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Miguel-Vicedo M, Cabello P, Ortega-Navas MC, González-Barrio D, Fuentes I. Prevalence of Human Toxoplasmosis in Spain Throughout the Three Last Decades (1993-2023): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00258-w. [PMID: 38864976 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00258-w] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans are infected by Toxoplasma gondii worldwide and its consequences may seriously affect an immune deprived population such as HIV and transplanted patients or pregnant women and foetuses. A deep knowledge of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in Spain is needed in order to better shape health policies and educational programs. We present the results of the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the human prevalence for this disease in Spain. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Teseo) were searched for relevant studies that were published between January 1993 and December 2023 and all population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting the human seroprevalence in Spain were revised. Within the population analysed, our targeted groups were immunocompetent population, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Among 572 studies and 35 doctoral theses retrieved, 15 studies and three doctoral theses were included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model was used for the meta-analyses due to the high heterogeneity found between studies (I2: 99.97), since it is a statistically conservative model, in addition to allowing better external validity. The global pooled seroprevalence was 32.3% (95% CI 28.7-36.2%). Most of the studies carried out were in pregnant women and the meta-analysis reported that the pooled seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Spain was 24.4% (24,737/85,703, 95% CI 21.2-28.0%), based on the random effects model. It is recommended to continue monitoring the seroprevalence status of T. gondii in order to obtain essential guidelines for the prevention and control of the infection in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Miguel-Vicedo
- Toxoplasmosis and Protozoosis Unit, Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Educational Theory and Social Pedagogy, National University of Distance Education (UNED) Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Science and Public Health. IMIENS, National University of Distance Education (UNED) Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Cabello
- International University of Valencia-VIU, 46002, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Carmen Ortega-Navas
- Department of Educational Theory and Social Pedagogy, National University of Distance Education (UNED) Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David González-Barrio
- Toxoplasmosis and Protozoosis Unit, Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isabel Fuentes
- Toxoplasmosis and Protozoosis Unit, Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Spanish National Centre for Microbiology, Health Institute Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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Moore JD, Nguyen USDT, Ojha RP, Griner SB, Thompson EL. Physician-level determinants of HCV screening during pregnancy in a U.S. sample. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2491-2498. [PMID: 37454352 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the association between select determinants and HCV screening guideline adherence among physicians who provide prenatal care. RESEARCH QUESTION What factors may act as determinants of guideline adherence to HCV screening among physicians who provide prenatal care? METHODS We surveyed a national sample of physicians who provided prenatal care in 2021. The survey included questions from the Clinician Guideline Determinant (CGD) questionnaire, demographic characteristics, and medical practice characteristics. We estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using semi-Bayesian logistic regression for the association between determinants and guideline adherence. RESULTS Participants included 224 physicians in the United States who reported providing prenatal care. Most physicians practiced in private practice (65%) and the majority were members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG; 91%). Less than half (43%; 95% CI: 36%-49%) of physicians reported regular use of the HCV screening guideline. Physicians who reported general knowledge about HCV (OR = 9.0, 95% CI 3.1-30) or endorsed agreement with ease of implementation (OR = 8.0, 95% CI 2.7-25) had higher odds of adherence to the HCV screening guideline. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that less than half of practicing prenatal care physicians adhere to HCV screening guidelines for pregnant patients. Our results may be useful as a preliminary screening of select determinants of guideline use for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Moore
- School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA.
| | - Uyen-Sa D T Nguyen
- School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Rohit P Ojha
- School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
- Center for Epidemiology and Healthcare Delivery Research, JPS Health Network, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Stacey B Griner
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Behavior and Health Systems, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
| | - Erika L Thompson
- School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA
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Calero-Bernal R, Gennari SM, Cano S, Salas-Fajardo MY, Ríos A, Álvarez-García G, Ortega-Mora LM. Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in European Residents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Published between 2000 and 2020. Pathogens 2023; 12:1430. [PMID: 38133313 PMCID: PMC10745778 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121430] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis has a major impact on animal and public health. Information regarding the seroprevalence of human Toxoplasma gondii infections from a European perspective has not yet been compiled to date. Thus, the present review summarized available resident data from the period 2000-2020. The overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG was 32.1%, with great variability between countries (n = 30). The subgroup analysis identified different pooled prevalence data depending on the geographic area (p < 0.0001), target population (p = 0.0147), and serological diagnosis assays used (p = 0.0059). A high heterogeneity (I2 = 100%, p < 0.001; Q = 3.5e+05, d.f. = 135, p < 0.001) and degree of publication bias (Egger's test = 6.14, p < 0.001) were observed among the 134 studies considered. The occurrence of anti-T. gondii IgM, which was reported in 64.7% of studies, reached a pooled seroprevalence of 0.6%. In addition, among the eight main risk factors identified, "contact with soil", "consumption of undercooked beef", and "intake of unwashed vegetables" were the most significantly associated with infections. The fact that one-third of the European population has been exposed to T. gondii justifies extra efforts to harmonize surveillance systems and develop additional risk-factor analyses based on detailed source attribution assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
| | - Solange María Gennari
- PhD Program in One Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo 04829-300, SP, Brazil;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, SP, Brazil
| | - Santiago Cano
- Computing Services, Research Support Center, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Martha Ynés Salas-Fajardo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
| | - Arantxa Ríos
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
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Greye H, Wex T, Taneva E, Redlich A, Costa SD, Rissmann A. Cytomegalovirus seronegativity rate in pregnant women and primary cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy in rural Germany. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:299. [PMID: 37118680 PMCID: PMC10148470 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05612-7] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common congenital infection worldwide and one of the leading causes of congenital hearing loss in newborns. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence rate for cytomegalovirus in pregnant women and the rate of CMV serological testing utilised during pregnancy in a rural region in Germany. METHODS Retrospective data on the prevalence of CMV IgG and IgM antibodies were obtained from 3,800 women, identified in the study group of 19,511 pregnant women from outpatient settings whose samples were collected between 1 and 2014 and 30 April 2018. In addition, the serological CMV status in regards to various billing methods was further analyzed. RESULTS Serological CMV tests were performed in 3,800 (19.5%) out of 19,511 pregnant women. 2,081 (54.8%) of these women were CMV seronegative. Among those, seroconversion rate of 0.37-1.42% was identified. A proportion of 2,710 (14.7%) of all 18,460 women with statutory health insurance made use of the CMV testing as an individual health service. CONCLUSIONS The low uptake of CMV serological testing in the study population covered indicates low risk awareness among pregnant women and their healthcare professionals. Presented seronegativity rates and routine seroconversion rate, demonstrate importance to improve intervention strategy to prevent feto-maternal CMV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Greye
- Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Straße 44, D-39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Wex
- Medical Laboratory for Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Genetics "Prof. Schenk/Dr. Ansorge & Colleagues", Schwiesaustraße 11, D-39124, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Elina Taneva
- Medical Laboratory for Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Genetics "Prof. Schenk/Dr. Ansorge & Colleagues", Schwiesaustraße 11, D-39124, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anke Redlich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Gerhart-Hauptmann-Strasse 35, D-39108, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Serban-Dan Costa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Magdeburg, Gerhart-Hauptmann-Strasse 35, D-39108, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anke Rissmann
- Malformation Monitoring Centre Saxony-Anhalt, Medical Faculty Otto-von-Guericke-University, Leipziger Straße 44, D-39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Pangerl S, Sundin D, Geraghty S. Adherence to screening and management guidelines of maternal Group B Streptococcus colonization in pregnancy. J Adv Nurs 2022; 78:3247-3260. [PMID: 35429021 PMCID: PMC9546437 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Aims To investigate Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in pregnancy; adherence to antenatal GBS screening and adherence to the intrapartum antibiotics protocol within two models of care (midwifery and non‐midwifery led). Design This retrospective quantitative study has employed a descriptive design using administrative health data. Methods Data from five maternity hospitals in metropolitan and regional Western Australia that included 22,417 pregnant women who gave birth between 2015 and 2019 were examined, applying descriptive statistics using secondary data analysis. Results The study revealed an overall GBS colonization rate of 21.7% with similar rates in the different cohorts. A lower adherence to screening was found in the midwifery led model of care (MMC, 68.76%, n = 7232) when compared with the non‐midwifery led model of care (NMMC, 90.49%, n = 10,767). Over the 5 years, screening rates trended down in the MMC with stable numbers in the counterpart. Adherence in relation to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis revealed discrepant findings between the study groups. Conclusion Adherence to screening and management guidelines of maternal GBS colonization in pregnancy is lower within the MMC when compared with the NMMC. Impact This is the first cohort study to describe the adherence to the recommended Western Australian GBS screening guidelines in the two different models of care. Findings may assist in the guidance and improvement of clinical protocols as well as the planning of clinical care in relation to GBS screening to reduce the risk of neonatal GBS infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Pangerl
- King Edward Memorial Hospital Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Deborah Sundin
- Edith Cowan University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Sadie Geraghty
- The University of Notre Dame Australia Fremantle Western Australia Australia
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Csep A, Vaida LL, Negruțiu BM, Todor BI, Judea-Pusta CT, Buhaș C, Sava C. Research on demographic, clinical and paraclinical aspects in pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:123. [PMID: 34970346 PMCID: PMC8713168 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.11046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Toxoplasma gondii protozoan parasite. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of acute toxoplasmosis or its presence in the medical history of 240 pregnant women, depending on age and geographical background. The second purpose was to analyze several medical aspects (clinical and paraclinical) in pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis. The study identified several serological changes including positive toxoplasma IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies. The chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) method was used to detect T. gondii-specific IgM and IgG antibodies and the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) method to detect T. gondii-specific IgA antibodies. Of the 96 pregnant women (40%) infected with T. gondii, approximately 1/3 had acquired acute infection and 2/3 had a history of prior acute infection (P<0.0001). No statistically significant differences according to age groups (P=0.9384) were found in terms of serological profile. The number of patients with negative serology was significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas (P<0.0001). The highest incidence among the pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis with a single chain of ganglia affected was represented by those with the involvement of cervical lymph nodes (75%), the difference compared to the involvement of other chains of ganglia being statistically significant (P=0.0087). All 35 pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis tested positive for T. gondii-specific IgM antibodies. Most pregnant women with acute T. gondii infection (57.1%) tested negative for T. gondii-specific IgM antibody serum titres within 3-6 months of presentation. The difference compared to other intervals from the moment pregnant women sought care was statistically significant (P=00002). Only 80% of all pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis tested positive for T. gondii-specific IgA antibodies. Pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis have a 3.3 times higher risk of pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Csep
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Luminița Ligia Vaida
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Bianca-Maria Negruțiu
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Bianca Ioana Todor
- Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Claudia Teodora Judea-Pusta
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Camelia Buhaș
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Cristian Sava
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
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Makinde O, Okusanya BO, Osanyin G. Group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization in pregnant women living with HIV infection: prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility at HIV referral centers in Lagos, Nigeria. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:9098-9104. [PMID: 34894995 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.2015575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization of the genital tract is often asymptomatic yet associated with increased risks of maternal and neonatal morbidity especially amongst women living with HIV infection. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of GBS colonization of the genital tract in women living with HIV infection and antibiotic susceptibility of GBS in the genital tract. METHOD This cross-sectional study recruited 244 pregnant women (122 women living with HIV infection and 122 HIV-uninfected women) between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. GBS colonization was determined by collecting lower vaginal and anal swabs at recruitment. Swabs were cultured in Todd Hewitt's broth and confirmed by Christie, Atkins, and Munch-Peterson (CAMP) test. Most recent CD4 count and viral load estimates were retrieved from the women's records. Maternal and neonatal outcomes and antibiotic susceptibility were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed at 95% confidence interval at a statistical significance of p < .005. RESULTS The prevalence of GBS colonization of the genital tract in all participants was 3.3%; GBS was isolated in 4 (3.3%) of 122 pregnant women living with HIV. No woman with a GBS-colonized genital tract developed puerperal sepsis and no neonatal infection occurred in neonates born to GBS-positive women, irrespective of HIV infection status. In women living with HIV, GBS isolate was resistant to Ampicillin (100%), Ceftriaxone (100%), Vancomycin (100%), yet partially sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (50%). CONCLUSION Pregnant women living with HIV do not have an increased risk of genital GBS colonization. Vaginal GBS colonization was not associated with an adverse perinatal outcome. Antibiotic use for GBS colonization should be based on sensitivity pattern and not empiric.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Makinde
- SouthShore Women's Clinic, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - B O Okusanya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - G Osanyin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
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TROMBETTA CLAUDIAMARIA, VIVIANI SIMONETTA, MONTOMOLI EMANUELE, MARCHI SERENA. Seroprevalence of antibodies to cytomegalovirus in pregnant women in the Apulia region (Italy). JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2021; 62:E372-E376. [PMID: 34604575 PMCID: PMC8451340 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2021.62.2.1800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Cytomegalovirus is ubiquitous and easily transmitted by contact. Following the first infection, the virus becomes latent and periodic reactivation could occur due to immunosuppression. If the infection is acquired in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, the foetal consequences could be serious. The present study was conducted to assess the serological profile of pregnant women with respect to cytomegalovirus in Apulia from 2016 to 2019. Methods Serum samples were tested by commercial ELISA kit for the detection of specific IgM and IgG antibodies against cytomegalovirus. Results The data showed that most of the pregnant women (70.8%), especially those of ≥ 40 years of age (80.6%), has antibodies against cytomegalovirus, though these do not confer fully protective immunity against infection by different strains nor can prevent the re-activation of the latent one. Conversely, most of the youngest women are seronegative (44.4% in women < 25 years of age) and vulnerable during pregnancy. Conclusions Currently, cytomegalovirus screening for pregnant women is not mandatory in Italy. Considering that congenital cytomegalovirus is the leading non-genetic cause of sensorineural hearing loss, it would be extremely useful and cost-saving to screen women of childbearing age and women at early stage of pregnancy for cytomegalovirus infection in addition to increase awareness of cytomegalovirus infection and consequences among pregnant women, health care workers and the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- CLAUDIA MARIA TROMBETTA
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: Claudia Maria Trombetta, Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy - E-mail:
| | - SIMONETTA VIVIANI
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - EMANUELE MONTOMOLI
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi srl, Siena, Italy
| | - SERENA MARCHI
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Dhillon P, Kaur I, Singh K. Pregnancy-induced hypertension: Role of drug therapy and nutrition in the management of hypertension. PHARMANUTRITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phanu.2021.100251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Fanigliulo D, Marchi S, Montomoli E, Trombetta CM. Toxoplasma gondii in women of childbearing age and during pregnancy: seroprevalence study in Central and Southern Italy from 2013 to 2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:2. [PMID: 31934847 PMCID: PMC6959136 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide health problem. Infection in pregnant women can result in severe fetal morbidity or in subclinical neonatal infection; most subclinical cases develop ocular and neurological sequelae. The purpose of this serological study was to assess the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in two populations of women of childbearing age in Siena (Tuscany, Central Italy) and Bari (Apulia, Southern Italy) between 2013 and 2017 and in a group of pregnant women in Bari in 2016–2017. Serum samples were tested for the presence of specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies by a commercially available ELISA test. The percentage of seropositive subjects in Bari was significantly higher than in Siena (22.4% vs. 12.4%) and an age-related trend was observed. A low prevalence of T. gondii infection (13.8%) was observed among the pregnant women tested. In addition to showing a significant difference between Central and Southern Italy, this study provides updated data on T. gondii seroprevalence in women during childbearing age and pregnancy. The results confirm a trend toward a decrease, especially in younger people and pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fanigliulo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Serena Marchi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy - VisMederi S.r.l., Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo, 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Maria Trombetta
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena, Italy
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