1
|
Bellur S, Ali A, Nguyen NV, Fernandes JK, Kodati S. Central retinal vein occlusion associated with Bartonella henselae infection. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect 2023; 13:14. [PMID: 36977910 PMCID: PMC10050272 DOI: 10.1186/s12348-023-00334-5] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report the clinical features and treatment course of a case of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) as the initial sign of ocular Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) infection. OBSERVATION A 36-year-old male was evaluated for unilateral vision loss. He denied prodromal symptoms but reported prior exposure to fleas. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/400 in the left eye. Clinical examination revealed a CRVO with atypical features including significant peripapillary exudates and peripheral vascular sheathing. Laboratory testing revealed elevated B. henselae IgG titers (1:512) with no abnormalities on hypercoagulability testing. The patient was treated with doxycycline and aflibercept with an excellent clinical response and improvement in BCVA to 20/25 in the left eye two months later. CONCLUSION CRVO is a rare but sight-threatening complication of ocular bartonellosis and can be the presenting sign of infection, even in the absence of cat exposure or prodromal symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Bellur
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr, 10/10N248, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Amir Ali
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr, 10/10N248, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Nam V Nguyen
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr, 10/10N248, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Shilpa Kodati
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Dr, 10/10N248, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
S Al-Malki E. Toxoplasmosis: stages of the protozoan life cycle and risk assessment in humans and animals for an enhanced awareness and an improved socio-economic status. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:962-969. [PMID: 33424388 PMCID: PMC7783816 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite distributed globally. It causes toxoplasmosis, which is prevalent in animals, birds, and soil. T. gondii infection leads to severe pathological impacts in immunodeficient patients and congenital cases. This review indicated that high prevalence groups had close contact with cats, dogs, consumed uncooked raw fruits, meat, or vegetables and the socio-economic level noted to be one of the crucial factors that influence toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis infection is high in low-income countries and low in developed European countries. Immunosuppressed groups and pregnant women were the highly vulnerable groups. The epidemiology of the parasite enumerated various routes of infections; but consumption of T. gondii contaminated food was the major route of disease transmission. However, the role of meat and meat-producing animals on disease transmission remained unclear. Unfiltered water acts as the primary reservoir of toxoplasmosis transmission. The diagnostic methods for determining T. gondii infection are not the gold standard, and different approaches have been prescribed to analyze the infected populations based on the organs affected. Although toxoplasmosis was reported before 70 years, no appropriate solution noted to be recommended to treat this disease. Based on the present analyses, it concluded that the eradication of toxoplasmosis would be challenging from the world until people's socio-economic level is improved. The main aim of the present study was to analyze and update the disease transmission, epidemiology, and possible clinical interventions of toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esam S Al-Malki
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
A Review on the Present Advances on Studies of Toxoplasmosis in Eastern Africa. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:7135268. [PMID: 32724808 PMCID: PMC7364236 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7135268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. It was discovered over 100 years ago and is credited as the most successful parasitic organism worldwide, able to infect and multiply in all warm blooded animals including an estimated 2.3 billion people. Toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals. Infection in the developing fetus and immunocompromised individuals can cause severe clinical disease. Toxoplasmosis is also a major cause of reproductive failure in livestock. The economic impact of toxoplasmosis is believed to be substantial. Factors associated with toxoplasmosis infection have been defined. Eastern Africa region is a high-risk area mainly due to the close association of humans and livestock as well as sociocultural practices, poor environmental hygiene, and poverty. The present paper provides a narrative review of published data on toxoplasmosis in Eastern Africa.
Collapse
|
4
|
Bhikoo R, Damato EM, Guest S, Sims J. Primary Ocular Toxoplasmosis Presenting to Uveitis Services in a Non-endemic Setting. KOREAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2019; 33:514-519. [PMID: 31833248 PMCID: PMC6911785 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2019.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study sought to describe the different clinical features and presentations of primary ocular toxoplasmosis in a setting not demonstrating an outbreak of disease. METHODS This was a retrospective review of patients presenting to uveitis management services in Auckland and Hamilton, New Zealand between 2003 to 2018 with uveitis and positive toxoplasmosis immunoglobulin M serology. RESULTS We identified 16 patients with primary acquired toxoplasmosis infection and ocular involvement. The mean age was 53 years. Systemic symptoms were reported in 56% (9 / 16). Visual acuity was reduced to 20 / 30 or less in 50% of patients (8 / 16). A single focus of retinitis without a pigmented scar was the salient clinical feature in 69% (11 / 16). Optic nerve inflammation was the sole clinical finding in 19% (3 / 16). Bilateral arterial vasculitis was the sole clinical finding in 13% (2 / 16). A delay in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis of more than two weeks occurred in 38% (6 / 16) due to an initial alternative diagnosis. Antibiotic therapy was prescribed in all cases. Vision was maintained or improved in 69% (11 / 16) at the most recent follow-up visit (15 months to 10 years). Relapse occurred in 69% (11 / 16), typically within four years from the initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS Primary ocular toxoplasmosis presenting in adulthood is a relatively uncommon cause of posterior uveitis in New Zealand. This condition should be considered in any patient presenting with retinitis or optic nerve inflammation without a retinochoroidal scar. This disease tends to relapse; thus, close follow-up is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riyaz Bhikoo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Erika M Damato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Stephen Guest
- Department of Ophthalmology, Waikato District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jo Sims
- Department of Ophthalmology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Small KW, Vincent AL, Knapper CL, Shaya FS. Congenital toxoplasmosis as one phenocopy of North Carolina Macular Dystrophy (NCMD/MCDR1). Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2019; 15:100521. [PMID: 31367689 PMCID: PMC6656702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2019.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To highlight the striking similarities between the lesions of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) and North Carolina Macular Dystrophy (NCMD) using multimodal imaging including spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Observations We are comparing a case report of CT compared to that of NCMD. The case of a 64-year-old man with a lifelong history of decreased vision OD from toxoplasmosis and new onset of central retinal vein occlusion OS. Color fundus photography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA) were used as diagnostic imaging tools to demonstrate the similarities and differences between CT and NCMD. In this case, unilateral CT demonstrated a large, excavated, coloboma-like chorioretinal lesion identical to NCMD grade 3. Serology studies were positive for toxoplasmosis. The similarities of CT and NCMD grade 3 using SD-OCT are especially striking. Conclusion and importance Lesions of CT and NCMD grade 3 can appear identical on clinical exam and are indistinguishable from one another on SD-OCT. Because CT is a phenocopy of NCMD, many cases of the original NCMD family members had been misdiagnosed as CT. North Carolina Macular Dystrophy may be more common than previously realized and bilateral CT cases should be reexamined along with family members and genetic testing performed. Cases of bilateral CT actually may be NCMD cases. Now that the genetic and molecular mechanisms of NCMD are known, these may provide clues into the pathogenesis of CT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kent W Small
- Macula and Retina Institute, Los Angeles and Glendale, California, USA.,Molecular Insight Research Foundation, Los Angeles and Glendale, California, USA
| | - Andrea L Vincent
- Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand.,Eye Department, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chelsey L Knapper
- Macula and Retina Institute, Los Angeles and Glendale, California, USA.,Molecular Insight Research Foundation, Los Angeles and Glendale, California, USA
| | - Fadi S Shaya
- Macula and Retina Institute, Los Angeles and Glendale, California, USA.,Molecular Insight Research Foundation, Los Angeles and Glendale, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Toxocara Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors Among Ilam Children, West of Iran. ARCHIVES OF PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/pedinfect.81349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
7
|
Stephen S, Pradeep J, Anitharaj V, Janarthanam V. Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in voluntary blood donors of Puducherry and surrounding districts of Tamil Nadu. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:1158-1161. [PMID: 29114158 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0949-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective is to study the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in the voluntary blood donors of Puducherry and surrounding districts of Tamil Nadu. A total of 275 healthy blood donors were screened for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA test. Donor samples positive for IgM and/or IgG antibodies to T. gondii were subjected to IgG avidity ELISA. While, 54 out of 275 donors had IgG antibodies (19.66%), only one donor had IgM (0.36%) along with IgG. Among 54 IgG positive donors, only two had low avidity (3.7%), indicating recent exposure to the protozoa. Feasibility and cost effectiveness studies should be conducted throughout India to decide regarding screening of blood donors for toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selvaraj Stephen
- Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, 607403 India
| | - Jothimani Pradeep
- Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, 607403 India
| | - Velmurugan Anitharaj
- Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, 607403 India
| | - Venkatraman Janarthanam
- Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Healthy Blood Donors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sonora, Mexico. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:9597276. [PMID: 27446960 PMCID: PMC4944021 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9597276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) can be transmitted by blood transfusion. We determined the prevalence of T. gondii infection in healthy blood donors in Hermosillo city, Mexico, and the association of infection with T. gondii with the sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of blood donors. Four hundred and eight blood donors who attended two public blood banks in Hermosillo city were examined for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Of the 408 blood donors (mean age 31.77 ± 9.52; range 18–60 years old) studied, 55 (13.5%) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, and 12 (21.8%) of them were also positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity to T. gondii was associated with age (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.03–2.94; P = 0.03) and tobacco use (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.02–4.29; P = 0.04). Seropositivity to T. gondii was correlated with the number of pregnancies, deliveries, and cesarean sections. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in blood donors in Sonora is the highest reported in blood donors in northern Mexico so far. This is the first report of an association of T. gondii exposure and tobacco use. Further research to confirm this association is needed.
Collapse
|
9
|
Risk Factors for Bartonella species Infection in Blood Donors from Southeast Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004509. [PMID: 26999057 PMCID: PMC4801220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria from the genus Bartonella are emerging blood-borne bacteria, capable of causing long-lasting infection in marine and terrestrial mammals, including humans. Bartonella are generally well adapted to their main host, causing persistent infection without clinical manifestation. However, these organisms may cause severe disease in natural or accidental hosts. In humans, Bartonella species have been detected from sick patients presented with diverse disease manifestations, including cat scratch disease, trench fever, bacillary angiomatosis, endocarditis, polyarthritis, or granulomatous inflammatory disease. However, with the advances in diagnostic methods, subclinical bloodstream infection in humans has been reported, with the potential for transmission through blood transfusion been recently investigated by our group. The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with Bartonella species infection in asymptomatic blood donors presented at a major blood bank in Southeastern Brazil. Five hundred blood donors were randomly enrolled and tested for Bartonella species infection by specialized blood cultured coupled with high-sensitive PCR assays. Epidemiological questionnaires were designed to cover major potential risk factors, such as age, gender, ethnicity, contact with companion animals, livestock, or wild animals, bites from insects or animal, economical status, among other factors. Based on multivariate logistic regression, bloodstream infection with B. henselae or B. clarridgeiae was associated with cat contact (adjusted OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1–9.6) or history of tick bite (adjusted OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.3–13.4). These risk factors should be considered during donor screening, as bacteremia by these Bartonella species may not be detected by traditional laboratory screening methods, and it may be transmitted by blood transfusion. Bacteria from the genus Bartonella are capable of causing long-lasting infection. Despite the fact that these bacteria may cause several diseases such as cat scratch disease, trench fever, and infection of cardiac valves, which can be fatal, they may also cause asymptomatic infection in humans. Several blood-sucking arthropods have been suggested or confirmed as responsible for transmitting these bacteria, including sandflies, body lice, fleas, ticks, and keds. In this study, 500 asymptomatic human blood donors from Brazil were screened for infection with species of Bartonella by blood culture coupled with molecular detection and genetic sequencing, and risk factors associated with such infection were identified. In this population, contact with cats and history of tick bite were significantly associated with human infection by Bartonella species. Since laboratory screening of donated blood for the presence of Bartonella species is not generally performed by blood banks, these risk factors should be should be considered during donor screening in order to avoid transmission of Bartonella species by blood transfusion.
Collapse
|
10
|
Negri EC, Santarém VA, Rubinsky-Elefant G, Giuffrida R. Anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in an adult healthy population: serosurvey and risk factors in Southeast Brazil. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2015; 3:211-6. [PMID: 23620840 DOI: 10.1016/s2221-1691(13)60052-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the frequency of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in an adult healthy population. METHODS The study was performed by interviewing 253 blood donors, from 19 to 65 years of age, in a hematological centre in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, southeast Brazil. A survey was applied to blood donors in order to evaluate the possible factors associated to the presence of antibodies, including individual (gender and age), socioeconomic (scholarship, familial income and sanitary facilities) and habit information (contact with soil, geophagy, onycophagy and intake of raw/undercooked meat) as well as the presence of dogs or cats in the household. ELISA test was run for detection of the anti-Toxocara spp. IgG antibodies. Bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression was performed to evaluate the potential risk factors associated to seropositivity. RESULTS The overall prevalence observed in this study was 8.7% (22/253). Contact with soil was the unique risk factor associated with the presence of antibodies (P=0.017 8; OR=3.52; 95% CI=1.244-9.995). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study reinforce the necessity in promoting preventive public health measures, even for healthy adult individual, particularly those related to the deworming of pets to avoid the soil contamination, and hygiene education of the population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Cristina Negri
- Post Graduation in Animal Science Master Program/Universidade do Oeste Paulista [Unoeste], Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação, Rod. Raposo Tavares km 572, Bairro Limoeiro, 19067-175 Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pitassi LHU, de Paiva Diniz PPV, Scorpio DG, Drummond MR, Lania BG, Barjas-Castro ML, Gilioli R, Colombo S, Sowy S, Breitschwerdt EB, Nicholson WL, Velho PENF. Bartonella spp. bacteremia in blood donors from Campinas, Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003467. [PMID: 25590435 PMCID: PMC4295888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonella species are blood-borne, re-emerging organisms, capable of causing prolonged infection with diverse disease manifestations, from asymptomatic bacteremia to chronic debilitating disease and death. This pathogen can survive for over a month in stored blood. However, its prevalence among blood donors is unknown, and screening of blood supplies for this pathogen is not routinely performed. We investigated Bartonella spp. prevalence in 500 blood donors from Campinas, Brazil, based on a cross-sectional design. Blood samples were inoculated into an enrichment liquid growth medium and sub-inoculated onto blood agar. Liquid culture samples and Gram-negative isolates were tested using a genus specific ITS PCR with amplicons sequenced for species identification. Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence. B. henselae was isolated from six donors (1.2%). Sixteen donors (3.2%) were Bartonella-PCR positive after culture in liquid or on solid media, with 15 donors infected with B. henselae and one donor infected with Bartonella clarridgeiae. Antibodies against B. henselae or B. quintana were found in 16% and 32% of 500 blood donors, respectively. Serology was not associated with infection, with only three of 16 Bartonella-infected subjects seropositive for B. henselae or B. quintana. Bartonella DNA was present in the bloodstream of approximately one out of 30 donors from a major blood bank in South America. Negative serology does not rule out Bartonella spp. infection in healthy subjects. Using a combination of liquid and solid cultures, PCR, and DNA sequencing, this study documents for the first time that Bartonella spp. bacteremia occurs in asymptomatic blood donors. Our findings support further evaluation of Bartonella spp. transmission which can occur through blood transfusions. Bartonella is a genus of small bacteria with worldwide distribution, transmitted by blood-sucking insects, and is capable of causing disease in humans and animals. Some of the clinical presentations of Bartonella spp., such as cat scratch disease, trench fever, and bacillary angiomatosis are well documented; however, novel presentations have been described in the last two decades, ranging from cyclic flu-like syndrome to neurologic disease and life-threatening endocarditis. Asymptomatic human infection is possible and accidental blood transmission has been reported. Bacterium isolation is very difficult because they grow slowly and require special culture media and procedures. Serology testing poorly predicts active Bartonella infection, except in infection of cardiac valves. Therefore, diagnosis is generally challenging. However, when molecular detection techniques are coupled with special culture protocols, enhanced sensitivity and specificity can be achieved. We investigated Bartonella spp. infection prevalence in a large blood donor population and confirmed bacteremia in 1.2% of the subjects. Bloodstream infection was detected with at least three different molecular methods in 3.2% of donors. These results indicate that Bartonella is a genus of importance for transfusion medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Helena Urso Pitassi
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Diana Gerardi Scorpio
- Department of Molecular & Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marina Rovani Drummond
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Grosselli Lania
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Lourdes Barjas-Castro
- Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia (HEMOCENTRO), Department of Medicine, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rovilson Gilioli
- Laboratory of Animal Quality Control, Multidisciplinary Center of Biological Investigation (CEMIB), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Colombo
- Department of Virology, Adolfo Lutz Institute (IAL), Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stanley Sowy
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona California, United States of America
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - William L. Nicholson
- Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Musso D, Broult J, Parola P, Raoult D, Fournier PE. Absence of antibodies to Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Coxiella burnetii in Tahiti, French Polynesia. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:255. [PMID: 24885466 PMCID: PMC4022530 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Pacific islands countries and territories, very little is known about the incidence of infectious diseases due to zoonotic pathogens. To our knowledge, human infections due to Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia spp. and Bartonella spp. have never been reported in French Polynesia; and infections due to C. burnetti have been reported worldwide except in New Zealand. To evaluate the prevalence of this disease, we conducted a serosurvey among French Polynesian blood donors. METHODS The presence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against R. felis, R. typhi, R. conorii, C. burnetii, B. henselae, B. quintana, and E. chaffeensis was evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay in sera from 472 French Polynesian blood donors collected from 2011 to 2013. In addition, 178 ticks and 36 cat fleas collected in French Polynesia were also collected and tested by polymerase chain reaction to detect Rickettsia spp., B. henselae and Ehrlichia spp. RESULTS None of the blood donors had antibodies at a significant level against Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia spp. and Bartonella spp. All tested ticks and cat fleas were PCR-negative for Rickettsia spp., B. henselae, and Ehrlichia spp. CONCLUSION We cannot conclude that these pathogens are absent in French Polynesia but, if present, their prevalence is probably very low. C. burnetii has been reported worldwide except in New Zealand. It may also be absent from French Polynesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Didier Musso
- Pôle de recherche et de veille sur les maladies infectieuses émergentes, Institut Louis Malardé, Tahiti, PO Box 30, 98713 Tahiti, Polynésie française
| | - Julien Broult
- Centre de transfusion sanguine de la Polynésie française, PO Box 4530, 98713 Tahiti, Polynésie française
| | - Philippe Parola
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, CNRS7278, IRD198, Inserm U1095, Centre national de référence des rickettsies, Coxiella et Bartonella. Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-infection, Aix-Marseille université. Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, cedex 5, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, CNRS7278, IRD198, Inserm U1095, Centre national de référence des rickettsies, Coxiella et Bartonella. Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-infection, Aix-Marseille université. Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, cedex 5, France
| | - Pierre-Edouard Fournier
- Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, UM63, CNRS7278, IRD198, Inserm U1095, Centre national de référence des rickettsies, Coxiella et Bartonella. Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire Méditerranée-infection, Aix-Marseille université. Faculté de Médecine, 27 Bd jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, cedex 5, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kline K, McCarthy JS, Pearson M, Loukas A, Hotez PJ. Neglected tropical diseases of Oceania: review of their prevalence, distribution, and opportunities for control. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e1755. [PMID: 23383349 PMCID: PMC3561157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Among Oceania's population of 35 million people, the greatest number living in poverty currently live in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. These impoverished populations are at high risk for selected NTDs, including Necator americanus hookworm infection, strongyloidiasis, lymphatic filariasis (LF), balantidiasis, yaws, trachoma, leprosy, and scabies, in addition to outbreaks of dengue and other arboviral infections including Japanese encephalitis virus infection. PNG stands out for having the largest number of cases and highest prevalence for most of these NTDs. However, Australia's Aboriginal population also suffers from a range of significant NTDs. Through the Pacific Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, enormous strides have been made in eliminating LF in Oceania through programs of mass drug administration (MDA), although LF remains widespread in PNG. There are opportunities to scale up MDA for PNG's major NTDs, which could be accomplished through an integrated package that combines albendazole, ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and azithromycin, in a program of national control. Australia's Aboriginal population may benefit from appropriately integrated MDA into primary health care systems. Several emerging viral NTDs remain important threats to the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kline
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, and National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital-Baylor College of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - James S. McCarthy
- Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Pearson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, and National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital-Baylor College of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection among healthy blood donors in Taiwan. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48139. [PMID: 23133557 PMCID: PMC3484999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic, zoonotic pathogen with a worldwide distribution. There are large variations in the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in different regions of the world. Although toxoplasmosis became a notifiable communicable disease in Taiwan in 2007, little is known about its epidemiology among the general population. This cross-sectional study aimed to survey the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its risk factors among healthy blood donors in Taiwan. Through collaborating with the Taiwan Blood Services Foundation, a total of 1,783 healthy blood donors from all six-branch blood service centers participated in this study. The blood samples were tested for the presence of T. gondii antibodies and DNA using enzyme immunoassays and real-time PCR, respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information on risk factors for T. gondii infection. Of the 1,783 participants, 166 (9.3%) tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG, while 5 (0.28%) tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM. The five IgM positive donors had high avidity antibodies suggestive of past infection. No active parasitemia was detected by real-time PCR assays. Multivariate logistic regression showed that undercooked pork meat consumption (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–6.5), raw mussels consumption (adjusted OR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.5–19.1), having a cat in the household (adjusted OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2–3.2), a lower education level (adjusted OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1–2.3), and donation place in eastern Taiwan (adjusted OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.6–3.9) were independent risk factors for Toxoplasma seropositivity. These findings provide information on the seroprevalence and epidemiology of T. gondii infection among healthy blood donors in Taiwan.
Collapse
|
15
|
Furtado JM, Winthrop KL, Butler NJ, Smith JR. Ocular toxoplasmosis I: parasitology, epidemiology and public health. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2012; 41:82-94. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02821.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicholas J Butler
- Division of Ocular Immunology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Justine R Smith
- Casey Eye Institute
- Cell & Developmental Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|