IN immunization resulted in significantly reduced cyst counts in the brain as well as lesser body weight loss, which contributed to better protection. All of the mice immunized through either route survived, whereas all naïve control mice perished. These results indicate that the ROP13 VLPs vaccine could be a potential vaccine candidate against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Ji Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Ki-Back Chu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Su-Hwa Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Min-Ju Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | | | - Hui Jin
- Health Park Co., Ltd., Seoul 06627, Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Korea.,Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
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Liu XY, Wang ZD, El-Ashram S, Liu Q. Toxoplasma gondii oocyst-driven infection in pigs, chickens and humans in northeastern China. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:366. [PMID: 31653218 PMCID: PMC6814962 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2121-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasite, can infect almost all warm-blooded animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate T. gondii oocyst-driven infection in pigs, chickens and humans in Jilin province, northeastern China. Results The serum samples of pigs, chickens and humans were sampled and tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using dense granule antigen GRA7, oocyst-specific protein OWP8, and sporozoite-specific protein CCp5A, respectively. Results showed a prevalence of 16.7% by GRA7-ELISA, and 12.2% by OWP8- and CCp5A-ELISA in pigs; 10.4% by GRA7-ELISA, 13.5% by OWP8-ELISA, and 9.4% by CCp5A-ELISA in chickens; and 14.2% by GRA7-ELISA, 3.6% by OWP8-ELISA, and 3.0% by CCp5A-ELISA in humans. No significant differences were observed between T. gondii seroprevalence in pigs and chickens among the three antigens-based ELISAs (P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences between T. gondii seroprevalence rates in humans (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrated a low prevalence of T. gondii oocyst-driven infection in humans, a medium prevalence in pigs, and a high prevalence in chickens. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that different oocyst-driven infection rates in different animal species, which would help to design effective strategies to prevent T. gondii transmission. To our knowledge, this is the first study to differentiate T. gondii infective forms in pigs, chickens and humans in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yi Liu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ze-Dong Wang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China.,Military Veterinary Institute Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Quan Liu
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. .,Military Veterinary Institute Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Changchun, Jilin Province, China.
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Mahfouz MS, Elmahdy M, Bahri A, Mobarki YM, Altalhi AA, Barkat NA, Al-Essa HA, Ageely AH, Faqeeh NA, Areeshi NA, Al-Hassan SM. Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Toxoplasmosis among Jazan University Female Students. SAUDI JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018; 7:28-32. [PMID: 30787854 PMCID: PMC6381842 DOI: 10.4103/sjmms.sjmms_33_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis is high. However, to date, few studies have evaluated the degree of knowledge on toxoplasmosis among females in Saudi Arabia. Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and preventive behavior regarding toxoplasmosis among female students at Jazan University, Jazan, southwest Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 440 female students at Jazan University using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data with numerical/qualitative variables were expressed as frequency and percentage. Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables. P < 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Results This study found that more than three-quarters (79.1%) of the students had insufficient knowledge about toxoplasmosis. Students from healthcare faculties had higher knowledge scores (28.5%) than students from arts and humanities (20.6%) and science (18.9%) faculties; however, the differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.77). The majority of the studied sample (92.3%) was found to eat fast food on a regular basis. About 42%, 54% and 4% of the respondents reported that they never, occasionally and always ate improperly washed vegetables, respectively. Conclusions This study found that a substantial proportion of Jazan University's female students have insufficient knowledge on toxoplasmosis. Health educational programs are necessary to increase the awareness and knowledge about toxoplasmosis and its clinical manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed S Mahfouz
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Elmahdy
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Bahri
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Encephalitis is mediated by ROP18 of Toxoplasma gondii, a severe pathogen in AIDS patients. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E5344-E5352. [PMID: 29784816 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1801118115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed parasitic protozoan among mammalian hosts, including humans. During the course of infection, the CNS is the most commonly damaged organ among invaded tissues. The polymorphic rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18) is a key serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr) kinase that phosphorylates host proteins to modulate acute virulence. However, the basis of neurotropism and the specific substrates through which ROP18 exerts neuropathogenesis remain unknown. Using mass spectrometry, we performed proteomic analysis of proteins that selectively bind to active ROP18 and identified RTN1-C, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein that is preferentially expressed in the CNS. We demonstrated that ROP18 is associated with the N-terminal portion of RTN1-C and specifically phosphorylates RTN1-C at Ser7/134 and Thr4/8/118. ROP18 phosphorylation of RTN1-C triggers ER stress-mediated apoptosis in neural cells. Remarkably, ROP18 phosphorylation of RTN1-C enhances glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) acetylation by attenuating the activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC), and this event is associated with an increase of neural apoptosis. These results clearly demonstrate that both RTN1-C and HDACs are involved in T. gondii ROP18-mediated pathogenesis of encephalitis during Toxoplasma infection.
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Gao Q, Zhang NZ, Zhang FK, Wang M, Hu LY, Zhu XQ. Immune response and protective effect against chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection induced by vaccination with a DNA vaccine encoding profilin. BMC Infect Dis 2018. [PMID: 29514647 PMCID: PMC5842554 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3022-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals. T. gondii profilin (TgPF) plays a crucial role in parasite motility and host cell invasion, and has shown promise against toxoplasmosis. DNA vaccine was considered to elicit effective humoral and cell-mediated immunity against T. gondii infection. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of TgPF in mice using a DNA vaccination strategy. Methods A DNA vaccine (pVAX-PF) encoding TgPF gene was constructed and then was intramuscularly injected into mice with and without a plasmid encoding IL-15 (pVAX-IL-15). The immune responses in immunized Kunming mice including lymphocyte proliferation, levels of cytokines, antibody titers and T lymphocyte subclasses were analyzed. The protective efficacy against chronic T. gondii infection was observed at 4 weeks post-infection with the cyst-forming PRU strain of T. gondii (Genotype II). Results EitherpVAX-PF with or without pVAX-IL-15 could elicit higher level of IgG and IgG2a antibodies and produce strong cellular immune responses in the immunized mice. The brain cyst numbers in mice immunized with pVAX-PF + pVAX-IL-15 (1843 ± 215.7) and pVAX-PF (1897 ± 337.8) were reduced 40.82% and 39.08%, respectively, compared to that in mice received nothing (3114 ± 168.8), and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). However, the T. gondii cyst numbers in mice immunized with pVAX-PF + pVAX-IL-15 were not statistically significantly different compared to that in mice immunized with pVAX-PF alone [t(10) = 0.33, P > 0.05]. Conclusions The present study indicated that TgPF could be a promising vaccine candidate against chronic toxoplasmosis, which can be further used to develop multi-epitope vaccine formulations in food-producing animals against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Entry-exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410004, People's Republic of China
| | - Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fu-Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Ying Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China
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Shieh M, Didehdar M, Hajihossein R, Ahmadi F, Eslamirad Z. Toxoplasmosis: Seroprevalence in pregnant women, and serological and molecular screening in neonatal umbilical cord blood. Acta Trop 2017; 174:38-44. [PMID: 28610938 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonotic disease that can also be transmitted from the mother to the embryo, with the risk of congenital infection varying around the world. The aim of this study was to screen pregnant women and their neonates for toxoplasmosis by serologic and molecular methods and assess the impact of risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis on the rate of congenital infection. This study was conducted at a regional maternity hospital in Arak, the capital of the Markazi Province in Iran, during a period of six months. All selected pregnant women (n=261) and the corresponding cord blood samples were serologically screened for toxoplasmosis, with seropositive samples also undergoing molecular testing. Demographic data, as well as information related to the risk factors associated with the transmission of the disease, were collected from mothers and their neonates. The detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and the extraction of DNA from blood samples were conducted using commercial kits. Results showed that the sera of 87 maternal blood samples (33.3%) and 40 cord blood samples (15.3%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG and/or IgM). Molecular screening of the seropositive samples only identified one positive cord blood sample. In other words, the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis was definitive in only one neonate. There was no significant association between the risk of parasite transmission and neonatal seropositivity (p >0.05). Therefore, the results showed that the prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis in the studied area was consistent with the global rate and suggest that the implementation of newborn screening and follow-up testing could help reduce the disease risk.
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Cai Y, Shen J. Modulation of host immune responses to Toxoplasma gondii by microRNAs. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [PMID: 28170109 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To survive successfully, Toxoplasma counteracts the strictly regulated host innate response to downregulate inflammation that could be deleterious for the parasite. MicroRNAs are vital regulators of both innate and adaptive immunity, controlling the maintenance and development of immune progenitors as well as the differentiation and the functions of host mature immune cells. Thus, the complexity of mechanisms underlying the connection between Toxoplasma and host immunity has led to investigations of miRNAs as additional key molecular players. The knowledge acquired from these studies will be useful for aiding the discovery of new targets for diagnosis or therapeutic approaches for toxoplasmosis and insight into the interaction between host and parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - J Shen
- Department of Parasitology, Provincial Laboratory of Pathogen Biology Anhui and the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Ding H, Gao YM, Deng Y, Lamberton PHL, Lu DB. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in cats in mainland China. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:27. [PMID: 28086987 PMCID: PMC5237326 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-1970-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii which can infect all warm-blooded animals. As the most common feline definitive host, cats play a vital role in the transmission of T. gondii. However, national estimates of the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in mainland China are lacking, and therefore a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to provide insight into national environmental transmission levels and potential transmission to humans. METHODS Studies published up until July 1, 2016, on T. gondii seroprevalence in cats within mainland China were searched for in CNKI, WanFang, CBM, PubMed, Embase and through the reference lists of resulting articles. The seroprevalence with its 95% confidence interval (CI) for each individual study was presented, and then point estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of pooled seroprevalence were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed according to potential risk factors. RESULTS A total of 38 eligible studies, published between 1995 to 2016, covering fifteen provinces and municipalities, and involving 7,285 cats, were included. The seroprevalence in cats per study ranged from 3.9 to 79.4% with a median of 20.3%. As substantial heterogeneity existed among studies, a random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled seroprevalence. The value of the point estimate seroprevalence was 24.5% (95% CI: 20.1-29.0). Seroprevalence in stray cats was significantly higher than in pet cats (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 1.60-5.64). The seroprevalence increased significantly with cat age (P = 0.018) with 17.4% (95% CI: 7.6-27.2) in the group of ≤ 1 year old, 19.5% (95% CI: 12.7-26.3) in the group of ≤ 3 year-old and 31.6% (95% CI: 22.9-40.3) in the group of > 3 year-old. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of T. gondii in cats in mainland China was moderate and was associated with cat ownership and age. Due to the increasing prevalence of pet cats in China and the intimate relationship between these cats and humans, this might present a significant exposure risk, particularly for China's large susceptible population. Therefore, further research is needed into the links between cat ownership and human T. gondii infection and how to reduce T. gondii exposure in humans via cat contacts and the environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts by cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Meng Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Deng
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
| | - Poppy H. L. Lamberton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine and Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, GL12 8QQ UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG UK
| | - Da-Bing Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 People’s Republic of China
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Gao YM, Ding H, Lamberton PHL, Lu DB. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pet dogs in mainland China: A meta-analysis. Vet Parasitol 2016; 229:126-130. [PMID: 27809967 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the most common zoonosis in the world, and can cause severe adverse consequences in pregnant women and immunosuppressed people. Throughout the world dogs are popular companion animals, however they are also important intermediate host of T. gondii and may play an instrumental role in mechanically transmitting Toxoplasma infection to humans. Therefore, an assessment of the level of T. gondii infection in pet dogs is of public health importance. To estimate the overall serological prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pet dogs in mainland China, we performed a meta-analysis using five bibliographic databases: CNKI, WanFang, VIP Chinese Journal Databases, PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 60 articles, including data on 78719 pet dogs, published between 1998 and 2016 fulfilled the final eligibility criteria. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pet dogs was 11.1% (95% CI: 10.1% to 12.1%). The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in >one-year-old dogs was 1.59 times more than that in ≤one-year-old group (RR=1.59, 95%CI=1.15, 2.21). There was no significant difference observed in pooled seroprevalence between male and female dogs (RR=1.02, 95%CI=0.91, 1.16). In terms of geographical regions, the lowest seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis infection (5.8%) was in North China and the highest (16.8%) was in Southwest of China. Results from this study showed that toxoplasmosis is common in pet dogs in mainland China, indicating that control measures by owners may reduce human exposure to T. gondii via dog contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Meng Gao
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Huan Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Poppy H L Lamberton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, GLQQ, United Kingdom; Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, United Kingdom.
| | - Da-Bing Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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Brüggmann D, Handl V, Klingelhöfer D, Jaque J, Groneberg DA. Congenital toxoplasmosis: an in-depth density-equalizing mapping analysis to explore its global research architecture. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:646. [PMID: 26691532 PMCID: PMC4687351 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1263-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis endangers the unborn child if its infectious agent--toxoplasma gondii--is transmitted transplacentally during pregnancy. Although this condition occurs in all parts of the world and represents a major public health burden, no detailed knowledge on the global research architecture of congenital toxoplasmosis is available thus far. Hence, it was the aim of this study to assess the related global research activity over the past 110 years. METHODS We employed the NewQIS platform, which combines established scientometric and socioeconomic analysis tools with novel visualizing techniques such as density equalizing mapping projections. RESULTS In the Web of Science, 13,044 congenital toxoplasmosis-related items published between 1900 and 2012 were identified. These were issued by 26,483 authors originating from 125 countries. The US was the dominating nation (38.7 % of total scientific output), followed by France (10.9 %) and Great Britain (9.2 %). The US also led the ranking in regards to semi-qualitative parameters (total citations, country-specific h-indices and citation rates). When research activity was related to economic figures, the ratio of total toxoplasmosis publications to the total GDP listed Switzerland first with an average of 589.35 toxoplasmosis-related publications per GDP in 1000 Bio US-$, followed by France (545.16), the UK (486.13) and Brazil (431.84) and the US (311.11). The relation of toxoplasmosis-specific publications to the economic power indicator GDP per capita in 1000 US-$ revealed that the US was ranked first with 97.65 toxoplasmosis-related publications/GDP per capita in 1000 US-$, followed by Brazil (85.95). Subject area analysis indicated a relative shortage of studies that addressed pharmacological or public health aspects of congenital toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first in-depth approach to sketch a global picture of the congenital toxoplasmosis research architecture. In contrast to other fields of biomedical research, not only high-income countries play a major role regarding congenital toxoplasmosis research but also countries such as Brazil that have a high incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dörthe Brüggmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Female Health and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Vanessa Handl
- Department of Female Health and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Doris Klingelhöfer
- Department of Female Health and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Jenny Jaque
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - David A Groneberg
- Department of Female Health and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.
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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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High prevalence of anti-toxoplasma antibodies and absence of Toxoplasma gondii infection risk factors among pregnant women attending routine antenatal care in two Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Int J Infect Dis 2015; 34:41-5. [PMID: 25759324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is acquired mainly by eating raw or undercooked meat containing Toxoplasma gondii tissue cyst, eating food or water contaminated with oocyst, and acquiring congenital infection through the placenta. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and assess possible risk factors associated with the infection among pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHOD Cross sectional study was designed, and 288 serum samples were collected from November 1(st) 2010 to January 2011. The serum samples were tested for anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using latex agglutination test. The risk factors were tested for significance using Bivariate and multivariate analysis. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT 85.4% were positive for anti Toxoplasma gondii antibody. No significant association was observed between seroprevalence and age, gestational age, socio demographic characters, history of abortion, consumption of raw or undercooked meat, consumption of raw vegetable, owning of cat, and blood transfusion. CONCLUSION Prevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is higher than that reported from other countries. Efforts to describe risk factors for toxoplasma infection among Ethiopians should focus in children.
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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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Yohanes T, Debalke S, Zemene E. Latent Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Associated Risk Factors among HIV-Infected Individuals at Arba Minch Hospital, South Ethiopia. AIDS Res Treat 2014; 2014:652941. [PMID: 25431660 PMCID: PMC4241326 DOI: 10.1155/2014/652941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The parasite has cosmopolitan distribution, infecting almost all species of warm-blooded animals. Latent T. gondii infection in HIV/AIDS patients is a risk for development of cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT). The aim of this study is to determine seroprevalence of latent T. gondii infection and assess its associated factors among individuals infected with HIV in Arba Minch Hospital, south Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study involving 170 HIV-infected individuals attending Arba Minch Hospital antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic was conducted from April to June 2013. Data on demographic profile of the study participants and factors associated with T. gondii infection were gathered using a questionnaire. Serum was tested for IgG anti-T. gondii antibody by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Seroprevalence of latent T. gondii infection among the study participants was 88.2%. Consumption of raw meat (AOR = 4.361; 95% CI: 1.409-13.496) and involvement in farming/gardening activities (AOR = 4.051; 95% CI: 1.112-14.758) were independent predictors of T. gondii seropositivity. This study revealed high prevalence of latent T. gondii infection, similar to other studies. Monitoring of the patients to prevent reactivation of the latent T. gondii infection is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegaye Yohanes
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Arba Minch University, P.O. Box 21, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Serkadis Debalke
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Endalew Zemene
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Pathology, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, P.O. Box 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Gebremedhin EZ, Abdurahaman M, Hadush T, Tessema TS. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats slaughtered for human consumption in Central Ethiopia. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:696. [PMID: 25287190 PMCID: PMC4196015 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses worldwide. Humans get infections with T. gondii after ingesting raw or undercooked meat or oocysts via contaminated soil, food or water; or congenitally by transplacental transmission of tachyzoites. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the seroprevalence and assess risk factors for T. gondii infection in sheep and goats slaughtered for human consumption in Central Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out from September, 2011 to November, 2012 in randomly selected small ruminants (n = 628). Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) was used to detect IgG antibodies specific to T. gondii. A titer of 1: 40 or 1: 4000 or both was considered indicative of T. gondii exposure. Logistic regression was used to assess potential risk factors. RESULTS An overall seroprevalence of 17.68% (111/628) (95% confidence interval [CI]:14.77-20.89) was detected. Twenty percent (61/305) seroprevalence (95% CI: 15.6-624.94) in sheep was found with a reciprocal end titers of 60 in fourteen, 180 in three, 540 in two, 1620 in five, 6000 in nine, 18000 in six, 54000 in eleven and 162000 in eleven. Similarly, seroprevalence of 15.48% (50/323) (95% CI:11.71-19.89) in goats was found with a reciprocal end titers of 60 in eighteen, 180 in five, 540 in three, 1620 in seven, 6000 in four, 18,000 in four, 54,000 in five and 162,000 in four. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of T. gondii infection was significantly higher in adult sheep (adjusted Odd ratio (aOR) = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.10-3.70; P = 0.023) than in young sheep and in sheep sampled during the dry season (aOR = 4.19, 95% CI: 1.55-11.33, P = 0.005) than those sampled during wet season. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in small ruminants slaughtered for human consumption in Central Ethiopia is high. Age and season are significant predictors of seropositivity in sheep. The study highlighted the importance of meat of small ruminants as a potential source of infection for humans. Prevention of the spread of the disease through farm biosecurity measures is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin
- />Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences Ambo University, P.O.Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Mukarim Abdurahaman
- />College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Jimma University, P.O.Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tsehaye Hadush
- />College of Veterinary Medicine, Samera University, P.O.Box 132, Samera, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Sisay Tessema
- />Institute of Biotechnology, College of Natural and computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Gebremedhin EZ, Abdurahaman M, Tessema TS, Tilahun G, Cox E, Goddeeris B, Dorny P, De Craeye S, Dardé ML, Ajzenberg D. Isolation and genotyping of viable Toxoplasma gondii from sheep and goats in Ethiopia destined for human consumption. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:425. [PMID: 25190185 PMCID: PMC4161867 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects humans and a broad spectrum of warm-blooded vertebrates. The present study was undertaken with the objectives of isolation and determining the genotypes of T. gondii strains from sheep and goats slaughtered in East and West Shewa Zones of Oromia Regional State, Central Ethiopia. Methods Hearts of 47 sheep and 44 goats that were seropositive in the Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) were bioassayed in mice. A multiplex PCR assay with 15 microsatellite markers was employed for genotyping of T. gondii isolates from sheep and goats. Results Viable T. gondii were isolated from 47 (51.65%) animals, 27 sheep and 20 goats. Most isolates caused sub-clinical infections in mice, however, 2 sheep and 1 goat isolates were mouse-virulent, killing mice between 19–27 days post-inoculation. The success of T. gondii isolation in mice increased significantly (P = 0.0001) with higher DAT antibody titers in sheep and goats. Genotyping revealed that 29 (87.88%) of the 33 isolates were Type II, 3 (9.09%) were Type III and 1 (3.03%) was atypical. Three strains (one type II, one type III, and the atypical genotype) were virulent for mice. Conclusions T. gondii tissue cysts in sheep and goats slaughtered for human consumption are widespread. This is the first report on isolation and genotyping of T. gondii from sheep and goats of Ethiopia. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1756-3305-7-425) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin
- Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo University, P, O, Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia.
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Flegr J, Prandota J, Sovičková M, Israili ZH. Toxoplasmosis--a global threat. Correlation of latent toxoplasmosis with specific disease burden in a set of 88 countries. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90203. [PMID: 24662942 PMCID: PMC3963851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 385] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is becoming a global health hazard as it infects 30-50% of the world human population. Clinically, the life-long presence of the parasite in tissues of a majority of infected individuals is usually considered asymptomatic. However, a number of studies show that this 'asymptomatic infection' may also lead to development of other human pathologies. AIMS OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study was to collect available geoepidemiological data on seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and search for its relationship with mortality and disability rates in different countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS Prevalence data published between 1995-2008 for women in child-bearing age were collected for 88 countries (29 European). The association between prevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific disease burden estimated with age-standardized Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) or with mortality, was calculated using General Linear Method with Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDP), geolatitude and humidity as covariates, and also using nonparametric partial Kendall correlation test with GDP as a covariate. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with specific disease burden in particular countries explaining 23% of variability in disease burden in Europe. The analyses revealed that for example, DALY of 23 of 128 analyzed diseases and disease categories on the WHO list showed correlations (18 positive, 5 negative) with prevalence of toxoplasmosis and another 12 diseases showed positive trends (p<0.1). For several obtained significant correlations between the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific diseases/clinical entities, possible pathophysiological, biochemical and molecular explanations are presented. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with various disease burden. Statistical associations does not necessarily mean causality. The precautionary principle suggests however that possible role of toxoplasmosis as a triggering factor responsible for development of several clinical entities deserves much more attention and financial support both in everyday medical practice and future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph Prandota
- Department of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michaela Sovičková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zafar H. Israili
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Tilahun G, Tiao N, Ferreira LR, Choudhary S, Oliveira S, Verma SK, Kwok OCH, Molla B, Saville WJA, Medhin G, Kassa T, Aleme H, Gebreyes WA, Su C, Dubey JP. Prevalence ofToxoplasma gondiifrom Free-Range Chickens (Gallus domesticus) from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. J Parasitol 2013; 99:740-1. [DOI: 10.1645/12-25.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Sivagurunathan S, Heaslip A, Liu J, Hu K. Identification of functional modules of AKMT, a novel lysine methyltransferase regulating the motility of Toxoplasma gondii. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2013; 189:43-53. [PMID: 23685344 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a leading cause of congenital neurological defects. To cause disease, it must reiterate its lytic cycle through host cell invasion, replication, and parasite egress. This requires the parasite to sense changes in its environment and switch between the non-motile (for replication) and motile (for invasion and egress) states appropriately. Recently, we discovered a previously unknown mechanism of motility regulation in T. gondii, mediated by a lysine methyltransferase, AKMT (for Apical complex lysine (K) methyltransferase). When AKMT is absent, activation of motility is inhibited, which compromises parasite invasion and egress, and thus severely impairs the lytic cycle. Although the methyltransferase activity of AKMT has been established, the phylogenetic relationship of AKMT with other better studied lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) was not known. Also unknown was the functional relationships between different domains of AKMT. In this work we carried out phylogenetic analyses, which show that AKMT orthologs form a new subfamily of KMTs. We systematically generated truncation mutants of AKMT, and discovered that the predicted enzymatic domain alone is a very poor enzyme and cannot complement the function of AKMT in vivo. Interestingly, the N- and C-terminal domains of the AKMT have drastically different impacts on its enzyme activity, localization as well as in vivo function. Our results thus reveal that AKMT is an unusual, parasite-specific enzyme and identified regions and interactions within this novel lysine methyltransferase that can be used as drug targets.
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Dubey JP, Darrington C, Tiao N, Ferreira LR, Choudhary S, Molla B, Saville WJA, Tilahun G, Kwok OCH, Gebreyes WA. Isolation of ViableToxoplasma gondiifrom Tissues and Feces of Cats from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. J Parasitol 2013; 99:56-8. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-3229.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from Ethiopian feral cats. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:206-8. [PMID: 23411374 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate greater genetic variability among isolates of Toxoplasma gondii worldwide than previously thought. However, there is no information on genetic diversity of T. gondii from any host in Ethiopia. In the present study, genotyping was performed on viable T. gondii isolates by bioassays in mice from tissues and feces of 27 cats from Ethiopia. Viable T. gondii was isolated from hearts of 26 cats, feces alone of 1 cat, and feces and tissues of 6 cats; in total there were 33 isolates. Genotyping was performed on DNA from cell-cultured derived T. gondii tachyzoites and by using 10 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico). Four genotypes were recognized, including ToxoDB #1 (Type II clonal, nine isolates), ToxoDB #2 (Type III, five isolates), Toxo DB #3 (Type II variant, ten isolates), and ToxoDB #20 (nine isolates). Of interest is the isolation of different genotypes from tissues and feces of two cats, suggesting re-infection or mixed strain T. gondii infection. These findings are of epidemiological significance with respect to shedding of oocysts by cats. This is the first report of genotyping of T. gondii from any host in Ethiopia.
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An investigation into the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Bartonella spp., feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) in cats in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Epidemiol Infect 2012; 141:1029-33. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268812001707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYToxoplasma gondii and Bartonella spp. are zoonotic pathogens of cats. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are immunosuppressive viruses of cats that can affect T. gondii oocyst shedding. In this study, the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii, Bartonella spp., FIV, as well as FeLV antigens were determined in sera from feral cats (Felis catus) from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Using the modified agglutination test, IgG antibodies to T. gondii were found in 41 (85·4%) of the 48 cats with titres of 1:25 in one, 1:50 in one, 1:200 in six, 1:400 in six, 1:800 in six, 1:1600 in eight, and 1:3200 in 13 cats. Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibodies were found in 11/46 cats tested by ELISA, suggesting recent infection. Antibodies to Bartonella spp. were found in five (11%) of 46 cats tested. Antibodies to FIV or FeLV antigen were not detected in any of the 41 cats tested. The results indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii and a low prevalence of Bartonella spp. infection in cats in Ethiopia.
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