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Fadel EF, EL-Hady HA, Ahmed AM, Tolba MEM. Molecular diagnosis of human toxoplasmosis: the state of the art. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:201-216. [PMID: 38840888 PMCID: PMC11147977 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01667-1] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis. Approximately one-third of the world's population is currently T. gondii-seropositive. Although most infections are symptomless, a few can produce retinal lesions and, in immunocompromised persons or when congenitally contracted, can progress to life-threatening central nervous system disseminated infections. Therefore, quick, and precise diagnosis is a must. Molecular techniques nowadays play a crucial role in toxoplasmosis diagnosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients or congenital toxoplasmosis. This review aimed to detail recent advancements in molecular diagnostics of T. gondii infections. The terms "Toxoplasmosis," "Molecular diagnostics," "PCR," "qPCR," "B1," and "rep529" were used to search the English-language literature. In developed nations, conventional PCR (PCR) and nested PCR have been supplanted by quantitative PCR (qPCR), although they are still widely employed in poor nations. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis has been revolutionized by the emergence of molecular diagnostics. Unfortunately, there is still substantial interlaboratory variability. There is an immediate need for standardization to increase the comparability of results between laboratories and clinical trials. Graphical abstract A graphical abstract highlighting the summary of Toxoplasma molecular diagnostics, created using Biorender.com.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Fathi Fadel
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Hanaa Ahmed EL-Hady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Amal Mostafa Ahmed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Essa Marghany Tolba
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khaled University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Rocha-Cadman X, Revilla AR, Cadman K, Root JC. Hemichorea-hemiballismus associated with a case of cerebral toxoplasmosis in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:623-625. [PMID: 38314508 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951524000105] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Due to their immunocompromised state, recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs) are at a higher risk of opportunistic infections, such as that of toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a rare but mortal infection that can cause severe neurological symptoms, including confusion. In immunosuppressed individuals, such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), toxoplasmosis can cause movement disorders, including hemichorea-hemiballismus. We present the case of a 54-year-old Caucasian male with a history of hypertension and JAK-2-negative primary myelofibrosis who underwent an allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant from a related donor. After the development of acute changes in mental status, left-sided weakness, and left-sided hemichorea-hemiballismus post-transplant, the patient was readmitted to the hospital. Subsequent testing included an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, which revealed multiple ring-enhancing lesions around the thalami and basal ganglia, as well as a cerebrospinal fluid tap that tested positive for toxoplasmosis. The patient was initially treated with intravenous clindamycin and oral pyrimethamine with leucovorin. The completion of treatment improved the patient's mental status but did not improve his hemichorea-hemiballismus. This case illustrates an uncommon complication associated with central nervous system (CNS) toxoplasmosis in stem cell transplant recipients. Due to its rarity, cerebral toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients often remains undetected, particularly in HSCT patients who are immunosuppressed to improve engraftment. Neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms due to toxoplasmosis may be misidentified as psychiatric morbidities, delaying appropriate treatment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays offer methods that are sensitive and specific to detecting toxoplasmosis and provide opportunities for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiomara Rocha-Cadman
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Amanda R Revilla
- City of Hope Observership Program, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Karla Cadman
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - James C Root
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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3
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Lv Q, Cao Y, Wang J, Meng L, Wang G. Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing May be a Tool for Timely Diagnosis of Seronegative and Primary Toxoplasma Infection After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Report and Literature Review. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43:155-159. [PMID: 38190489 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
We report a case of Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ) antibody seronegativity in a 14-year-old boy with a primary infection of T. gondii after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia who was rapidly diagnosed through metagenomic next-generation sequencing of peripheral blood as well as clinical manifestations. He was successfully cured with timely administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole due to early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Lv
- From the Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hematology, The Peoples Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Cao
- From the Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jue Wang
- From the Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Meng
- From the Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaoxiang Wang
- From the Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Fietz SA, Grochow T, Schares G, Töpfer T, Heilmann RM. Fulminant Pneumonia Due to Reactivation of Latent Toxoplasmosis in a Cat-A Case Report. Pathogens 2023; 13:7. [PMID: 38276153 PMCID: PMC10818954 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010007] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma (T.) gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with felids, including domestic cats, as definitive hosts. In immunocompetent individuals, T. gondii infection is usually asymptomatic. However, under immunosuppression, it may have severe pathological impacts, which often result from the reactivation of a chronic infection. In this case study, a 21-month-old female domestic shorthair cat-diagnosed with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia three months prior and treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone-presented with acute tachypnea, dyspnea, diarrhea, and anorexia. Thoracic radiography suggested severe pneumonia. Testing for Mycoplasma spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and lungworm infection was negative. Serology for T. gondii revealed seroconversion of IgG, but not of IgM, indicating previous exposure to T. gondii. The cat remained stable but tachypneic for three days, followed by an acute onset of dyspnea and clinical deterioration, after which euthanasia was elected. Numerous protozoa were present in a postmortem transtracheal bronchoalveolar lavage and fine-needle aspiration of the lung. Microsatellite typing classified the extracted DNA as T. gondii type II variant TgM-A. This case demonstrates that T. gondii reactivation, leading to fulminant pneumonia, can be a sequela of immunosuppressive treatment in cats and should, therefore, be considered as a differential diagnosis in immunosuppressed cats with acute-onset respiratory signs. Rapid diagnosis may prevent fatal consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone A. Fietz
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, DE-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (S.A.F.); (T.G.)
| | - Thomas Grochow
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, DE-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (S.A.F.); (T.G.)
| | - Gereon Schares
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, DE-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Tanja Töpfer
- Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, DE-04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Romy M. Heilmann
- Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, DE-04103 Leipzig, Germany;
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Yu CW, Zhu XF, Huang C, Meng HD, Cao XG. Case report: A toxoplasmic encephalitis in an immunocompromised child detected through metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1247233. [PMID: 37841727 PMCID: PMC10569600 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1247233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
There exist numerous pathogens that are capable of causing infections within the central nervous system (CNS); however, conventional detection and analysis methods prove to be challenging. Clinical diagnosis of CNS infections often depends on clinical characteristics, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, imaging, and molecular detection assays. Unfortunately, these methods can be both insensitive and time consuming, which can lead to missed diagnoses and catastrophic outcomes, especially in the case of infrequent diseases. Despite the application of appropriate prophylactic regimens and evidence-based antimicrobial agents, CNS infections continue to result in significant morbidity and mortality in hospital settings. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a novel tool that enables the identification of thousands of pathogens in a target-independent manner in a single run. The role of this innovative detection method in clinical pathogen diagnostics has matured over time. In this particular research, clinicians employed mNGS to investigate a suspected CNS infection in a child with leukemia, and unexpectedly detected Toxoplasma gondii. Case A 3-year-old child diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma was admitted to our hospital due to a 2-day history of fever and headache, along with 1 day of altered consciousness. Upon admission, the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score was 14. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple abnormal signals. Due to the patient's atypical clinical symptoms and laboratory test results, determining the etiology and treatment plan was difficulty.Subsequently, the patient underwent next-generation sequencing examination of cerebrospinal fluid. The following day, the results indicated the presence of Toxoplasma gondii. The patient received treatment with a combination of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) and azithromycin. After approximately 7 days, the patient's symptoms significantly improved, and they were discharged from the hospital with oral medication to continue at home. A follow-up polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing after about 6 weeks revealed the absence of Toxoplasma. Conclusion This case highlights the potential of mNGS as an effective method for detecting toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE). Since mNGS can identify thousands of pathogens in a single run, it may be a promising detection method for investigating the causative pathogens of central nervous system infections with atypical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang-Wei Yu
- Department of Emergency Intensive Care Unit, TaiHe County People’s Hospital, Fuyan, China
| | - Xiong-Feng Zhu
- Department of Emergency Emergency Internal Medicine Department, The Third People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, China
| | - Chongjian Huang
- Department of Emergency Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei, China
| | - Hua-Dong Meng
- Department of Emergency Intensive Care Unit, The Third Affiliated Hospital of AnhuiMedical University (The First People's Hospital of Hefei), Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Guang Cao
- Department of Emergency Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Hefei, China
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Rodrigues AA, Reis SS, Moraes EDS, do Nascimento Araújo EMA, Zanine ADM, Nascimento TVC, Garcia JL, da Cunha IAL. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in goats. Acta Trop 2022; 230:106411. [PMID: 35304123 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was evaluate to seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in goats worldwide and the main risk factors associated from 2000 to 2020, through meta-analysis with 55,317 goats from 75 reports published in seven electronic databases of major global importance. A global seroprevalence detected was 27.49% (95% CI 24.15-30.95; I2 = 99%), with the lowest percentage in Asia (20.74%; 95% CI 16.45-25.39) and highest in Central America (62.15%; 95% CI 57.28-66.90) and Europe (31.53%; 95% CI 21.71-42.26). The seropositivity in Africa and South America were (29.41%; 95% CI 19.11-40.89) and (29.76%; 95% CI 25.84-33.83), respectively. The seroprevalence was associated with presence of cats (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.30-3.82), goats older than one year (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1, 37-2.29), females (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.23-1.65), rearing system (extensive vs. intensive) (OR 4.82; 95% CI 1.96-11, 84) and rearing system (semi-intensive vs. intensive) (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.48-6.13). The heterogeneity was evidenced in most world regions and the risk factors may play roles in varying the seroprevalence.
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Kalogeropoulos D, Sakkas H, Mohammed B, Vartholomatos G, Malamos K, Sreekantam S, Kanavaros P, Kalogeropoulos C. Ocular toxoplasmosis: a review of the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Int Ophthalmol 2022; 42:295-321. [PMID: 34370174 PMCID: PMC8351587 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-01994-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review aims to summarize the current knowledge concerning the clinical features, diagnostic work-up and therapeutic approach of ocular toxoplasmosis focusing mainly on the postnatally acquired form of the disease. METHODS A meticulous literature search was performed in the PubMed database. A supplementary search was made in Google Scholar to complete the collected items. RESULTS Ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the most frequent infectious etiologies of posterior uveitis. It typically presents with retinochoroiditis. Setting an accurate diagnosis depends to a considerable degree on detecting characteristic clinical characteristics. In addition to the evaluation of clinical features, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis relies at a large degree on serologic testing. The detection of the parasite DNA in the aqueous or vitreous humor can provide evidence for a definitive diagnosis. The current mainstay for the treatment, if necessary, is the use of oral antibiotic with systemic corticosteroids. Recent evidence suggests other therapeutic approaches, such as intravitreal antibiotics can be used. CONCLUSION Recent developments in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach have contributed to preventing or limiting vision loss of patients suffering from ocular toxoplasmosis. Further studies are required to provide a better understanding of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment with a significant impact on the management of this challenging clinical entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Hercules Sakkas
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Vartholomatos
- Hematology Laboratory, Unit of Molecular Biology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Malamos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Panagiotis Kanavaros
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chris Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Stavros Niarchos Ave, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
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Murakami D, Maki H, Matsuda K, Masamoto Y, Suzuki F, Amemiya S, Osawa K, Hinata M, Ikemura M, Ushiku T, Kurokawa M. Cerebral toxoplasmosis complicating lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma in partial remission. J Infect Chemother 2021; 28:279-282. [PMID: 34580008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii can develop toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) in immunodeficient conditions such as AIDS and after organ transplantation. While some cases of TE with malignant lymphoma were reported, these cases occurred immediately after chemotherapy or when their diseases were active. Here we report the first Case of TE that occurred in patient who was in partial remission (PR) of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) for two years. A 76-year-old man was referred to our institute because of disturbance of consciousness, right arm weakness and paresthesia. A computed tomography (CT) scan detected multiple nodules in his brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head detected multiple gadolinium-enhancing parenchymal lesions with hyperintense signals on T2-and diffusion-weighted images, located in both cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. Blood test and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were unremarkable. His rapidly deteriorating consciousness precluded a chance of brain biopsy. Considering the limited efficacy of antimicrobials and the imaging findings that could be compatible with the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma, we suspected central nerve system (CNS) recurrence of LPL. Although chemotherapy was initiated, he died of respiratory failure just after chemotherapy. A pathological autopsy showed his cause of death was TE. To our knowledge, this is the first case of TE in long-term PR of malignant lymphoma. TE should be suspected when patients with malignant lymphoma present unexplained neurologic symptoms regardless of their treatment efficacy of lymphoma. (226/250 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Murakami
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Maki
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kensuke Matsuda
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yosuke Masamoto
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Fumio Suzuki
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shiori Amemiya
- Department of Radiology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Osawa
- Department of Pathology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Munetoshi Hinata
- Department of Pathology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Masako Ikemura
- Department of Pathology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mineo Kurokawa
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan; Department of Cell Therapy and Transplantation Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
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Brewer D, MacMillan ML, Schleiss MR, Ayuthaya SIN, Young JA, Ebens CL. Detection and treatment of cerebral toxoplasmosis in an aplastic pediatric post-allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant patient: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:941. [PMID: 34507535 PMCID: PMC8434744 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06650-2] [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: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral toxoplasmosis infection presents with non-specific neurologic symptoms in immunocompromised patients. With lack of measurable adaptive immune responses and reluctance to sample affected brain tissue, expedient diagnosis to guide directed treatment is often delayed. CASE PRESENTATION We describe the use of cerebrospinal fluid polymerase chain reaction and plasma cell-free DNA technologies to supplement neuroimaging in the diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis in an immunocompromised pediatric patient following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for idiopathic severe aplastic anemia. Successful cerebral toxoplasmosis treatment included antibiotic therapy for 1 year following restoration of cellular immunity with an allogeneic stem cell boost. CONCLUSIONS Plasma cell-free DNA technology provides a non-invasive method of rapid diagnosis, improving the likelihood of survival from often lethal opportunistic infection in a high risk, immunocompromised patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Brewer
- Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Margaret L MacMillan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mark R Schleiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Jo-Anne Young
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christen L Ebens
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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Robert MG, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Garnaud C, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Pelloux H. Molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis: recent advances and a look to the future. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1529-1542. [PMID: 34112045 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1941867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic infection that can be particularly severe when opportunistic or congenital. Its diagnosis requires accurate and rapid techniques that rely mainly on serology and molecular methods. AREAS COVERED The aim of this review was to discuss the positioning of the molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis according to the different clinical situations possibly resulting from infection with T. gondii, and to detail recent developments in this technique. The English and French literature were searched with the following keywords: 'Toxoplasmosis', "Molecular diagnosis" and 'PCR'. EXPERT OPINION Molecular techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, and practices have considerably evolved over the past decades. However, there is still a high degree of inter-laboratory heterogeneity which impairs comparisons between results and studies. Efforts to standardize practices are underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gladys Robert
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), Grenoble, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Brenier-Pinchart
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), Grenoble, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose - Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
| | - Cécile Garnaud
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble INP, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Hervé Pelloux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), Grenoble, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose - Pôle Biologie Moléculaire, France
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11
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Multicenter Comparative Assessment of the TIB MolBiol Toxoplasma gondii Detection Kit and Four Laboratory-Developed PCR Assays for Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis. J Mol Diagn 2021; 23:1000-1006. [PMID: 34082073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis can be a life-threatening infection, particularly during pregnancy and in immunocompromised patients. The biological diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is challenging and has been revolutionized by molecular detection methods. This article summarizes the data of a multicenter study involving four centers to assess the performances of a commercial PCR assay as compared with four in-house PCR assays using Toxoplasma gondii standards, 20 external quality control specimens, and 133 clinical samples. This clinical cohort includes well-characterized clinical samples corresponding to different clinical situations: confirmed congenital toxoplasmosis (44 samples), toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients (25 samples), and chorioretinitis (5 samples). Furthermore, 59 samples from patients without toxoplasmosis were included as negative controls. The analytical sensitivities of the five methods tested were very similar; and the limit of Toxoplasma DNA detection was around 0.01 T. gondii genome per reaction for all the methods. The overall concordance between the commercial PCR and the four in-house PCR assays was 97.7% (130/133). The clinical sensitivity and specificity were >98% and could be increased for the commercial kit when PCR was performed in multiplicate to detect low parasitic loads. In conclusion, the commercial PCR assay shows suitable performances to diagnose the different clinical forms of toxoplasmosis.
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12
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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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13
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Abdel-Magied AA, Ghorab DS, Elhenawy AA, Aboulfotouh NI. Immunological, histopathological, and ultrastructural evidence of steroid-induced reactivation of chronic murine toxoplasmosis. Ultrastruct Pathol 2020; 45:28-36. [PMID: 33377812 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2020.1858213] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We developed a model of steroid-induced reactivation of chronic murine toxoplasmosis to mirror similar effects of steroids or other immunosuppressants in infected humans. Immunological, histopathological, and ultrastructural parameters were reported. Prior to steroid administration, mice were infected with 10 cysts of the Me49 strain of Toxoplasma gondii. Mice were treated with dexamethasone (DXM, 2.5 mg/kg/day in drinking water), alone or combined with Solu-Cortef (SOLU, 50 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection 3 times a week) for 7 weeks or left untreated as control. Histopathological changes and ultrastructural effects of steroids on the course of chronic toxoplasmosis were recorded. By electron microscopy, the brains of infected combined treated mice showed an increase in number of tachyzoites and bradyzoites, degeneration, and necrosis of neural cells and hydropic degeneration besides the observed rupture of toxoplasma cysts releasing free tachyzoites in brain tissue. DXM+SOLU-combined treatment also significantly increased mortality, mean brain cyst count as compared to infected untreated mice (P = .01 and). Moreover, 3/12 (25%) treated animals developed clinical signs of toxoplasmic encephalitis. This simple model of drug-induced reactivation of chronic toxoplasmosis permits investigation of host-parasite interaction and may be used for the evaluation of chemotherapeutics in immunocompromised infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Doaa S Ghorab
- Pathology Department, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Abeer A Elhenawy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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14
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Lee M, Sethi K, Guy E. Toxoplasmosis: An overlooked cause of confusion in a patient with myasthenia gravis. CLINICAL INFECTION IN PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinpr.2020.100022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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15
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Canfield GS, Reingold S, Ho A, Thor AD, Pecen PE, DeSanto K, Chastain DB, Franco-Paredes C, Castillo-Mancilla JR, Henao-Martinez AF. AIDS-related Cryptococcus neoformans choroiditis. IDCases 2020; 22:e00931. [PMID: 32884904 PMCID: PMC7452429 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e00931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a case of Cryptococcal choroiditis in a person with advanced HIV/AIDS. A 29-year-old male with AIDS presented with fever, photophobia, and ataxia secondary to cryptococcal and toxoplasma meningoencephalitis. Dilated fundoscopic examination revealed bilateral and multifocal posterior infiltrates consistent with cryptococcal choroiditis. Treatment with parenteral and intravitreal liposomal amphotericin B, oral flucytosine, and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole led to resolution of his symptoms and improvement in his vision. Our case documents a rare, intraocular opportunistic infection and highlights the importance of ophthalmologic examination in immunocompromised hosts with visual symptoms and invasive fungal infection. We discuss diagnostic and treatment considerations in cryptococcal choroiditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S Canfield
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Sarah Reingold
- Division of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Division of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Andrea Ho
- Division of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ann D Thor
- Division of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Paula E Pecen
- Division of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Kristen DeSanto
- Health Sciences Library, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Daniel B Chastain
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Albany, GA, United States
| | - Carlos Franco-Paredes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jose R Castillo-Mancilla
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Andrés F Henao-Martinez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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16
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de-la-Torre A, Gómez-Marín J. Disease of the Year 2019: Ocular Toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected Patients. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2020; 28:1031-1039. [PMID: 32162993 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2020.1735450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) may be an initial manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. OT has different clinical manifestations and can mimic other intraocular infections. Clinical findings may show single or multifocal retinochoroidal lesions or panuveitis. Atypical presentations are associated with extensive uni- or bilateral areas of retinal necrosis. OT lesions not associated with preexisting retinochoroidal scars are usually due to acquired rather than congenital infection. When CD4+ T cell counts are <100 c/uL, vitritis is frequently mild. Isolated anterior uveitis has been reported in single cases. Positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies are rare but their presence can support the diagnosis. As atypical presentations of OT are common, anterior chamber puncture for multiplex polymerase chain reaction amplification of infectious DNA should be considered, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent massive tissue destruction and preserve vision. This review provides an overview of OT in HIV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra de-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencia (Neuros), Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario , Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge Gómez-Marín
- Gepamol. Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío , Armenia, Q, Colombia
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17
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Is Real-Time PCR Targeting Rep 529 Suitable for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Patients Infected with Non-Type II Strains in North America? J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01223-19. [PMID: 31694976 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01223-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii DNA detection is essential to antenatally diagnose a congenital infection and reactivation of a past infection in an immunocompromised patient. Initially, PCR methods targeted the 35-fold repetitive B1 gene, and more recently, coding sequence Rep 529 has been preferred, as it was reported to be repeated 200- to 300-fold and yielded far better sensitivity than amplification of the B1 sequence. To date, few data are available in regard to the efficacy of Rep 529 for non-type II genotypes. In this study, we compared the results of B1 quantitative PCR (qPCR) with those of two different Rep 529 qPCRs performed on 111 samples in two different laboratories (Rep 529-1 and Rep 529-2). The performances of the 3 qPCRs were also compared according to the genotypes of the isolates for 13 type II and 21 non-type II samples. The performance of the Rep 529 target was superior to that of the B1 target regardless of the genotype (threshold cycle [CT ] values for the Rep 529-1 and Rep 529-2 qPCRs were lower than those for the B1 qPCR [P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively]). The same results were observed when a comparison was made according to the genotype of the strain (type II and non-type II genotypes). To our knowledge, these results provide the first relative quantitative data revealing that the efficiency of Rep 529 qPCR does not depend on the genotype of T. gondii isolates and that, in fact, it is superior to B1 qPCR.
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18
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Valian HK, Mirhendi H, Mohebali M, Shojaee S, Fallahi S, Jafari R, Kheirandish F, Mousavi P. Comparison of the RE-529 sequence and B1 gene for Toxoplasma gondii detection in blood samples of the at-risk seropositive cases using uracil DNA glycosylase supplemented loop-mediated isothermal amplification (UDG-LAMP) assay. Microb Pathog 2019; 140:103938. [PMID: 31862390 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is an important issue, especially in at-risk patients. The molecular methods showed a promising future for such diagnosis; however, the method itself and the target sequence to be detected is an important part of accurate detection of the infection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the RE-529 sequence and B1 gene for Toxoplasma gondii detection in blood samples of the at-risk seropositive cases using uracil DNA glycosylase supplemented loop-mediated isothermal amplification (UDG-LAMP) assay. In this study, 110 T. gondii seropositive at-risk individuals (pregnant women and immunocompromised patients) and 110 seronegative controls were enrolled. The two most studied sequences (RE-529 and B1) were used and compared for accurate and reliable detection of T. gondii in blood samples using UDG-LAMP assay and compared with real-time PCR method. The detection limit, accuracy, and reliability of UDG-LAMP for the parasite's DNA were also studied. Among 110 studied cases, 39 (35.45%) and 36 (32.7%) were positive for T. gondii DNA with the RE-LAMP and B1-LAMP, respectively. The seronegative cases remained negative for T. gondii DNA with the studied genes, however, there were few false negatives compared with real-time PCR method. The detection limit of the UDG-LAMP for both DNA targets was 0.16 tachyzoite's DNA per reaction tube. Based on the results of this study, the RE-529 sequence has a better detection rate compared to the B1 gene for toxoplasmosis among at-risk people. UDG-LAMP is a highly sensitive, accurate, and reliable method with no false-positive results for the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in blood specimens, however few cases may be missed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Keshavarz Valian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirhendi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirzad Fallahi
- Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran; Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Rasool Jafari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Farnaz Kheirandish
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Parisa Mousavi
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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19
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Komitopoulou A, Goussetis E, Oikonomopoulou C, Paisiou A, Kaisari K, Ioannidou E, Sipsas NV, Kosmidis H, Vessalas G, Peristeri I, Kitra V. Toxoplasma gondii: How fatal is it in pediatric allogeneic bone marrow transplantation setting? Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 22:e13226. [PMID: 31785038 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a disease of the immunocompetent population. However, cases of toxoplasma infection associated with immunosuppression have been reported, especially the first months after transplantation. Limited data are available about toxoplasma infection, occurring even many months post-transplant in pediatric patients with nonmalignant and malignant diseases. We report the cases of three patients with early and late disseminated toxoplasmosis and review the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Komitopoulou
- Stem Cell Transplant Unit "Agia Sofia Children's Hospital", Athens, Greece
| | - Evgenios Goussetis
- Stem Cell Transplant Unit "Agia Sofia Children's Hospital", Athens, Greece
| | | | - Anna Paisiou
- Stem Cell Transplant Unit "Agia Sofia Children's Hospital", Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Kaisari
- Stem Cell Transplant Unit "Agia Sofia Children's Hospital", Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Ioannidou
- Stem Cell Transplant Unit "Agia Sofia Children's Hospital", Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V Sipsas
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pathophysiology, Laikon General Hospital and Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Helen Kosmidis
- Pediatric Oncology Department, MITERA HOSPITAL, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Vessalas
- Stem Cell Transplant Unit "Agia Sofia Children's Hospital", Athens, Greece
| | - Ioulia Peristeri
- Stem Cell Transplant Unit "Agia Sofia Children's Hospital", Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Kitra
- Stem Cell Transplant Unit "Agia Sofia Children's Hospital", Athens, Greece
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20
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Wang JL, Li TT, Elsheikha HM, Chen K, Cong W, Yang WB, Bai MJ, Huang SY, Zhu XQ. Live Attenuated Pru:Δcdpk2 Strain of Toxoplasma gondii Protects Against Acute, Chronic, and Congenital Toxoplasmosis. J Infect Dis 2019; 218:768-777. [PMID: 29669003 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The threat of Toxoplasma gondii infection in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women necessitates the development of a safe and effective vaccine. Here, we examined the immune protection conferred by a live attenuated strain of T. gondii. Methods We tested the efficacy of intraperitoneal vaccination using 500 Ca2+-dependent protein kinase 2 (cdpk2)-deficient tachyzoites of T. gondii Pru strain against acute, chronic, and congenital toxoplasmosis in mice. The kinetics of antibody response, cytokines, and other quantifiable correlates of protection against T. gondii infection were determined. Results Vaccination with Pru:Δcdpk2 induced a high level of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G titer, type 1 T-helper (Th1) response at 28 days postvaccination, and a mixed Th1/type 2 T-helper response at 70 days postvaccination. All vaccinated mice survived a heterologous challenge with 1000 tachyzoites of RH or ToxoDB#9 (PYS or TgC7) strains. Also, vaccination protected against homologous infection with 20 T. gondii Pru cysts, and improved pregnancy outcome by reducing parasite cyst load in the brain, maintaining litter size and body weight of pups born to vaccinated dams challenged with 10 Pru cysts compared to pups born to unvaccinated dams. Conclusions The use of T. gondii Pru:Δcdpk2 mutant strain represents a promising approach to protection against acute, chronic, and congenital toxoplasmosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Lei 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Kai Chen
- 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cong
- College of Marine Science, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bin Yang
- 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, People's Republic of China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Jie Bai
- 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, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- 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, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 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, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
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21
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Al-Abodi HRJ. Use of immunological methods to the detection of toxoplasmosis and heat shock protein HSP70 in men. J Parasit Dis 2019; 43:234-239. [PMID: 31263328 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-018-01080-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a contagious infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, affecting many different body organs, and its effect varies depending on the location of the infection and the condition of the host's immune system, this study was the first experiment in Al-Qadisiyah governorate to detect toxoplasmosis and thermal shock protein in males. 200 male students between the ages of 18-23 years at University of Al-Qadisiyah were persuaded to perform the examination, the immunological method ELISA showed to presence of T. gondii in 39/200 (19.5%), (10%) positive IgG antibodies and (6%) positive for IgM, statistical analysis indicates that there are significant differences between antibody presence rates between control and infection group, due to the inaccuracy of serological tests in some cases due to the reliance on the presence of antibodies, the present study used molecular methods to examine the samples again as a step to confirmation and to reach the most accurate results, depending on the gene B1 special for the parasite by using real-time PCR technique, and the results indicated a positive proportion was 15/200 (7.5%) as modern infection, the study also assessed the level of the heat shock protein HPS70 in the positive samples of infection and showed a high concentration of HPS70 in the blood samples for infected males (28.21) ng/ml compared with control group (6.96) ng/ml, statistical analysis showed significant differences between them.
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22
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Robert-Gangneux F, Meroni V, Dupont D, Botterel F, Garcia JMA, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Accoceberry I, Akan H, Abbate I, Boggian K, Bruschi F, Carratalà J, David M, Drgona L, Djurković-Djaković O, Farinas MC, Genco F, Gkrania-Klotsas E, Groll AH, Guy E, Hirzel C, Khanna N, Kurt Ö, Junie LM, Lazzarotto T, Len O, Mueller NJ, Munoz P, Pana ZD, Roilides E, Stajner T, van Delden C, Villena I, Pelloux H, Manuel O. Toxoplasmosis in Transplant Recipients, Europe, 2010-2014. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:1497-1504. [PMID: 30014843 PMCID: PMC6056100 DOI: 10.3201/eid2408.180045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation activity is increasing, leading to a growing number of patients at risk for toxoplasmosis. We reviewed toxoplasmosis prevention practices, prevalence, and outcomes for hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT; heart, kidney, or liver) patients in Europe. We collected electronic data on the transplant population and prevention guidelines/regulations and clinical data on toxoplasmosis cases diagnosed during 2010–2014. Serologic pretransplant screening of allo-hematopoietic stem cell donors was performed in 80% of countries, screening of organ donors in 100%. SOT recipients were systematically screened in 6 countries. Targeted anti-Toxoplasma chemoprophylaxis was heterogeneous. A total of 87 toxoplasmosis cases were recorded (58 allo-HSCTs, 29 SOTs). The 6-month survival rate was lower among Toxoplasma-seropositive recipients and among allo-hematopoietic stem cell and liver recipients. Chemoprophylaxis improved outcomes for SOT recipients. Toxoplasmosis remains associated with high mortality rates among transplant recipients. Guidelines are urgently needed to standardize prophylactic regimens and optimize patient management.
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Lack of circulating toxoplasma gondii DNA in seropositive patients with bipolar or schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Psychiatry Res 2019; 273:706-711. [PMID: 31207856 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.01.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis has been previously associated with an increased risk of having Schizophrenia or Bipolar disorder in several epidemiological studies. The aim of this observational, cross-sectional study was to examine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in a cohort of Italian psychiatric inpatients and to verify the presence of circulating Toxoplasma gondii DNA in the seropositive subjects. Sixty-three patients affected by bipolar or schizoaffective disorders according to DSM-5 criteria were enrolled. The presence of Toxoplasma infection was firstly examined using an indirect serological method (ELFA), and three different direct PCR-based methods were performed to detect circulating DNA in the seropositive patients. The seroprevalence of infection was 28.6%, with a significant association between higher age and the infection status. PCR, nested-PCR and Real-Time PCR revealed no positive samples for Toxoplasma gondii. This result is in contrast with recent data from case-control studies that detected parasite genome in patients with different neuropsychiatric diagnosis without clinical evidence of acute toxoplasmosis. Our findings are to be interpreted with caution, because of the small sample size, the heterogeneity of enrolled patients and the observational nature of the study. Further studies are needed to better define the clinical features correlated to the seropositive status in neuropsychiatric patients.
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Vidal JE. HIV-Related Cerebral Toxoplasmosis Revisited: Current Concepts and Controversies of an Old Disease. J Int Assoc Provid AIDS Care 2019; 18:2325958219867315. [PMID: 31429353 PMCID: PMC6900575 DOI: 10.1177/2325958219867315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of expansive brain lesions in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and continues to cause high morbidity and mortality. The most frequent characteristics are focal subacute neurological deficits and ring-enhancing brain lesions in the basal ganglia, but the spectrum of clinical and neuroradiological manifestations is broad. Early initiation of antitoxoplasma therapy is an important feature of the diagnostic approach of expansive brain lesions in PLWHA. Pyrimethamine-based regimens and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) seem to present similar efficacy, but TMP-SMX shows potential practical advantages. The immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is uncommon in cerebral toxoplasmosis, and we now have more effective, safe, and friendly combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) options. As a consequence of these 2 variables, the initiation of cART can be performed within 2 weeks after initiation of antitoxoplasma therapy. Herein, we will review historical and current concepts of epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV-related cerebral toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ernesto Vidal
- Departamento de Neurologia, Instituto de Infectologia Emílio Ribas, São
Paulo, Brazil
- Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Hospital das Clínicas
HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Investigação Médica em Protozoologia, Bacteriologia e
Resistência Antimicrobiana (LIM 49), Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São
Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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25
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Hu Z, Weng X, Xu C, Lin Y, Cheng C, Wei H, Chen W. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing as a diagnostic tool for toxoplasmic encephalitis. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2018; 17:45. [PMID: 30587202 PMCID: PMC6305995 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-018-0298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 100 different pathogens can cause encephalitis. Testing of all the neurological pathogens by conventional methods can be difficult. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS) could identify the infectious agents in a target-independent manner. The role of this novel method in clinical diagnostic microbiology still needs to be evaluated. In present study, we used metagenomic NGS to search for an infectious etiology in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient with lethally diffuse brain lesions. Sequences mapping to Toxoplasma gondii were unexpectedly detected. CASE PRESENTATION A 31-year-old HIV-infected patient presented to hospital in a critical ill condition with a Glasgow coma scale score of 3. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse brain abnormalities with contrast enhancement. Metagenomic NGS was performed on DNA extract from 300 μL patient's cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with the BGISEQ-50 platform. The sequencing detection identified 65,357 sequence reads uniquely aligned to the Toxoplasma gondii genome. Presence of Toxoplasma gondii genome in CSF was further verified by Toxoplasma gondii-specific polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing. Altogether, those results confirmed the diagnosis of toxoplasmic encephalitis. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that metagenomic NGS may be a useful diagnostic tool for toxoplasmic encephalitis. As metagenomic NGS is able to identify all pathogens in a single run, it may be a promising strategy to explore the clinical causative pathogens in central nervous system infections with atypical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiliang Hu
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 1-1 Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xing Weng
- Department of Pathogen Detection Products, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Chunhua Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 1-1 Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Research and Development of Infectious Diseases, BGI-Wuhan, Wuhan, 430075, China
| | - Cong Cheng
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 1-1 Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Hongxia Wei
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 1-1 Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Clinical Research Center, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 1-1 Zhongfu Road, Nanjing, 210003, China.
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26
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Abdoli A, Barati M, Pirestani M, Dalimi A. Screening of toxoplasmosis in cancer patients: a concern. Trop Doct 2018; 49:31-34. [PMID: 30270766 DOI: 10.1177/0049475518801618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infectious disease in immunocompromised patients, including cancer patients, whose detection is by molecular and serological methods. A total of 106 blood samples from patients with different types of cancer were evaluated for anti- Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the parasite DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These were detected in 41.51% (44/106) and 0.94% (1/106), respectively, but T. gondii IgM antibody was not detected at all. These results suggest that the screening of toxoplasmosis should be considered more routinely in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- 1 Assistant professor, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,2 Assistant professor, Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mohammad Barati
- 3 Assistant professor, Infectious Diseases Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- 4 Assistant professor, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, TarbiatModares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- 5 Professor, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, TarbiatModares University, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Roux G, Varlet-Marie E, Bastien P, Sterkers Y. Evolution of Toxoplasma-PCR methods and practices: a French national survey and proposal for technical guidelines. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:701-707. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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28
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Dard C, Marty P, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Garnaud C, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Pelloux H, Pomares C. Management of toxoplasmosis in transplant recipients: an update. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2018; 16:447-460. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2018.1483721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Dard
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Cedex France
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209 - CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble France
| | - Pierre Marty
- Faculté de Médecine, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, 06202 Nice, France Université de la Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- 38043, INSERM U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Brenier-Pinchart
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Cedex France
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209 - CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble France
| | - Cécile Garnaud
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Cedex France
| | - Hélène Fricker-Hidalgo
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Cedex France
| | - Hervé Pelloux
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Cedex France
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), Team Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, INSERM U1209 - CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble France
| | - Christelle Pomares
- Faculté de Médecine, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, 06202 Nice, France Université de la Côte d’Azur, Nice, France
- 38043, INSERM U1065, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, C3M, Nice, France
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29
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El Aal AAA, Nahnoush RK, Elmallawany MA, El-Sherbiny WS, Badr MS, Nasr GM. Isothermal PCR for Feasible Molecular Diagnosis of Primary Toxoplasmosis in Women Recently Experienced Spontaneous Abortion. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2018; 6:982-987. [PMID: 29983788 PMCID: PMC6026412 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2018.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: The current study aimed to assess the practicability of a simple loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) about real-time quantitative PCR to diagnose primary toxoplasmosis among high-risk pregnant women. METHODS: Cloned Toxoplasma samples were used to calculate the analytical sensitivity while specificity was assessed using pooled DNA samples extracted from other parasitic stages. RESULTS: Both techniques showed 100% sensitivity and specificity and then applied to detect recent Toxoplasma infection in peripheral blood of 77 IgG negative women out of a total 139 women lately experienced spontaneous abortion. The 2 techniques obtained positive results in 8 samples confirming primary toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSION: Generally, LAMP assay is a simple, cost-effective molecular technique can be completed in less than half an hour to diagnose primary Toxoplasma infection. The technique can be applied in a minimally equipped laboratory by ordinary workers to screen the vulnerable groups. Further analysis using larger samples with the quantitative approach is recommended to confirm the sensitivity of this emergent molecular technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany A Abd El Aal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Medical Parasitology, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham K Nahnoush
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa A Elmallawany
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Walid S El-Sherbiny
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Badr
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Nasr
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City University, Cairo, Egypt
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30
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Evaluation of serological and molecular tests used to identify Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women attended in a public health service in São Paulo state, Brazil. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2017; 89:13-19. [PMID: 28689893 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can have severe consequences. The use of sensitive and specific serological and molecular methods is extremely important for the correct diagnosis of the disease. We compared the ELISA and ELFA serological methods, conventional PCR (cPCR), Nested PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women without clinical suspicion of toxoplasmosis (G1=94) and with clinical suspicion of toxoplasmosis (G2=53). The results were compared using the Kappa index, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. The results of the serological methods showed concordance between the ELISA and ELFA methods even though ELFA identified more positive cases than ELISA. Molecular methods were discrepant with cPCR using B22/23 primers having greater sensitivity and lower specificity compared to the other molecular methods.
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31
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Shen B, Yuan Y, Cheng J, Pan M, Xia N, Zhang W, Wang Y, Zhou Y, Zhao J. Activation of chronic toxoplasmosis by transportation stress in a mouse model. Oncotarget 2016; 7:87351-87360. [PMID: 27895319 PMCID: PMC5349993 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite infecting 25% of the world population and enormous number of animals. It can exist in two forms in intermediate hosts: the fast replicating tachyzoites responsible for acute infection and the slowly replicating bradyzoites responsible for life-long chronic infection. The interconversion between tachyzoites and bradyzoites plays critical roles in the transmission and pathogenesis of T. gondii. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern the interconversion are largely unknown. In this study, we established a chronic infection model in mice and examined the impact of transportation stress on the status of chronic infection. Our results demonstrated that, treating chronically infected mice with conditions mimicking transportation stress reduced the levels of several key cytokines that restrict the infection at chronic stage. Increased expression of the tachyzoite specific gene SAG1 (surface antigen 1) was detected in brain cysts of stress treated mice, indicating activation and conversion of bradyzoites to tachyzoites. Using this model, we identified fifteen toxoplasmic proteins that had significant abundance changes during stress induced cysts reactivation. These proteins serve as a basis for further investigation of the mechanisms governing bradyzoite conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jianxi Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ningbo Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
| | - Weichao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yanqin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
- Hubei Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
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