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Franco PS, Scussel ACMO, Silva RJ, Araújo TE, Gonzaga HT, Marcon CF, Brito-de-Sousa JP, Diniz ALD, Paschoini MC, Barbosa BF, Martins-Filho OA, Mineo JR, Ferro EAV, Gomes AO. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis Diagnosis: Advances and Challenges. J Trop Med 2024; 2024:1514178. [PMID: 38419946 PMCID: PMC10901580 DOI: 10.1155/2024/1514178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To understand how congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) diagnosis has evolved over the years, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the kind of analysis that has been employed for CT diagnosis. Methods PubMed and Lilacs databases were used in order to access the kind of analysis that has been employed for CT diagnosis in several samples. Our search combined the following combining terms: "congenital toxoplasmosis" or "gestational toxoplasmosis" and "diagnosis" and "blood," "serum," "amniotic fluid," "placenta," or "colostrum." We extracted data on true positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative to generate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Random-effects models using MetaDTA were used for analysis. Results Sixty-five articles were included in the study aiming for comparisons (75.4%), diagnosis performance (52.3%), diagnosis improvement (32.3%), or to distinguish acute/chronic infection phases (36.9%). Amniotic fluid (AF) and placenta were used in 36.9% and 10.8% of articles, respectively, targeting parasites and/or T. gondii DNA. Blood was used in 86% of articles for enzymatic assays. Colostrum was used in one article to search for antibodies. In meta-analysis, PCR in AF showed the best performance for CT diagnosis based on the highest summary sensitivity (85.1%) and specificity (99.7%) added to lower magnitude heterogeneity. Conclusion Most of the assays being researched to diagnose CT are basically the same traditional approaches available for clinical purposes. The range in diagnostic performance and the challenges imposed by CT diagnosis indicate the need to better explore pregnancy samples in search of new possibilities for diagnostic tools. Exploring immunological markers and using bioinformatics tools and T. gondii recombinant antigens should address the research needed for a new generation of diagnostic tools to face these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Silva Franco
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Rafaela José Silva
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Thadia Evelyn Araújo
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Henrique Tomaz Gonzaga
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila Ferreira Marcon
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino, 30, Nossa Sra. da Abadia 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Pedro Brito-de-Sousa
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Angélica Lemos Debs Diniz
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Carvalho Paschoini
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino, 30, Nossa Sra. da Abadia 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino, 30, Nossa Sra. da Abadia 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
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Denis J, Lemoine JP, L'ollivier C, Deleplancque AS, Fricker Hidalgo H, Pelloux H, Pomares C, Cimon B, Paris L, Houzé S, Villena I, Villard O. Contribution of serology in congenital toxoplasmosis diagnosis: results from a 10-year French retrospective study. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0035423. [PMID: 37728898 PMCID: PMC10595068 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00354-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate different serological strategies for the postnatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) and establish a biological algorithm for CT diagnosis. The study analyzed serological data of immunoglobulins M, A, and G (IgM, IgA, IgG) performed by immunoenzymatic and compared immunological profile (CIP) assays in 668 newborns with CT diagnosis across four testing periods: P1 (D0- D10), P2 (D11-D35), P3 (D36-D45), and P4 (>D45). Forty-nine percent of the 668 CT cases were diagnosed during P1 and 34%, 4%, and 12% during P2, P3, and P4, respectively. CIP assays detected neosynthetized IgMs/IgGs in 98% of CT cases diagnosed during P1, while IgMs and IgAs were detected in 90% and 57% of CT cases diagnosed during P2 and in 88% and 67% of diagnoses made during P3, respectively. Detection of neosynthesized IgMs/IgGs, IgMs, and IgAs by immunoassay contributed to CT diagnosis in 81%, 77%, and 60% of cases, respectively. In total, 46% of serum samples were positive for all three parameters, 27% for two, and 27% for one of the three. The study recommends using the CIP assay as standard during P1 for CT diagnosis and IgM and IgA immunoassays after P1. A clinical and biological follow-up in a specialized center with a close collaboration between biologists and clinicians is highly recommended to increase the chances of early diagnosis. Overall, this study provides useful information for the development of a biological algorithm for CT diagnosis, which can aid in early detection and appropriate treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Denis
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Transrationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Coralie L'ollivier
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Deleplancque
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- CHU Lille, Parasitology Mycology Department, Lille University, Inserm, U995 - LIRIC - Lille Inflammation Research International Center, Lille, France
| | - Hélène Fricker Hidalgo
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Hervé Pelloux
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Christelle Pomares
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Parasitology-Mycology laboratory, Côte d'Azur University, INSERM 1065, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France
- Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire (C3M), U1065, Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, Nice, France
| | - Bernard Cimon
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU d'Angers, Angers, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Angers University, Brest University, IRF, SFR 4208 ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Luc Paris
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Parasitology laboratory, AP-HP Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Houzé
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Parasitology laboratory, AP-HP, Hôpital Bichat - Claude Bernard, Paris, France
- University of Paris Cité, IRD 261, MERIT, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Reims Hospital, Reims, France
- Team EA 7510, SFR CAP-SANTE, Reims Champagne Ardenne University, Reims, France
| | - Odile Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Transrationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Bollani L, Auriti C, Achille C, Garofoli F, De Rose DU, Meroni V, Salvatori G, Tzialla C. Congenital Toxoplasmosis: The State of the Art. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:894573. [PMID: 35874584 PMCID: PMC9301253 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.894573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii occurs worldwide and usually causes no symptoms. However, a primary infection of pregnant women, may infect the fetus by transplacental transmission. The risk of mother-to-child transmission depends on week of pregnancy at the time of maternal infection: it is low in the first trimester, may reach 90% in the last days of pregnancy. Inversely, however, fetal disease is more severe when infection occurs early in pregnancy than later. Systematic serologic testing in pregnant women who have no antibodies at the beginning of pregnancy, can accurately reveal active maternal infection. Therefore, the risk of fetal infection should be assessed and preventive treatment with spiramycin must be introduced as soon as possible to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, and the severity of fetal infection. When maternal infection is confirmed, prenatal diagnosis with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) on amniotic fluid is recommended. If fetal infection is certain, the maternal treatment is changed to a combination of pyrimethamine-sulfonamide and folinic acid. Congenitally infected newborns are usually asymptomatic at birth, but at risk for tardive sequelae, such as blindness. When congenital infection is evident, disease include retinochoroiditis, cerebral calcifications, hydrocephalus, neurocognitive impairment. The diagnosis of congenital infection must be confirmed at birth and management, specific therapy, and follow-up with multidisciplinary counseling, must be guaranteed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Bollani
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Auriti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus - Newborn - Infant, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian Achille
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Garofoli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Domenico Umberto De Rose
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus - Newborn - Infant, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Meroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Salvatori
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus - Newborn - Infant, "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chryssoula Tzialla
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Picone O, Fuchs F, Benoist G, Binquet C, Kieffer F, Wallon M, Wehbe K, Mandelbrot L, Villena I. Toxoplasmosis screening during pregnancy in France: Opinion of an expert panel for the CNGOF. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 49:101814. [PMID: 32428782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal screening to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis as performed in France for several decades has been questioned in view of the decreasing incidence of this infection and the cost of testing. The French College of Obstetrics and Gynecology mandated a multidisciplinary panel of experts to perform a reassessment of the screening program in accordance with international good practice. In France, about 70% of pregnant women are not immune to T. gondii, and 0.2-0.25% become infected during pregnancy. The risk of maternal-fetal transmission of infection is on average 25-29% and depends greatly on the gestational age at seroconversion. In case of fetal transmission, the outcome is livebirth in 95% of cases, with latent congenital toxoplasmosis in 90% of cases and symptomatic forms in 10% of cases, of which 1/3 are severe and 2/3 moderate. Biological techniques have satisfactory performance regarding serologies for the diagnosis of maternal infections and PCR on amniotic fluid for the prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Primary prevention of toxoplasmosis is based on hygiene measures that are relatively simple, but poorly implemented. In case of maternal seroconversion, there is a strong case for prenatal prophylactic treatment as soon as possible (ideally within 3 weeks of seroconversion), spiramycin before 14 weeks of gestation (WG), and with a tendency to superiority of the pyrimethamine/sulfadiazine association over spiramycin beyond 14 W G, in order to reduce the risk of symptomatic congenital toxoplasmosis. In case of congenital toxoplasmosis, prompt initiation of treatment reduces the occurrence of cerebral signs and symptoms, as well as retinal lesions. Several medico-economic evaluations of the French toxoplasmosis screening program have been conducted including an individual cost-effectiveness approach with decision analysis which concluded on the profitability of prenatal screening as carried out in France (monthly surveillance of seronegative women, prenatal treatment in case of seroconversion, termination of pregnancy in severe forms). Though most international societies do not recommend systematic screening for mainly financial reasons, if congenital toxoplasmosis appears benign in France today, it is probably thanks to screening and the possibility of early treatment of fetuses and/or newborns. Thus, the panel recommends continuing for now the program in France for prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Picone
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Colombes, France; Université de Paris; Inserm IAME-U1137, Paris, France; FHU PREMA; Groupe de Recherche sur les Infections pendant la grossesse (GRIG)
| | - Florent Fuchs
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique CHU de Montpellier, Hopital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France; Inserm, CESP Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations, U1018, Reproduction et Développement de l'enfant, 94807 Villejuif, France; EA2415: Aide à la décision médicale Personnalisée, Axe B: Méthode en épidémiologie Clinique, Université de Montpellier
| | | | - Christine Binquet
- Inserm, CIC1432, module Epidémiologie Clinique, Dijon, France; CHU Dijon-Bourgogne, Centre d'Investigation Clinique, Module Epidémiologie Clinique/Essais Cliniques, Dijon, France
| | - François Kieffer
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de néonatologie, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Martine Wallon
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Service de Parasitologie - Mycologie Médicale, Lyon, France; Université Lyon-1, Equipe Waking, Physiologie Intégrée du Système d'éveil, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon (INSERM U1028 - CNRS UMR 5292), Bron, France
| | - Karl Wehbe
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Mandelbrot
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Colombes, France; Université de Paris; Inserm IAME-U1137, Paris, France; FHU PREMA; Groupe de Recherche sur les Infections pendant la grossesse (GRIG)
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Université Reims Champagne -Ardenne, EA7510 et Centre National de Référence de la Toxoplasmose, Centre de Ressources Biologiques Toxoplasma, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Reims, France
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Performance of Zika Assays in the Context of Toxoplasma gondii, Parvovirus B19, Rubella Virus, and Cytomegalovirus (TORCH) Diagnostic Assays. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 33:33/1/e00130-18. [PMID: 31826871 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00130-18] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections during pregnancy that may cause congenital abnormalities have been recognized for decades, but their diagnosis is challenging. This was again illustrated with the emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV), highlighting the inherent difficulties in estimating the extent of pre- and postnatal ZIKV complications because of the difficulties in establishing definitive diagnoses. We reviewed the epidemiology, infection kinetics, and diagnostic methods used for Toxoplasma gondii, parvovirus B19, rubella virus, and cytomegalovirus (TORCH) infections and compared the results with current knowledge of ZIKV diagnostic assays to provide a basis for the inclusion of ZIKV in the TORCH complex evaluations. Similarities between TORCH pathogens and ZIKV support inclusion of ZIKV as an emerging TORCH infection. Our review evaluates the diagnostic performance of various TORCH diagnostic assays for maternal screening, fetal screening, and neonatal screening. We show that the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of TORCH complex pathogens are widely variable, stressing the importance of confirmatory testing and the need for novel techniques for earlier and accurate diagnosis of maternal and congenital infections. In this context it is also important to acknowledge different needs and access to care for different geographic and resource settings.
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Khan K, Khan W. Congenital toxoplasmosis: An overview of the neurological and ocular manifestations. Parasitol Int 2018; 67:715-721. [PMID: 30041005 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite which is known to infect one-third of the total world population chronically though it is asymptomatic in immunocompetent patients. However, in an immunocompromised patient or an infected fetus, it may cause devastating effects. The parasite may cross the placenta of an infected pregnant woman and probably infect the fetus congenitally. The severity of the infection depends on the gestational age at which the infection has occurred i.e., if it has occurred in the early phase, the rate of transmission is low but the severity is high if the fetus is infected and if it has occurred in the later phase then transmission rate is higher while the severity would be low. Congenital toxoplasmosis may result in non-specific consequences like abortion, intra-uterine growth restriction, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly or even intra-uterine death. It may also result in neurological or ocular manifestations like intracranial calcifications, hydrocephalus or retinochoroiditis. The diagnosis may be done by serological screening of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgM and IgG) while PCR of the amniotic fluid or the placenta is the confirmatory test. Acute or chronic infections may be differentiated by IgG avidity tests. The treatment regimens include spiramycin to prevent congenital transmission from an infected mother, pyrimethamine, sulfadoxine and folinic acid to treat the infected fetus, CSF shunting for the treatment of hydrocephalus and a combination of pyrimethamine, azithromycin, and corticosteroids for treating ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Khan
- Department of Zoology, Section of Parasitology, Aligarh Muslim University, India
| | - Wajihullah Khan
- Department of Zoology, Section of Parasitology, Aligarh Muslim University, India.
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Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate the importance of IgG avidity testing in newborns (NBs) diagnosed with early congenital toxoplasmosis. We collected samples from 88 puerperae infected by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and their NBs (48 acutely-infected puerperae (AIP) and 40 chronically-infected puerperae (CIP)), from two public maternity hospitals in Goiania city, Goias, Brazil, from 2010 to 2015. Specific anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG serum levels and IgG avidity tests were evaluated using chemiluminescence. Congenital toxoplasmosis was observed in 66.66% (n = 32) of NBs with AIP, 94.1% presenting low avidity (LA) and 51.61% presenting high avidity (HA) test results. The IgG and IgM levels of NBs with LA and their puerperae were higher in comparison with HA NBs and puerperae (p = 0.0001). The avidity tests showed 100% specificity and 50% sensitivity (p = 0.0001). NBs with LA had a 15-fold increased risk of developing congenital toxoplasmosis in comparison with HA NBs. The IgG avidity test could be used to assist in early congenital toxoplasmosis diagnoses in NBs and LA, identifying a greater probability of vertical transmission.
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Dard C, Chemla C, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Brenier-Pinchart MP, Baret M, Mzabi A, Villena I, Pelloux H. Late diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis based on serological follow-up: A case report. Parasitol Int 2017; 66:186-189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Evaluation of the Western blotting method for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. JORNAL DE PEDIATRIA (VERSÃO EM PORTUGUÊS) 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedp.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Evaluation of the Western blotting method for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2016; 92:616-623. [PMID: 27504975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2016.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the Western blotting method for the detection of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) (IgG-WB) in the serum of children with suspected congenital toxoplasmosis. METHODS We accompanied 47 mothers with acquired toxoplasmosis in pregnancy and their children, between June of 2011 and June of 2014. The IgG-WB was done in house and the test was considered positive if the child had antibodies that recognized at least one band on IgG blots different from the mother's or with greater intensity than the corresponding maternal band, during the first three months of life. RESULTS 15 children (15.1%) met the criteria for congenital toxoplasmosis and 32 (32.3%) had the diagnosis excluded. The symptoms were observed in 12 (80.0%) children and the most frequent were cerebral calcification in 9 (60.0%), chorioretinitis in 8 (53.3%), and hydrocephalus in 4 (26.6%). IgM antibodies anti-T. gondii detected by chemiluminescence (CL) were found in 6 (40.0%) children and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of T. gondii DNA was positive in 5 of 7 performed (71.4%). The sensitivity of IgG-WB was of 60.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 32.3-83.7%] and specificity 43.7% (95% CI 26.7-62.3%). The sensitivity of IgG-WB increased to 76.0 and 89.1% when associated to the research of IgM anti-T. gondii or PCR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The IgG-WB showed greater sensitivity than the detection of IgM anti-T. gondii; therefore, it can be used for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis in association with other congenital infection markers.
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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in Almadinah Almunawwarah KSA. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Contribution of a Comparative Western Blot Method to Early Postnatal Diagnosis of Congenital Syphilis. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2016; 23:410-416. [PMID: 26961856 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00032-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Serology has a pivotal role in the diagnosis of congenital syphilis (CS), but problems arise because of the passive transfer of IgG antibodies across the placenta. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of a comparative Western blot (WB) method finalized to match the IgG immunological profiles of mothers and their own babies at birth in order to differentiate between passively transmitted maternal antibodies and antibodies synthesized by the infants against Treponema pallidum Thirty infants born to mothers with unknown or inadequate treatment for syphilis were entered in a retrospective study, conducted at St. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy. All of the infants underwent clinical, instrumental, and laboratory examinations, including IgM WB testing. For the retrospective study, an IgG WB assay was performed by blotting T. pallidum antigens onto nitrocellulose sheets and incubating the strips with serum specimens from mother-child pairs. CS was diagnosed in 11 out of the 30 enrolled infants; 9/11 cases received the definitive diagnosis within the first week of life, whereas the remaining two were diagnosed later because of increasing serological test titers. The use of the comparative IgG WB testing performed with serum samples from mother-child pairs allowed a correct CS diagnosis in 10/11 cases. The CS diagnosis was improved by a strategy combining comparative IgG WB results with IgM WB results, leading to a sensitivity of 100%. The comparative IgG WB test is thus a welcome addition to the conventional laboratory methods used for CS diagnosis, allowing identification and adequate treatment of infected infants and avoiding unnecessary therapy of uninfected newborns.
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Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that screening and treatment for toxoplasmosis during gestation result in a decrease of vertical transmission and clinical sequelae. Early treatment was associated with improved outcomes. Thus, laboratory methods should aim for early identification of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). Diagnostic approaches should include, at least, detection of Toxoplasma IgG, IgM, and IgA and a comprehensive review of maternal history, including the gestational age at which the mother was infected and treatment. Here, we review laboratory methods for the diagnosis of CT, with emphasis on serological tools. A diagnostic algorithm that takes into account maternal history is presented.
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Stajner T, Bobic B, Klun I, Nikolic A, Srbljanovic J, Uzelac A, Rajnpreht I, Djurkovic-Djakovic O. Prenatal and Early Postnatal Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis in a Setting With No Systematic Screening in Pregnancy. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2979. [PMID: 26945416 PMCID: PMC4782900 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) and provide early (pre- or postnatal) identification of cases of CT in the absence of systematic screening in pregnancy.I n the presented cross-sectional study, serological criteria were used to date Toxoplasma gondii infection versus conception in 80 pregnant women with fetal abnormalities or referred to as suspected of acute infection, and in 16 women after delivery of symptomatic neonates. A combination of serological, molecular (qPCR), and biological (bioassay) methods was used for prenatal and/or postnatal diagnosis of CT. Most (77.5%) pregnant women were examined in advanced pregnancy. Of all the examined seropositive women (n = 90), infection could not be ruled out to have occurred during pregnancy in 93.3%, of which the majority (69%) was dated to the periconceptual period. CT was diagnosed in 25 cases, of which 17 prenatally and 8 postnatally. Molecular diagnosis proved superior, but the diagnosis of CT based on bioassay in 7 instances and by Western blot in 2 neonates shows that other methods remain indispensable. In the absence of systematic screening in pregnancy, maternal infection is often diagnosed late, or even only when fetal/neonatal infection is suspected. In such situations, use of a complex algorithm involving a combination of serological, biological, and molecular methods allows for prenatal and/or early postnatal diagnosis of CT, but lacks the preventive capacity provided by early maternal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Stajner
- From the National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Center of Excellence for Food- and Vector-Borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Abstract
The diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis relies mainly on serology. When results are doubtful, pediatricians have difficulties with respect to treatment. We report interferon-γ responses after the stimulation of blood by Toxoplasma gondii antigen in 17 infected infants and 80 infants free of infection. Sensitivity and specificity were 93.75% (95% confidence interval: 67%-99%) and 98.75% (95% confidence interval: 92%-99%), respectively.
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Villard O, Cimon B, L'Ollivier C, Fricker-Hidalgo H, Godineau N, Houze S, Paris L, Pelloux H, Villena I, Candolfi E. Serological diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection: Recommendations from the French National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 84:22-33. [PMID: 26458281 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis manifests no clinical signs in 80% of cases in immunocompetent patient, causing immunization characterized by the persistence of cysts, particularly in brain, muscles, and retina. Assessing the serological status, based on testing for serum toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, is essential in cases that are increasingly at risk for the more severe disease forms, such as congenital or ocular toxoplasmosis. This disease also exposes immunosuppressed patients to reactivation, which can lead to more widespread forms and increased mortality. By interpreting the serological results, we can estimate the risk of contamination or reactivation and define appropriate prophylactic and preventive measures, such as hygienic and dietetic, therapeutic, biological, and clinical follow-up, according to the clinical context. We hereby propose practical approaches based on serological data, resulting from a consensus of a group of experts from the French National Reference Center Network for Toxoplasmosis, according to both routine and specific clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1-3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - B Cimon
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 4 rue Larrey, F-49933 Angers Cedex 9, France
| | - C L'Ollivier
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 rue Saint Pierre, F-13385 Marseille Cedex 05, France
| | - H Fricker-Hidalgo
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire A. Michallon et Université de Grenoble BP 217, 38043 Grenoble Cedex, France
| | - N Godineau
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Denis, 2 rue du Docteur Pierre Delafontaine, BP 279, F-93205 Saint-Denis Cedex, France
| | - S Houze
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Mycologie, AP-HP Hôpital BICHAT-Claude Bernard, 46 rue Henri Huchard, F-75877 Paris Cedex 18, France
| | - L Paris
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, F-75651 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - H Pelloux
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire A. Michallon et Université de Grenoble BP 217, 38043 Grenoble Cedex, France
| | - I Villena
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Hôpital Maison Blanche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Université de Reims Champagne Ardennes, 45 rue Cognacq-Jay, F-51092 Reims Cedex, France
| | - E Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 1-3 rue Koeberlé, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
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Prusa AR, Kasper DC, Pollak A, Olischar M, Gleiss A, Hayde M. Amniocentesis for the detection of congenital toxoplasmosis: results from the nationwide Austrian prenatal screening program. Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 21:191.e1-8. [PMID: 25596783 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) influences therapeutical management in pregnant women and their offspring. In Austria, a nationwide serological healthcare program to identify potential maternal toxoplasma infections during pregnancy exists. We assessed the clinical use of amniocentesis for toxoplasma-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on amniotic fluid to detect CT. Data on serology, amniocentesis, PCR, complications, treatment, and paediatric clinical outcome were collected retrospectively among the birth cohort 1992-2008. There were 1386 women with amniocentesis, but only in 707 cases (51%) was acute maternal infection confirmed serologically. A high proportion (49%) of amniocenteses with negative PCR results in women with chronic infection or seronegativity were performed without clinical justification for the women or their foetuses. The positive and negative predictive values of PCR were 94.4% and 99.3%, respectively. Thirty-nine foetuses with CT, including four deaths, were reported. The five PCR-negative but infected infants were identified by the serological and clinical follow-up program. Thirty percent of amniocenteses were performed in the third trimester, and gestational age or treatment did not influence PCR sensitivity. Amniocentesis is indicated in women with acute maternal infection, and facilitated targeted therapies in pregnant women and their offspring. In women with late toxoplasma infection, negative amniotic fluid PCR made treatment of infants unnecessary. Serological and clinical follow-up of infants is important to confirm the infection status of the infant. Recommendations, based on our 17-year experience, to improve the current diagnostic strategies and to reduce unnecessary amniocentesis, are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-R Prusa
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - D C Kasper
- Research Core Unit for Pediatric Biochemistry and Analytics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - A Pollak
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Olischar
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Gleiss
- Centre for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Hayde
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Evaluation of a new protocol for retrospective diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis by use of Guthrie cards. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:2963-70. [PMID: 24899036 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00106-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of IgM Western blotting (WB), IgA enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and DNA amplification by real-time PCR on Guthrie cards to retrospectively establish the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). To this purpose, Guthrie cards were collected from 18 infants born to mothers with primary Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy. Moreover, the analytical sensitivity of T. gondii PCR was assessed by testing mock dried blood specimens set up with several known DNA dilutions. IgM WB was demonstrated to be the most sensitive method. When the results of T. gondii DNA detection and specific IgM recovery were combined, retrospective CT diagnosis by using Guthrie cards was established in 3 out of 6 infected infants (sensitivity, 50%; 95% confidence interval, 26.8% to 73.2%). No positive PCR or serologic results were found in the group of 12 uninfected infants, demonstrating the excellent specificity of the three methods (95% confidence interval, 78.1% to 99.5%). The findings of the present study suggest that, in cases of missed diagnosis of CT at birth, analysis of Guthrie cards for children with compatible clinical findings after the perinatal period, in particular the combination of recovery of specific IgM antibodies and T. gondii DNA amplification, could be helpful. Nevertheless, since suboptimal conditions of storage of dried blood specimens can seriously affect sensitivity, negative results cannot rule out CT diagnosis. In contrast, because of the excellent specificity shown by IgM serologic testing and T. gondii DNA amplification on Guthrie cards, positive results obtained by either of the two methods should be considered diagnostic.
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Antibody responses to mycobacterial antigens in children with tuberculosis: challenges and potential diagnostic value. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2012; 19:1898-906. [PMID: 23100476 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00501-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The identification of easily detectable biomarkers for active tuberculosis (TB) is a global health priority. Such biomarkers would be of particular value in childhood TB, which poses greater diagnostic challenges than adult TB. Serum antibodies can be detected by simple formats that provide extremely rapid results. However, attempts to develop accurate serodiagnostic tests for TB have been unsuccessful. Whereas antibody responses to mycobacterial antigens in adult TB have been studied extensively and reviewed, the same cannot be said for serologic data in pediatric populations. Here we appraise studies on serological responses in childhood TB and discuss findings and limitations in the context of the developing immune system, the age range, and the spectrum of TB manifestations. We found that the antibody responses to mycobacterial antigens in childhood TB can vary widely, with sensitivities and specificities ranging from 14% to 85% and from 86% to 100%, respectively. We conclude that the limitations in serodiagnostic studies of childhood TB are manifold, thereby restricting the interpretation of currently available data. Concerns about the methodology used in published studies suggest that conclusions about the eventual value of serodiagnosis cannot be made at this time. However, the available data suggest a potential adjunctive value for serology in the diagnosis of childhood TB. Despite the difficulties noted in this field, there is optimism that the application of novel antigens and the integration of those factors which contribute to the serological responses in childhood TB can lead to useful future diagnostics.
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