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Rayatdoost E, Chegin M, Taghipour A, Shadmand E, Rezaei F, Falahi S, Kenarkoohi A, Badri M, Solhjoo K, Abdoli A. Latent toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus infections and risk of motorcycle accidents: A case-control study in a county with a high rate of motorcycle injuries in Iran. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307950. [PMID: 39172983 PMCID: PMC11341033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are among the most important issues worldwide. Several studies reported that infection with the neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) increased the risk of car accidents. In this study, our objective was to investigate the possible associations among latent T. gondii, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections with the risk of motorcycle accidents in Jahrom (Fars Province), which is a county with a high rate of motorcycle accidents in Iran. METHODS In the setting of a case-control study; 176 motorcyclist men, including 88 survivors of motorcycle accidents and 88 motorcyclist without accidents, were considered as case and control groups, respectively. Rates of latent infections with T. gondii, CMV, and HSV were assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Eleven of 88 (12.5%) in the case group and 22 of 88 (25.0%) in controls were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, this difference was statistically significant (OR = 0.42; CI: 0.19-0.95, p = 0.03). The general seroprevalence of CMV (94.3% in the case group vs. 87.5% in the control group, OR = 2.37; CI: 0.78-7.13, p = 0.12) and HSV (63.6% in the case group vs. 62.5% in the control group, OR = 1.05; CI: 0.57-1.94, p = 0.87) were not significantly different between the case and control groups. CONCLUSIONS Although latent toxoplasmosis has been associated with traffic accidents in recent reports, we found a negative association between latent toxoplasmosis and motorcycle accidents among survivors of these accidents. As such, latent CMV and HSV infections did not differ significantly between the cases compared to the control groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmail Rayatdoost
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mahdi Chegin
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Enayat Shadmand
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Shahab Falahi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Azra Kenarkoohi
- Department of Microbiology, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Kavous Solhjoo
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Nayeri T, Moosazadeh M, Asl AD, Ghaffarifar F, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Toxoplasma infection and Rhesus blood group system: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287992. [PMID: 37406027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infections in humans and animals, which is caused by an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Some data have shown that both Rhesus (Rh)-positive and Rh-negative individuals differ in response to biological factors, including Toxoplasma infection. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the possible association between the Rh blood group and Toxoplasma infection and to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the Rh blood group system. METHODS The research was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases until January 2023. Twenty-one cross-sectional studies were included with a total of 10910 people. The data were synthesized using a random effect model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS The overall prevalence of T. gondii was calculated at 32.34% (CI 95%: 28.23-36.45%) and 33.35% (CI 95%: 19.73-46.96%) in Rh-positive and Rh-negative blood groups. In addition, the pooled OR for the relationship between the Rh blood group and the seroprevalence of T. gondii was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.72-1.28). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in both Rh-negative and positive blood groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that no significant association was found between toxoplasmosis and Rh factor. Because of the limited number of studies in this field, more research is recommended to determine the exact relationship between toxoplasmosis and the Rh factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Gastrointestitional Cancer Research Center, Non-communicable Disease Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi Asl
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Presence of Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts in human semen: Toxoplasmosis as a potential sexually transmissible infection. J Infect 2023; 86:60-65. [PMID: 36347427 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent protozoan parasite in human populations. This parasite is thought to be primarily transmitted through undercooked meat and contamination by cat feces. Here, we seek to determine if Toxoplasma gondii cysts can be found within human semen. METHODS We used a mixture of histological and immunofluorescence stains to visualize Toxoplasma gondii cysts in thin smears of human semen. Further, we probed for presence of bradyzoite-specific mRNA transcription using in-situ hybridization. RESULTS We visualized Toxoplasma gondii cysts in ejaculates of immune-competent and latently infected human volunteers. We confirmed the encystment by probing transcription of a bradyzoite-specific gene in these structures. These observations extend previous observations of the parasite in semen of several non-human host species, including rats, dogs, and sheep. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasma gondii infection is a clinically significant infection, in view of its high prevalence, its purported role in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as in the more serious form of congenital toxoplasmosis. Our demonstration of intact Toxoplasma gondii cysts in the ejaculate supports the possibility of sexual transmission of the parasite and provides an impetus for further investigations.
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Ibrahim IMA, Tobar S, Salah H, El-Sayed H, Mansour H, Eissa A, Wood J, Fathi W, Dickerson F, Yolken RH, El-Bahaey W, Nimgaonkar V. Failure to replicate associations between Toxoplasma gondii or hepatitis C virus infection and personality traits. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43045-021-00169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Infections with Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo), a protozoan that can infect the brain, have been reported to alter behavior in rodents and humans; several investigators have related Toxo infection to personality traits such as novelty seeking in humans. We investigated human personality traits in relation to Toxo in Egypt, where such infection is common.
Results
In a community-based sample of Egyptian adults (N = 255), Toxo infection were indexed by levels of IgG antibodies. Viruses like hepatitis C virus (HCV) have also been associated with cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders; therefore, HCV antibody titers were also assayed for comparison. The antibody levels were analyzed in relation to the Arabic version of the NEO personality inventory (NEO-FFI-3), accounting for demographic variables. No significant correlations were noted with Toxo or HCV antibody levels, after co-varying for demographic and socio-economic factors and following corrections for multiple comparisons.
Conclusions
Infection with Toxo or HCV infection was not associated with variations in personality traits in a sample of Egyptian adults. The possible reasons for the discordance with prior reported associations are discussed.
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Sýkorová K, Flegr J. Faster life history strategy manifests itself by lower age at menarche, higher sexual desire, and earlier reproduction in people with worse health. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11254. [PMID: 34045560 PMCID: PMC8159921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Factors which indicate lower life expectancy also induce switching to a faster life strategy, that is, a higher investment in current reproduction at the expense of future reproduction and body maintenance. We tested a hypothesis according to which impairment of individual health serves as a signal for switching to a faster life strategy using online-gathered data from 32,911 subjects. Worse health was associated with lower age at menarche and earlier initiation of sexual life in women and higher sexual desire and earlier reproduction in both sexes. Individuals with worse health also exhibited lower sexual activity, lower number of sexual partners, and lower total number of children. These results suggest that impaired health shifts individuals towards a faster life strategy but also has a negative (physiological) effect on behaviours related to sexual life. Signs of a faster life strategy were also found in Rh-negative men in good health, indicating that even just genetic predisposition to worse health could serve as a signal for switching to a faster life strategy. We suggest that improved public health in developed countries and the resulting shift to a slower life strategy could be the ultimate cause of the phenomenon of demographic transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Sýkorová
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Applied Neurosciences and Brain Imagination, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolova 748, Klecany, Czech Republic
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Tong WH, Pavey C, O'Handley R, Vyas A. Behavioral biology of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:77. [PMID: 33494777 PMCID: PMC7831251 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with a complex life cycle and a cosmopolitan host range. The asexual part of its life cycle can be perpetually sustained in a variety of intermediate hosts through a combination of carnivory and vertical transmission. However, T. gondii produces gametes only in felids after the predation of infected intermediate hosts. The parasite changes the behavior of its intermediate hosts by reducing their innate fear to cat odors and thereby plausibly increasing the probability that the definitive host will devour the infected host. Here, we provide a short description of such parasitic behavioral manipulation in laboratory rodents infected with T. gondii, along with a bird's eye view of underpinning biological changes in the host. We also summarize critical gaps and opportunities for future research in this exciting research area with broad implications in the transdisciplinary study of host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Chris Pavey
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Land and Water, Darwin, Australia
| | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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Crippen M. Enactive Pragmatism and Ecological Psychology. Front Psychol 2020; 11:538644. [PMID: 33192781 PMCID: PMC7606921 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.538644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A widely cited roadblock to bridging ecological psychology and enactivism is that the former identifies with realism and the latter identifies with constructivism, which critics charge is subjectivist. A pragmatic reading, however, suggests non-mental forms of constructivism that simultaneously fit core tenets of enactivism and ecological realism. After advancing a pragmatic version of enactive constructivism that does not obviate realism, I reinforce the position with an empirical illustration: Physarum polycephalum, a communal unicellular organism that leaves slime trails that form chemical barriers that it avoids in foraging explorations. Here, environmental building and sensorimotor engagement are part of the same process with P. polycephalum coordinating around self-created, affordance-bearing geographies, which nonetheless exist independently in ways described by ecological realists. For ecological psychologists, affordances are values, meaning values are external to the perceiver. I argue that agent-enacted values have the same status and thus do not obviate ecological realism or generate subjectivism. The constructivist-realist debate organizes around the emphasis that enactivists and ecological theorists respectively place on the inner constitution of organisms vs. the structure of environments. Building on alimentary themes introduced in the P. polycephalum example and also in Gibson’s work, I go on to consider how environment, brain, visceral systems, and even bacteria within them enter perceptual loops. This highlights almost unfathomable degrees of mutually modulating internal and external synchronization. It also shows instances in which internal conditions alter worldly configurations and invert values, in Gibson’s sense of the term, albeit without implying subjectivism. My aim is to cut across the somatic focus of enactive constructivism and the external environment-oriented emphasis of ecological realism and show that enactivism can enrich ecological accounts of value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Crippen
- Department of Philosophy, Grand Valley State University, Allendale Charter Township, MI, United States.,Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Chronic toxoplasmosis and sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea: Is there a link? PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235463. [PMID: 32609758 PMCID: PMC7329112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sleepiness is the main clinical expression of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome resulting from upper airway collapse. Recent studies have discussed the fact that the presence of T. gondii cysts in the brain and the resulting biochemical and immunological mechanisms could be linked to neurobehavioral disorders. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential impact of chronic toxoplasmosis on sleepiness and on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity in OSA obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A case control study on obese patients screened for OSA was performed. According to the sleep disorder and matched based on gender, age and body mass index (BMI), two groups of obese patients were selected from our sample collection database. All patients were tested for toxoplasmosis serological status measuring anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM levels. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess the impact of chronic toxoplasmosis on sleepiness and OSA severity. RESULTS 107 obese patients suffering from OSA were included in the study (median age: 53.3 years Interquartile range (IQR): [41.9-59.9]; median BMI: 39.4 kg/m2 IQR: [35.5-44.1], apnea-hypopnea index = 27.5 events/h [10.7-49.9]). Chronic toxoplasmosis was present in 63.4% and 70.7% of patients with or without sleepiness (p = 0.48), respectively and was not associated either to sleepiness (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: [0.52; 2.33], p = 0.64) or OSA severity (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: [0.51; 5.98] p = 0.37). CONCLUSION Although chronic Toxoplasma infection in immunocompetent humans has been associated to several behavioral disorders or pathologies in recent literature, we demonstrate here that chronic toxoplasmosis is not associated to sleepiness and to sleep apnea syndrome severity in obese patients suspected of sleep apnea syndrome.
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Martin K, Périard J, Rattray B, Pyne DB. Physiological Factors Which Influence Cognitive Performance in Military Personnel. HUMAN FACTORS 2020; 62:93-123. [PMID: 31009241 DOI: 10.1177/0018720819841757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and detail physiological factors that influence cognition in military personnel. BACKGROUND Maintenance of cognitive and task performance is important under several scenarios, none more so than in a military context. Personnel are prepared for and trained to tolerate many of the stressors they encounter; however, consideration of stressors typically extends only as far as the physical, psychological, and environmental requirements of a given task. While considering these factors certainly characterizes the broader picture, several physiological states and traits can influence cognition and thus, should also be considered. METHOD A systematic review of the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), EMBASE (Scopus), PsycINFO, and Web of Science was conducted from inception up to January 2019. Eligibility criteria included current military personnel, an outcome of cognition, and the assessment of a physiological factor. RESULTS The search returned 60,564 records, of which 60 were included in the review. Eleven studies examined the impact of demographic factors on cognition, 16 examined fatigue, 10 investigated nutrition, and 24 the impact of biological factors on cognitive performance. CONCLUSION Factors identified as having a positive impact on cognition include aerobic fitness, nutritional supplementation, and visual acuity. In contrast, factors identified as having a negative impact include fatigue arising from sustained operations, dehydration, undernutrition, and an exaggerated physiological stress response to a cognitive task or a stressor. A further subset of these factors was considered modifiable. APPLICATION The modifiable factors identified provide avenues for training and preparation to enhance cognition in ways previously unconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Martin
- 2234 University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Julien Périard
- 2234 University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Ben Rattray
- 2234 University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - David B Pyne
- 2234 University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Milne G, Fujimoto C, Bean T, Peters HJ, Hemmington M, Taylor C, Fowkes RC, Martineau HM, Hamilton CM, Walker M, Mitchell JA, Léger E, Priestnall SL, Webster JP. Infectious Causation of Abnormal Host Behavior: Toxoplasma gondii and Its Potential Association With Dopey Fox Syndrome. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:513536. [PMID: 33192643 PMCID: PMC7525129 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.513536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, can infect all warm-blooded animals. T. gondii can subtly alter host behaviors-either through manipulation to enhance transmission to the feline definitive host or as a side-effect, or "constraint," of infection. In humans, T. gondii infection, either alone or in association with other co-infecting neurotropic agents, has been reliably associated with both subtle behavioral changes and, in some cases, severe neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Research on the potential impact of T. gondii on the behavior of other long-lived naturally infected hosts is lacking. Recent studies reported a large number of wild red foxes exhibiting a range of aberrant behavioral traits, subsequently classified as Dopey Fox Syndrome (DFS). Here we assessed the potential association between T. gondii and/or other neurotropic agents with DFS. Live, captive foxes within welfare centers were serologically tested for T. gondii and, if they died naturally, PCR-tested for vulpine circovirus (FoxCV). Post-mortem pseudo-control wild foxes, obtained from pest management companies, were PCR-tested for T. gondii, FoxCV, canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus type (CAV)-1 and CAV-2. We also assessed, using non-invasive assays, whether T. gondii-infected foxes showed subtle behavioral alterations as observed among infected rodent (and other) hosts, including altered activity, risk, and stress levels. All foxes tested negative for CAV, CDV, CHV, and DogCV. DFS was found to be associated with singular T. gondii infection (captives vs. pseudo-controls, 33.3% (3/9) vs. 6.8% (5/74)) and singular FoxCV infection (66.7% (6/9) vs. 11.1% (1/9)) and with T. gondii/FoxCV co-infection (33.3% (3/9) vs. 11.1% (1/9)). Overall, a higher proportion of captive foxes had signs of neuroinflammation compared to pseudo-controls (66.7% (4/6) vs. 11.1% (1/9)). Consistent with behavioral changes seen in infected rodents, T. gondii-infected foxes displayed increased attraction toward feline odor (n=6 foxes). These preliminary results suggest that wild foxes with DFS are infected with T. gondii and likely co-infected with FoxCV and/or another co-infecting neurotropic agent. Our findings using this novel system have important implications for our understanding of both the impact of parasites on mammalian host behavior in general and, potentially, of the infectious causation of certain neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Milne
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chelsea Fujimoto
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Theodor Bean
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Harry J Peters
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Charly Taylor
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Robert C Fowkes
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Henny M Martineau
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Clare M Hamilton
- Parasitology Division, Moredun Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Judy A Mitchell
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Elsa Léger
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon L Priestnall
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne P Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom.,London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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BARANI S, TURKI H, SHAFIEI R, JAFARZADEH F, HOSSEINZADEH MALEKI H, RAEGHI S. Clinico-Hematological Findings of Acute Pediatric Visceral Leishmaniasis Referred to the Northeast of Iran during 2005-2015. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 15:214-222. [PMID: 32595711 PMCID: PMC7311815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To characterize the epidemiological, clinical, hematological and biochemical features of 33 cases hospitalized with pediatric visceral leishmaniasis (PVL) in North Khorasan Province of Iran from 2005 to 2015. METHODS The serological, hematological and biochemical tests were employed in 33 children between 8 months to 6 yr with a final diagnosis of acute visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The diagnosis of VL was established by microscopic demonstration of Leishmania spp. amastigotes inactive bone marrow aspiration (BMA). RESULTS The most common presenting features were anemia (82.5%), fever (75%), and hepatosplenomegaly (45.4%). Various hematological parameters showed that most patients were suffering from moderate to severe microcytic hypochromic anemia (78.8% had RBC count less than 4 million cells/ul, 67.7% Hb less than 8 fl). 66.7% of them were leukopenic (WBC: less than 5× 10 3 /μL) and 24.2% had decreased platelet counts. Pancytopenia was observed in 18.2% of cases. MCV, MCH, and MCHC levels were below the reference range in 88%, 90% and 85.1% of the patients respectively. Moreover, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were increased in 53.33% and 6.66% of the patients respectively. 92.9% of cases were C-reactive protein (CRP) positive. Bone marrow was found hyper-cellular in all of them, and myeloid to erythroid ratio (M/E) was more than 4 in 39.1% of cases. Plasma cells slightly were increased in 60% of patients and megakaryocytes were decreased in thrombocytopenic patients. CONCLUSION Bone marrow/splenic aspiration still remains the gold standard test despite its risk and pain for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghik BARANI
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Habibollah TURKI
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Reza SHAFIEI
- Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Fatemeh JAFARZADEH
- Department of Parasitology, Shahid Beheshti Universtiy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saber RAEGHI
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
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Kaňková Š, Flegr J, Toman J, Calda P. Maternal RhD heterozygous genotype is associated with male biased secondary sex ratio. Early Hum Dev 2020; 140:104864. [PMID: 31500940 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.104864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that RhD positive heterozygotes express better health status than RhD positive homozygotes and especially RhD negative subjects. This also applies to pregnant women. According to the Trivers-Willard hypothesis, women in better physical condition should have more sons. AIM To test the hypothesis that RhD positive heterozygous mothers have a male-skewed sex ratio. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. The data was analysed using Chi-Square test for all women, separately for RhD positive and RhD negative women, and separately for primiparous and multiparous women. The effects of maternal weight as a continuous predictor and the RhD phenotype of newborn as a categorical predictor of newborn sex were evaluated by the generalized linear model (GLZ) separately for RhD positive and RhD negative women using binomial distribution and logit link function. OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical records comprised maternal weight before pregnancy, number of previous deliveries, sex of the newborn, maternal RhD phenotype, and RhD phenotype of the newborn. SUBJECTS We analysed data from 5655 women who gave birth between 2008 and 2012 in General University Hospital in Prague. RESULTS Secondary sex ratio was significantly higher (P = 0.028) in RhD positive mothers who had RhD negative newborns, i.e., in heterozygotes (SR = 1.23), than in RhD positive mothers who had RhD positive newborns, i.e., in a mixed population of heterozygotes and homozygotes (SR = 1.00), especially in primiparous women (P = 0.013; SR = 1.37 and 0.99 resp.). CONCLUSION The sex ratio at birth was significantly higher in RhD positive mothers who had RhD negative newborns than in RhD positive mothers who had RhD positive newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šárka Kaňková
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague CZ-128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague CZ-128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Toman
- Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague CZ-128 44, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Calda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General University Hospital and First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague CZ-128 08, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Sutterland AL, Kuin A, Kuiper B, van Gool T, Leboyer M, Fond G, de Haan L. Driving us mad: the association of Toxoplasma gondii with suicide attempts and traffic accidents - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2019; 49:1608-1623. [PMID: 31010440 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719000813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Unnatural causes of death due to traffic accidents (TA) and suicide attempts (SA) constitute a major burden on global health, which remained stable in the last decade despite widespread efforts of prevention. Recently, latent infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has been suggested to be a biological risk factor for both TA and SA. Therefore, a systematic search concerning the relationship of T. gondii infection with TA and/or SA according to PRISMA guidelines in Medline, Pubmed and PsychInfo was conducted collecting papers up to 11 February 2019 (PROSPERO #CRD42018090206). The random-effect model was applied and sensitivity analyses were subsequently performed. Lastly, the population attributable fraction (PAF) was calculated. We found a significant association for antibodies against T. gondii with TA [odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-2.38, p = 0.003] and SA (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.10-1.76, p = 0006). Indication of publication bias was found for TA, but statistical adjustment for this bias did not change the OR. Heterogeneity between studies on SA was partly explained by type of control population used (ORhealthy controls = 1.9, p < 0.001 v. ORpsychiatric controls = 1.06, p = 0.87) and whether subjects with schizophrenia only were analysed (ORschizophrenia = 0.87, p = 0.62 v. ORvarious = 1.8, p < 0.001). The association was significantly stronger with higher antibody titres in TA and in studies that did not focus on schizophrenia subjects concerning SA. PAF of a T. gondii infection was 17% for TA and 10% for SA. This indicates that preventing T. gondii infection may play a role in the prevention of TA or SA, although uncertainty remains whether infection and outcome are truly causally related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjen L Sutterland
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Anne Kuin
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Bouke Kuiper
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | - Tom van Gool
- Department of Parasitology,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 9 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry,Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam,Meibergdreef 5 1105 AZ, Amsterdam,The Netherlands
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Burgdorf KS, Trabjerg BB, Pedersen MG, Nissen J, Banasik K, Pedersen OB, Sørensen E, Nielsen KR, Larsen MH, Erikstrup C, Bruun-Rasmussen P, Westergaard D, Thørner LW, Hjalgrim H, Paarup HM, Brunak S, Pedersen CB, Torrey EF, Werge T, Mortensen PB, Yolken RH, Ullum H. Large-scale study of Toxoplasma and Cytomegalovirus shows an association between infection and serious psychiatric disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 79:152-158. [PMID: 30685531 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common infectious pathogens have been associated with psychiatric disorders, self-violence and risk-taking behavior. METHODS This case-control study reviews register data on 81,912 individuals from the Danish Blood Donor Study to identify individuals who have a psychiatric diagnosis (N = 2591), have attempted or committed suicide (N = 655), or have had traffic accidents (N = 2724). For all cases, controls were frequency matched by age and sex, resulting in 11,546 participants. Plasma samples were analyzed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus (CMV). RESULTS T. gondii was detected in 25·9% of the population and was associated with schizophrenia (odds ratio [OR], 1·47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1·03-2·09). Accounting for temporality, with pathogen exposure preceding outcome, the association was even stronger (IRR, 2·78; 95% CI, 1·27-6·09). A very weak association between traffic accident and toxoplasmosis (OR, 1·11; 95% CI, 1·00-1·23, p = 0.054) was found. CMV was detected in 60·8% of the studied population and was associated with any psychiatric disorder (OR, 1·17; 95% CI, 1·06-1·29), but also with a smaller group of neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders (OR, 1·27; 95% CI, 1·12-1·44), and with attempting or committing suicide (OR, 1·31; 95% CI, 1·10-1·56). Accounting for temporality, any psychiatric disorder (IRR, 1·37; 95% CI, 1·08-1·74) and mood disorders (IRR, 1·43; 95% CI, 1·01-2·04) were associated with exposure to CMV. No association between traffic accident and CMV (OR, 1·06; 95% CI, 0·97-1·17) was found. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale serological study is the first study to examine temporality of pathogen exposure and to provide evidence of a causal relationship between T. gondii and schizophrenia, and between CMV and any psychiatric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Betina B Trabjerg
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark
| | - Marianne Giørtz Pedersen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark; Centre for Integrated Register-based Research, CIRRAU, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Janna Nissen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karina Banasik
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Erik Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kaspar René Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Margit Hørup Larsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Bruun-Rasmussen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Westergaard
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lise Wegner Thørner
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hjalgrim
- Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark,; Department of Hematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Søren Brunak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carsten B Pedersen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark; Centre for Integrated Register-based Research, CIRRAU, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Werge
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark; Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Centre Sct. Hans, Copenhagen University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Preben Bo Mortensen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark; Centre for Integrated Register-based Research, CIRRAU, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Stanley Neurovirology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | - Henrik Ullum
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Aguirre AA, Longcore T, Barbieri M, Dabritz H, Hill D, Klein PN, Lepczyk C, Lilly EL, McLeod R, Milcarsky J, Murphy CE, Su C, VanWormer E, Yolken R, Sizemore GC. The One Health Approach to Toxoplasmosis: Epidemiology, Control, and Prevention Strategies. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:378-390. [PMID: 30945159 PMCID: PMC6682582 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01405-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
One Health is a collaborative, interdisciplinary effort that seeks optimal health for people, animals, plants, and the environment. Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an intracellular protozoan infection distributed worldwide, with a heteroxenous life cycle that practically affects all homeotherms and in which felines act as definitive reservoirs. Herein, we review the natural history of T. gondii, its transmission and impacts in humans, domestic animals, wildlife both terrestrial and aquatic, and ecosystems. The epidemiology, prevention, and control strategies are reviewed, with the objective of facilitating awareness of this disease and promoting transdisciplinary collaborations, integrative research, and capacity building among universities, government agencies, NGOs, policy makers, practicing physicians, veterinarians, and the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr. MSN: 5F2, Fairfax, VA, 22030-4400, USA.
| | - Travis Longcore
- Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF B55, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Michelle Barbieri
- NMFS/PIFSC/PSD/Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI, 96818, USA
| | - Haydee Dabritz
- Community Health Branch, Yolo County Health & Human Services Agency, 137 N Cottonwood St, Woodland, CA, 95695, USA
| | - Dolores Hill
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center Road Building 307-C Room 134, BARC East, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Patrice N Klein
- United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, 201 14th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 20250, USA
| | | | - Emily L Lilly
- Virginia Military Institute, 303D Maury-Brooke Hall, Lexington, VA, 24450, USA
| | - Rima McLeod
- The University of Chicago, AMB N310, (MC 2114) 5841 South Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | | | - Caroline E Murphy
- The Wildlife Society, 425 Barlow Place, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Chunlei Su
- M409 Walters Life Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 406 Hardin Hall, 3310 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - Robert Yolken
- Stanley Neurovirology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Grant C Sizemore
- American Bird Conservancy, 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 451, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
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16
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Latent toxoplasmosis and olfactory functions of Rh positive and Rh negative subjects. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209773. [PMID: 30589911 PMCID: PMC6307871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds The prevalence of toxoplasmosis is higher in schizophrenics than in the general population. It has been suggested that certain symptoms of schizophrenia, including changes in olfactory functions, are in fact symptoms of toxoplasmosis that can be easily detected in schizophrenics only due to the increased prevalence of toxoplasmosis in this population. Schizophrenics have impaired identification of odors and lower sensitivity of odor detection, however, no information about these parameters of non-schizophrenic Toxoplasma-infected subjects is available. Methods Here we searched for differences in olfactory functions between 62 infected and 61 noninfected non-schizophrenic subjects using the case-controls experimental design. Results The infected men scored better than the non-infected controls in the standard odor-identification test. The infected women rated all smells as more intensive while the infected men rated nearly all smells as less intensive. Infected women rated the pleasantness of the smell of the cat urine as higher than the non-infected women and the opposite was true for the men–in contrast, higher pleasantness of odor in infected men and lower in infected women were observed and described in the 2011 study. Toxoplasmosis, Rh, and toxoplasmosis-Rh interaction were not associated with the rated pleasantness of the smell of other stimuli. However, our sample contained only 17 Rh negative men and 30 Rh negative women. Therefore, all results concerning the main effects of Rh factor and the interaction with Rh factor must be considered only preliminary. Conclusions Our results suggest that latent toxoplasmosis is associated with changes in the olfactory functions in humans; however, the observed changes differ from those observed in schizophrenics.
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17
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Tyebji S, Seizova S, Hannan AJ, Tonkin CJ. Toxoplasmosis: A pathway to neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 96:72-92. [PMID: 30476506 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that resides, in a latent form, in the human central nervous system. Infection with Toxoplasma drastically alters the behaviour of rodents and is associated with the incidence of specific neuropsychiatric conditions in humans. But the question remains: how does this pervasive human pathogen alter behaviour of the mammalian host? This fundamental question is receiving increasing attention as it has far reaching public health implications for a parasite that is very common in human populations. Our current understanding centres on neuronal changes that are elicited directly by this intracellular parasite versus indirect changes that occur due to activation of the immune system within the CNS, or a combination of both. In this review, we explore the interactions between Toxoplasma and its host, the proposed mechanisms and consequences on neuronal function and mental health, and discuss Toxoplasma infection as a public health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Simona Seizova
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
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18
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Egorov AI, Converse R, Griffin SM, Styles J, Klein E, Sams E, Hudgens E, Wade TJ. Environmental risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infections and the impact of latent infections on allostatic load in residents of Central North Carolina. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:421. [PMID: 30139351 PMCID: PMC6108134 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3343-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection can be acquired through ingestion of infectious tissue cysts in undercooked meat or environmental oocysts excreted by cats. This cross-sectional study assessed environmental risk factors for T. gondii infections and an association between latent infections and a measure of physiologic dysregulation known as allostatic load. METHODS Serum samples from 206 adults in the Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina area were tested for immunoglobulin (IgG) responses to T. gondii using commercial ELISA kits. Allostatic load was estimated as a sum of 15 serum biomarkers of metabolic, neuroendocrine and immune functions dichotomized at distribution-based cutoffs. Vegetated land cover within 500 m of residences was estimated using 1 m resolution data from US EPA's EnviroAtlas. RESULTS Handling soil with bare hands at least weekly and currently owning a cat were associated with 5.3 (95% confidence limits 1.4; 20.7) and 10.0 (2.0; 50.6) adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of T. gondii seropositivity, respectively. There was also a significant positive interaction effect of handling soil and owning cats on seropositivity. An interquartile range increase in weighted mean vegetated land cover within 500 m of residence was associated with 3.7 (1.5; 9.1) aOR of T. gondii seropositivity. Greater age and consumption of undercooked pork were other significant predictors of seropositivity. In turn, T. gondii seropositivity was associated with 61% (13%; 130%) greater adjusted mean allostatic load compared to seronegative individuals. In contrast, greater vegetated land cover around residence was associated with significantly reduced allostatic load in both seronegative (p < 0.0001) and seropositive (p = 0.004) individuals. CONCLUSIONS Residents of greener areas may be at a higher risk of acquiring T. gondii infections through inadvertent ingestion of soil contaminated with cat feces. T. gondii infections may partially offset health benefits of exposure to the natural living environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey I Egorov
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.
| | - Reagan Converse
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Shannon M Griffin
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer Styles
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.,Gillings School of Global Public Health, Environmental Sciences and Engineering Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Klein
- ORAU Student Services Contractor to US EPA, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Sams
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Edward Hudgens
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Timothy J Wade
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA
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Gohardehi S, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Moosazadeh M, Alizadeh-Navaei R, Hosseini SA, Amouei A, Pagheh A, Sadeghi M, Daryani A. The potential risk of toxoplasmosis for traffic accidents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Exp Parasitol 2018; 191:19-24. [PMID: 29906469 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent infectious disease. Although most people infected by Toxoplasma gondii are asymptomatic, evidence has suggested that this disease might affect some aspects of a host's behavior and associate with schizophrenia, suicide attempt, changes in various aspects of personality, and poor neurocognitive performance. These associations may play roles in increasing the risk of a number of incidents, such as traffic accidents, among infected people. In this regard, this study aimed to provide summary estimates for the available data on the potential risk of toxoplasmosis for traffic accidents. To this end, using a number of search terms, i.e. toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii, traffic accident, road accident, car accident, crash, and prevalence, literature searches (up to October 1, 2017) were carried out via 6 databases. The meta-analysis was conducted using the StatsDirect statistical software and a P-value less than 0.05 was regarded as significant in all statistical analyses. Out of 1841 identified studies, 9 studies were finally considered eligible for carrying out this systematic review. Reviewing results of these studies indicated that 5 out of 9 studies reported a significant relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and traffic accidents. Additionally, data related to gender showed significant differences between infected and control men and women. Considering age, reviewing the results of these studies revealed a significant difference between the infected people and the Toxoplasma-negative subjects under 45 years of age. However, no significant difference was found between the two groups aged 45 or older. Given these results, it can be concluded that Toxoplasma gondii significantly increases the risk of having traffic accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaban Gohardehi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahmood Moosazadeh
- Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Alizadeh-Navaei
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Sari, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Amouei
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Sari, Iran
| | - Abdolsattar Pagheh
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Sari, Iran
| | - Mitra Sadeghi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center (TRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Sari, Iran.
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20
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Shojaee S, Teimouri A, Keshavarz H, Azami SJ, Nouri S. The relation of secondary sex ratio and miscarriage history with Toxoplasma gondii infection. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:307. [PMID: 29976155 PMCID: PMC6034284 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3228-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution, infecting a broad-range of humans and warm-blooded animals. In the current study, role of this parasite on secondary sex ratio and risk of miscarriage was investigated. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 850 cord blood samples were collected in Tehran, Iran, 2014–2015. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess anti-Toxoplasma IgG in samples. Information such as sex of the neonates and age, number of previous pregnancies and history of miscarriage of the mothers were recorded in questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the possible relationship between the latent toxoplasmosis and the highlighted parameters. Results Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of having a male neonate in seropositive women is nearly 64% higher than that in seronegative women (OR = 1.64, CI95 = 1.16–2.33, P = 0.005). The odds ratio of having male neonate increased to 2.10 (CI95 = 1.24–3.57, P = 0.006) in high-titer seropositive women, compared to that in seronegative control group. The odds of having a miscarriage history was approximately two and a half times greater in seropositive women than in seronegative ones (OR = 2.45, CI95 = 1.56–3.87, P < 0.001). The odds ratio of having miscarriage increased to 2.76 (CI95 = 1.61–4.73, P < < .001) in low-titer seropositive women, compared to that in seronegative control group. Conclusion Results of the current study have shown that T. gondii infection affects secondary sex ratio in human offspring and can be addressed as one of the major miscarriage causes in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613191, Pour Sina Street, Ghods Avenue, Enghelab Avenue, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Aref Teimouri
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613191, Pour Sina Street, Ghods Avenue, Enghelab Avenue, Tehran, Iran.,Students Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Keshavarz
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613191, Pour Sina Street, Ghods Avenue, Enghelab Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Jafarpour Azami
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 1417613191, Pour Sina Street, Ghods Avenue, Enghelab Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Nouri
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Šebánková B, Flegr J. Physical and Mental Health Status in Toxoplasma-Infected Women before and 3 Years after They Learn about Their Infection: Manipulation or Side-Effects of Impaired Health? Front Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Stepanova EV, Kondrashin AV, Sergiev VP, Morozova LF, Turbabina NA, Maksimova MS, Brazhnikov AI, Shevchenko SB, Morozov EN. Significance of chronic toxoplasmosis in epidemiology of road traffic accidents in Russian Federation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184930. [PMID: 28957427 PMCID: PMC5619715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies carried out in Moscow residents have revealed that the prevalence of chronic toxoplasmosis is very close to those in countries of Eastern and Central Europe. Our findings also demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between the rate of traffic accidents and the seroprevalence of chronic toxoplasmosis in drivers who were held responsible for accidents. The latter was 2.37 times higher in drivers who were involved in road accidents compared with control groups. These results suggest that the consequences of chronic toxoplasmosis (particularly a slower reaction time and decreased concentration) might contribute to the peculiarities of the epidemiology of road traffic accidents in the Russian Federation and might interfere with the successful implementation of the Federal Programme named "Increase road traffic safety". Suggestions for how to address overcome this problem are discussed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V. Stepanova
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Anatoly V. Kondrashin
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir P. Sergiev
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitic Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Lola F. Morozova
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitic Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia A. Turbabina
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Maria S. Maksimova
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alexey I. Brazhnikov
- Department of Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Sergei B. Shevchenko
- Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Evgeny N. Morozov
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitic Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Department of Tropical, Parasitic Diseases and Disinfectology, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation
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East-West Divide: temperature and land cover drive spatial variation of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) from England and Wales. Parasitology 2017; 144:1433-1440. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017000865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYToxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic parasite of global importance, infects all endothermic vertebrates, with extensive health implications. The prevalence of this parasite is seldom monitored in wildlife. Here, a semi-aquatic species, the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) was used as a model to assess the potential effect of climate, land cover and biotic factors on T. gondii seroprevalence in British wildlife. The Sabin–Feldman cytoplasm-modifying dye test identified T. gondii antibodies in 25·5% of blood samples from otters found dead, mainly as road kill, in England and Wales, between 2004 and 2010. Otters in the east of England were more likely to be infected with T. gondii than those in western regions. Land cover and temperature are key determinants of T. gondii infection risk, with more infection in arable areas and lower infection where temperatures are higher. The probability of T. gondii infection increased with host age, reflecting cumulative exposure with time, but there was no association between T. gondii seroprevalence and cause of host death.
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Tonouhewa ABN, Akpo Y, Sessou P, Adoligbe C, Yessinou E, Hounmanou YG, Assogba MN, Youssao I, Farougou S. Toxoplasma gondii infection in meat animals from Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis of sero-epidemiological studies. Vet World 2017; 10:194-208. [PMID: 28344403 PMCID: PMC5352845 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.194-208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Toxoplasma gondii is an ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite which causes toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. Felids especially cats are definitive hosts and almost all warm-blooded mammals, including livestock and human can serve as intermediate hosts. Food animals can be reservoirs for T. gondii and act as one of the sources for parasite transmission to humans. The objective of this study is to collect serological data on the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody, and risk factors for certain food animals from Africa to provide a quantitative estimate of T. gondii infection among these species from different African countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four databases were used to search seroepidemiological data on the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody in food animals between 1969 and 2016 from African countries. The search focused on data obtained by serologic test in food animals and meta-analyses were performed per species. RESULTS A total of 30,742 individual samples from 24 countries, described in 68 articles were studied. The overall estimated prevalence for toxoplasmosis in chicken, camel, cattle, sheep, goat, pig were 37.4% (29.2-46.0%), 36% (18-56%), 12% (8-17%), 26.1% (17.0-37.0%), 22.9% (12.3-36.0%), and 26.0% (20-32.0%), respectively. Moreover, major risk factor of infection was age, farming system, and farm location. CONCLUSIONS A significant variation in the seroepidemiological data was observed within each species and country. The results can aid in an updated epidemiological analysis but also can be used as an important input in quantitative microbial risk assessment models. Further studies are required for a better and continual evaluation of the occurrence of this zoonotic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yao Akpo
- Laboratory of Ecology, Health and animal Production, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou, P.O. Box 123 Parakou, Benin
| | - Philippe Sessou
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O. Box 2009, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Camus Adoligbe
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O. Box 2009, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Eric Yessinou
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O. Box 2009, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Yaovi Gildas Hounmanou
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O. Box 2009, Cotonou, Benin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3121, Chuo Kikoo, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Marc Napoléon Assogba
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O. Box 2009, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Issaka Youssao
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O. Box 2009, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Souaïbou Farougou
- Laboratory of Research in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01 P.O. Box 2009, Cotonou, Benin
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Bharti AR, McCutchan A, Deutsch R, Smith DM, Ellis RJ, Cherner M, Woods SP, Heaton RK, Grant I, Letendre SL. Latent Toxoplasma Infection and Higher Toxoplasma gondii Immunoglobulin G Levels Are Associated With Worse Neurocognitive Functioning in HIV-Infected Adults. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 63:1655-1660. [PMID: 27794019 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders persist despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Because latent Toxoplasma infection (LTI) may adversely impact brain function, we investigated its impact on neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in people living with HIV disease. METHODS Two hundred sixty-three HIV-infected adults underwent comprehensive neurocognitive assessments and had anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G (anti-Toxo IgG) measured by qualitative and quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS Participants were mostly middle-aged white men who were taking ART (70%). LTI was detected in 30 (11.4%) participants and was associated with a significantly greater prevalence of global NCI (LTI positive [LTI+] = 57% and LTI negative [LTI-] = 34%) (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.40; P = .017). Deficits were more prevalent in the LTI+ vs the LTI- group in 6 of 7 cognitive domains with statistical significance reached for delayed recall (P < .01). The probability of NCI increased with higher CD4+ T-cell counts among LTI+ individuals but with lower CD4+ T-cell counts in LTI- persons. A strong correlation (r = .93) between anti-Toxo IgG levels and global deficit score was found in a subgroup of 9 patients. Biomarkers indicative of central nervous system inflammation did not differ between LTI+ and LTI- participants. CONCLUSIONS In this cross-sectional analysis, LTI was associated with NCI, especially in those with higher CD4+ T-cell counts. Longitudinal studies to investigate the role of neuroinflammation and neuronal injury in LTI patients with NCI and trials of anti-Toxoplasma therapy should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay R Bharti
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | | | - Reena Deutsch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Davey M Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | - Ronald J Ellis
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego
| | - Mariana Cherner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Steven P Woods
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Robert K Heaton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Igor Grant
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
| | - Scott L Letendre
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
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Impaired health status and increased incidence of diseases in Toxoplasma-seropositive subjects – an explorative cross-sectional study. Parasitology 2016; 143:1974-1989. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016001785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYThe global seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis is estimated to be higher than 30%. The presence of slowly dividing parasites in tissue cysts located mainly in immunoprivileged organs was long considered asymptomatic. Recently, many studies have shown that latent Toxoplasma infections could have serious impacts on human health. Here we ran a cross-sectional study in a population of 1486 volunteers. The results showed that 333 infected subjects scored worse than 1153 controls in 28 of 29 health-related variables. Similarly, they reported higher rates of 77 of a list of 134 disorders reported by at least 10 participants of the study. Toxoplasmosis was associated most strongly with musculoskeletal (τ = 0·107, P < 0·0005), followed by neurological (τ = 0·088, P < 0·0005), immune (τ = 0·085, p < 0·0005), metabolic (τ = 0·079, P < 0·0005), respiratory (τ = 0·068, P = 0·0001), allergic (τ = 0·053, P = 0·004), digestive system (τ = 0·052, P = 0·004) and mental health disorders (τ = 0·050, P = 0·008). Results of the present cohort study, along with the previous data from many case-control studies or ecological studies suggest that latent toxoplasmosis represents a large and so far underrated public health problem.
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Siransy L, Dasse SR, Dou Gonat SP, Legbedji A, N'guessan K, Kouacou PA, Yeboah R, Menan H. Immunity Status of Blood Donors Regarding Toxoplasma gondii Infection in a Low-Income District of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:6830895. [PMID: 27795962 PMCID: PMC5066025 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6830895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Toxoplasmosis is a widespread cosmopolitan anthropozoonosis, which affects more than a third of the world population. Except the modes of transmission well known, Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted during transplantation or blood transfusion. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of IgG and IgM Toxoplasma gondii and to estimate the potential risk by blood products. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study on the research for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) blood donors performed by ELISA. Results. An overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among blood donors recruited was 67.92% (n = 72). Among these, 68 have Toxoplasma gondii IgG (64.15%), 12 Toxoplasma gondii IgM (11.32%), and 4 (3.77%) both. The risk varies between 8 for 100000 and 172 for 100000 donations. Conclusion. The need to strengthen security measures for people multitransfused, immunocompromised, and pregnant women to reduce the transmission of toxoplasmosis is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliane Siransy
- Immunology and Allergology Department, UFR Medical Sciences in Abidjan, Felix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- National Blood Transfusion Center, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Sery Romuald Dasse
- Immunology and Allergology Department, UFR Medical Sciences in Abidjan, Felix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Serge Pacôme Dou Gonat
- Medical and Technical Parasitology Department, Felix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | - Koffi N'guessan
- Immunology and Allergology Department, UFR Medical Sciences in Abidjan, Felix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Patricia Ama Kouacou
- Immunology and Allergology Department, UFR Medical Sciences in Abidjan, Felix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Richard Yeboah
- Immunology and Allergology Department, UFR Medical Sciences in Abidjan, Felix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Hervé Menan
- Medical and Technical Parasitology Department, Felix Houphouet Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
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David CN, Frias ES, Szu JI, Vieira PA, Hubbard JA, Lovelace J, Michael M, Worth D, McGovern KE, Ethell IM, Stanley BG, Korzus E, Fiacco TA, Binder DK, Wilson EH. GLT-1-Dependent Disruption of CNS Glutamate Homeostasis and Neuronal Function by the Protozoan Parasite Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005643. [PMID: 27281462 PMCID: PMC4900626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune privileged nature of the CNS can make it vulnerable to chronic and latent infections. Little is known about the effects of lifelong brain infections, and thus inflammation, on the neurological health of the host. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that can infect any mammalian nucleated cell with average worldwide seroprevalence rates of 30%. Infection by Toxoplasma is characterized by the lifelong presence of parasitic cysts within neurons in the brain, requiring a competent immune system to prevent parasite reactivation and encephalitis. In the immunocompetent individual, Toxoplasma infection is largely asymptomatic, however many recent studies suggest a strong correlation with certain neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Here, we demonstrate a significant reduction in the primary astrocytic glutamate transporter, GLT-1, following infection with Toxoplasma. Using microdialysis of the murine frontal cortex over the course of infection, a significant increase in extracellular concentrations of glutamate is observed. Consistent with glutamate dysregulation, analysis of neurons reveal changes in morphology including a reduction in dendritic spines, VGlut1 and NeuN immunoreactivity. Furthermore, behavioral testing and EEG recordings point to significant changes in neuronal output. Finally, these changes in neuronal connectivity are dependent on infection-induced downregulation of GLT-1 as treatment with the ß-lactam antibiotic ceftriaxone, rescues extracellular glutamate concentrations, neuronal pathology and function. Altogether, these data demonstrate that following an infection with T. gondii, the delicate regulation of glutamate by astrocytes is disrupted and accounts for a range of deficits observed in chronic infection. The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects a third of the world’s population and causes a chronic lifelong infection in the brain of the host. The consequences of such an infection are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that Toxoplasma infection can induce profound changes in astrocyte physiology leading to significant disruption of neuronal networks. Pathology can be rescued by upregulating the astrocytic glutamate transporter, GLT-1, restoring concentrations of extracellular glutamate and EEG power. We suggest that such global dysregulation of neurotransmitters should be considered when determining the effects of infection on the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément N. David
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Elma S. Frias
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jenny I. Szu
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Philip A. Vieira
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jacqueline A. Hubbard
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Lovelace
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Marena Michael
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Danielle Worth
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Kathryn E. McGovern
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Iryna M. Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - B. Glenn Stanley
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Edward Korzus
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Todd A. Fiacco
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Devin K. Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Emma H. Wilson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tan D, Vyas A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and testosterone congruently increase tolerance of male rats for risk of reward forfeiture. Horm Behav 2016; 79:37-44. [PMID: 26774464 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Decision making under risk involves balancing the potential of gaining rewards with the possibility of loss and/or punishment. Tolerance to risk varies between individuals. Understanding the biological basis of risk tolerance is pertinent because excessive tolerance contributes to adverse health and safety outcomes. Yet, not much is known about biological factors mediating inter-individual variability in this regard. We investigate if latent Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause risk tolerance. Using a rodent model of the balloon analogous risk task, we show that latent T. gondii infection leads to a greater tolerance of reward forfeiture. Furthermore, effects of the infection on risk can be recapitulated with testosterone supplementation alone, demonstrating that greater testosterone synthesis by the host post-infection is sufficient to change risk tolerance. T. gondii is a frequent parasite of humans and animals. Thus, the infection status can potentially explain some of the inter-individual variability in the risky decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
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Flegr J. Heterozygote Advantage Probably Maintains Rhesus Factor Blood Group Polymorphism: Ecological Regression Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147955. [PMID: 26811928 PMCID: PMC4728066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhesus factor polymorphism has been an evolutionary enigma since its discovery in 1939. Carriers of the rarer allele should be eliminated by selection against Rhesus positive children born to Rhesus negative mothers. Here I used an ecologic regression study to test the hypothesis that Rhesus factor polymorphism is stabilized by heterozygote advantage. The study was performed in 65 countries for which the frequencies of RhD phenotypes and specific disease burden data were available. I performed multiple multivariate covariance analysis with five potential confounding variables: GDP, latitude (distance from the equator), humidity, medical care expenditure per capita and frequencies of smokers. The results showed that the burden associated with many diseases correlated with the frequencies of particular Rhesus genotypes in a country and that the direction of the relation was nearly always the opposite for the frequency of Rhesus negative homozygotes and that of Rhesus positive heterozygotes. On the population level, a Rhesus-negativity-associated burden could be compensated for by the heterozygote advantage, but for Rhesus negative subjects this burden represents a serious problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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Celik T, Gokcen C, Aytas O, Ozcelik A, Celik M, Coban N. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in stutterers is higher than in the control group. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2015; 62. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2015.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Alvarado-Esquivel C, Sánchez-Anguiano LF, Hernández-Tinoco J, Arreola-Cháidez E, López J, Salcido-Meraz KI, Estrada-Martínez S, Navarrete-Flores JA, Pérez-Álamos AR, Hernández-Ochoa M, Rábago-Sánchez E, Liesenfeld O. High Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Female Sex Workers: A Case-Control Study. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2015; 5:285-92. [PMID: 26716017 PMCID: PMC4681356 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2015.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Through an age- and sex-matched case-control study, we sought to determine whether female sex workers have an increased risk of Toxoplasma gondii exposure and to determine the sociodemographic, work, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of these workers associated with T. gondii exposure. Female workers (n = 136) and controls (n = 272) were examined with enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA) for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. IgM positive sera were additionally tested with enzyme linked-fluorescence immunoassay (ELFA). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 21 (15.44%) of 136 cases and in 10 (3.67%) of 272 controls (OR = 4.05; 95% CI: 1.84–8.89; P = 0.0001). Anti-T. gondii IgG levels higher than 150 IU/ml were found in 13 (9.6%) of 136 cases and in 8 (2.9%) of 272 controls (P = 0.007). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in two cases and in six controls by EIA, but all were negative by ELFA. T. gondii seropositivity was associated with being born out of Durango State (OR = 10.47; 95% CI: 2.9–36.8; P < 0.01), injuries during sex work (OR = 6.30; 95% CI: 1.1–33.7; P = 0.03), and soil contact (OR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.2–14.0; P = 0.02). This is the first report of an association of T. gondii infection and female sex workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel
- Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Luis Francisco Sánchez-Anguiano
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Jesús Hernández-Tinoco
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Juan López
- Clinic for Sanitary Inspection , Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Sergio Estrada-Martínez
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - José Antonio Navarrete-Flores
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | - Alma Rosa Pérez-Álamos
- Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico
| | | | - Elizabeth Rábago-Sánchez
- Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Avenida Universidad S/N , 34000 Durango, Durango, Mexico ; General Hospital, Secretary of Health, Avenida 5 de febrero 220 , 34000 Durango, Mexico
| | - Oliver Liesenfeld
- Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité Medical School , Hindenburgdamm 27, D-12203 Berlin, Germany
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Diamond DM, Zoladz PR. Dysfunctional or hyperfunctional? The amygdala in posttraumatic stress disorder is the bull in the evolutionary China shop. J Neurosci Res 2015; 94:437-44. [PMID: 26511328 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Our motivation in writing this Review arose not only from the great value in contributing to this special issue of the Journal of Neuroscience Research but also from the desire to express our opinion that the description of the amygdala as "dysfunctional" in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might not be appropriate. We acknowledge that excessive activation of the amygdala contributes to the cluster of PTSD symptoms, including hypervigilance, intrusive memories, and impaired sleep, that underlies the devastating mental and physical outcomes in trauma victims. The issue that we address is whether the symptoms of PTSD represent an impaired (dysfunctional) or sensitized (hyperfunctional) amygdala status. We propose that the amygdala in PTSD is hyperfunctional rather than dysfunctional in recognition of the fact that the individual has already survived one life-threatening attack and that another may be forthcoming. We therefore consider PTSD to be a state in which the amygdala is functioning optimally if the goal is to ensure a person's survival. The misery caused by a hyperfunctional amygdala in PTSD is the cost of inheriting an evolutionarily primitive mechanism that considers survival more important than the quality of one's life.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Diamond
- Medical Research Service, Veterans Administration Hospital, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.,Center for Preclinical and Clinical Research on PTSD, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Phillip R Zoladz
- Department of Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice, Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio
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Flegr J, Hoffmann R, Dammann M. Worse Health Status and Higher Incidence of Health Disorders in Rhesus Negative Subjects. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141362. [PMID: 26495842 PMCID: PMC4619848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhesus-positive and Rhesus-negative persons differ in the presence-absence of highly immunogenic RhD protein on the erythrocyte membrane. The biological function of the RhD molecule is unknown. Its structure suggests that the molecular complex with RhD protein transports NH3 or CO2 molecules across the erythrocyte cell membrane. Some data indicate that RhD positive and RhD negative subjects differ in their tolerance to certain biological factors, including, Toxoplasma infection, aging and fatique. Present cross sectional study performed on 3,130 subjects) showed that Rhesus negative subjects differed in many indices of their health status, including incidences of many disorders. Rhesus negative subjects reported to have more frequent allergic, digestive, heart, hematological, immunity, mental health, and neurological problems. On the population level, a Rhesus-negativity-associated burden could be compensated for, for example, by the heterozygote advantage, but for Rhesus negative subjects this burden represents a serious problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Rudolf Hoffmann
- Department of Hematology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mike Dammann
- Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
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Lanchava L, Carlson K, Šebánková B, Flegr J, Nave G. No Evidence of Association between Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Financial Risk Taking in Females. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136716. [PMID: 26401912 PMCID: PMC4581702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Past research linked Toxoplasma gondii (TG) infection in humans with neurological and mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease and attention disorders), irregularities of the dopaminergic and testosterone system, and increased likelihood of being involved in traffic accidents. Methodology/Principal Findings We test for an association between TG infection and financial decision-making (DM) using a case-control design in a sample of female Czech students (n = 79). We estimate each subject's risk attitude and loss aversion using an experimental economic task involving real monetary incentives. We find no significant evidence that either measure of decision-making is associated with TG infection. Conclusion We were unable to find evidence of an association between TG infection and financial decision-making in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasha Lanchava
- Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education and Economics Institute (CERGE-EI), Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kyle Carlson
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States of America
| | - Blanka Šebánková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gideon Nave
- Department of Computation & Neural Systems, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Hamdani N, Daban-Huard C, Lajnef M, Gadel R, Le Corvoisier P, Delavest M, Carde S, Lépine JP, Jamain S, Houenou J, Galeh B, Richard JR, Aoki M, Charron D, Krishnamoorthy R, Yolken R, Dickerson F, Tamouza R, Leboyer M. Cognitive deterioration among bipolar disorder patients infected by Toxoplasma gondii is correlated to interleukin 6 levels. J Affect Disord 2015; 179:161-6. [PMID: 25863913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive deficits are present in a large majority of Bipolar Disorder (BD) patients and known to be a marker of bad prognosis. Because, these deficits encompass several domains and no specific medical treatment seems to be effective, it is important to better understand the mechanisms underlying cognitive deterioration. As Toxoplasma gondii is known to induce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, we will explore here the possible role of T. gondii in the cognitive decline observed in BD. METHODS 42 euthymic BD patients and 36 controls were assessed for episodic verbal memory using the CVLT and for working memory and verbal ability using the WAIS III. Patients and controls were also screened for seropositivity to T. gondii and evaluated for the levels of IL-6 transcripts. RESULTS The seropositivity for T. gondii was significantly higher in BD patients as compared to controls (p=0.005). The cognitive deterioration index (DI) was higher in BD patients (p=5.10(-6)) and correlated to high IL-6 mRNA expression only among those infected by T. gondii (rho=0.43, p=0.01). Among deteriorated patients (defined by scores above 0.10 according to Weschler׳s definition), the IL-6 mRNA expression was twice greater (p=0.01). LIMITATIONS Our results are to be interpreted with caution because of our small sample size and the cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS A long-term exposure to inflammation, measured here with IL-6 mRNA expression in T. gondii infected BD may alter cognitive functioning. IL-6 could thus be a useful predictive marker of cognitive deterioration in BD and may help to design personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Hamdani
- Inserm U955, Equipe 15 « Psychiatrie Génétique », Créteil F-94000, France; AP-HP, DHU Pe-PSY, Université Paris Est Créteil, Groupe Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie et d׳Addictologie, Créteil F-94000, France; Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France.
| | - Claire Daban-Huard
- Inserm U955, Equipe 15 « Psychiatrie Génétique », Créteil F-94000, France; AP-HP, DHU Pe-PSY, Université Paris Est Créteil, Groupe Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie et d׳Addictologie, Créteil F-94000, France; Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France
| | - Mohamed Lajnef
- Inserm U955, Equipe 15 « Psychiatrie Génétique », Créteil F-94000, France; AP-HP, DHU Pe-PSY, Université Paris Est Créteil, Groupe Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie et d׳Addictologie, Créteil F-94000, France; Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France
| | - Rémi Gadel
- Inserm U955, Equipe 15 « Psychiatrie Génétique », Créteil F-94000, France; AP-HP, DHU Pe-PSY, Université Paris Est Créteil, Groupe Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie et d׳Addictologie, Créteil F-94000, France; Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France
| | - Philippe Le Corvoisier
- CIC 006Henri Mondor INSERM & Plateforme de Ressources Biologiques, Université Paris Est Créteil, AP-HP, France
| | - Marine Delavest
- Neurospin, UNIACT Lab, Psychiatry Team, CEA Saclay, France; AP-HP, Université Paris Diderot, Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Lariboisiere Fernand Widal, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Soufiane Carde
- Inserm U955, Equipe 15 « Psychiatrie Génétique », Créteil F-94000, France; AP-HP, DHU Pe-PSY, Université Paris Est Créteil, Groupe Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie et d׳Addictologie, Créteil F-94000, France; Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France; Neurospin, UNIACT Lab, Psychiatry Team, CEA Saclay, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Lépine
- Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France; AP-HP, Université Paris Diderot, Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Lariboisiere Fernand Widal, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Jamain
- Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France; AP-HP, Université Paris Diderot, Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Lariboisiere Fernand Widal, F-75010 Paris, France
| | - Josselin Houenou
- Inserm U955, Equipe 15 « Psychiatrie Génétique », Créteil F-94000, France; AP-HP, DHU Pe-PSY, Université Paris Est Créteil, Groupe Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie et d׳Addictologie, Créteil F-94000, France; Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France; Neurospin, UNIACT Lab, Psychiatry Team, CEA Saclay, France
| | - Bijan Galeh
- CIC 006Henri Mondor INSERM & Plateforme de Ressources Biologiques, Université Paris Est Créteil, AP-HP, France
| | - Jean-Romain Richard
- Inserm U955, Equipe 15 « Psychiatrie Génétique », Créteil F-94000, France; Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France
| | - Masayuki Aoki
- Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France; Jean Dausset Dept & INSERM, UMRS 940, Hôpital Saint Louis, Univ Paris Diderot, Paris F75010, France
| | - Dominique Charron
- Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France; Jean Dausset Dept & INSERM, UMRS 940, Hôpital Saint Louis, Univ Paris Diderot, Paris F75010, France
| | | | - Robert Yolken
- Stanley Laboratory of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, USA
| | - Faith Dickerson
- Stanley Laboratory of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ryad Tamouza
- Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France; Stanley Research Program, Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marion Leboyer
- Inserm U955, Equipe 15 « Psychiatrie Génétique », Créteil F-94000, France; AP-HP, DHU Pe-PSY, Université Paris Est Créteil, Groupe Henri Mondor - Albert Chenevier, Pôle de psychiatrie et d׳Addictologie, Créteil F-94000, France; Fondation Fondamental, Fondation de coopération scientifique, Créteil F94000, France
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Gebremedhin EZ, Tadesse G. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in animals and humans in Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:291. [PMID: 26017571 PMCID: PMC4449589 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0901-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and assess the potential risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections in animals and humans in Ethiopia by using meta-analytical methods. METHODS Published studies on T. gondii in animals and humans in Ethiopia were searched in Medline, Google Scholar and the lists of references of articles. Eligible studies were selected by using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risks of within and across study biases, and the variations in prevalence estimates attributable to heterogeneities were assessed. Pooled prevalence was estimated by the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. RESULTS Thirty two studies were eligible and data from 5689 animals and 5718 humans were used for quantitative syntheses. The pooled IgG seroprevalence in cats, small ruminants and humans were estimated at 87.72% (95% CI = 78.63, 93.28), 34.59% (95% CI = 21.08, 51.12) and 74.73% (95% CI = 61.85, 84.36), respectively. The odds of infections were higher in pregnant than in non pregnant women (OR = 3.96), in individuals that had contact with cats than those with no contact (OR = 2.53), and in urban than in rural inhabitants (OR = 2.06). CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasmosis is highly prevalent and could be a cause of considerable reproductive wastage in small ruminants and multiple diseases in humans in Ethiopia. Public education on preventive measures could help reduce the transmission of the parasite to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Getachew Tadesse
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia.
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Parlog A, Schlüter D, Dunay IR. Toxoplasma gondii-induced neuronal alterations. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:159-70. [PMID: 25376390 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The zoonotic pathogen Toxoplasma gondii infects over 30% of the human population. The intracellular parasite can persist lifelong in the CNS within neurons modifying their function and structure, thus leading to specific behavioural changes of the host. In recent years, several in vitro studies and murine models have focused on the elucidation of these modifications. Furthermore, investigations of the human population have correlated Toxoplasma seropositivity with changes in neurological functions; however, the complex underlying mechanisms of the subtle behavioural alteration are still not fully understood. The parasites are able to induce direct modifications in the infected cells, for example by altering dopamine metabolism, by functionally silencing neurons as well as by hindering apoptosis. Moreover, indirect effects of the peripheral immune system and alterations of the immune status of the CNS, observed during chronic infection, might also contribute to changes in neuronal connectivity and synaptic plasticity. In this review, we will provide an overview and highlight recent advances, which describe changes in the neuronal function and morphology upon T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Parlog
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Mendy A, Vieira ER, Albatineh AN, Gasana J. Immediate rather than delayed memory impairment in older adults with latent toxoplasmosis. Brain Behav Immun 2015; 45:36-40. [PMID: 25499468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects one third of the world population, but its effect on memory remains ambiguous. To examine a potential relationship of the infection with immediate and delayed memory, a population-based study was conducted in 4485 participants of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey aged 60years and older. Serum anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme immune assay and verbal memory was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the East Boston Memory Test. The prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis was 41%; in one way analysis of variance, anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody levels significantly differed across tertiles for immediate (P=0.006) but not delayed memory scores (P=0.22). In multinomial logistic regression adjusting for covariates, Toxoplasma seropositivity was associated with lower immediate memory performance (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.97 for medium tertile and OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.98 for highest tertile in reference to the lowest tertile), especially in non-Hispanic Whites (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.88 for medium tertile and OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.87 for highest tertile in reference to the lowest tertile). However, no relationship with delayed memory was observed. In conclusion, latent toxoplasmosis is widespread in older adults and may primarily affect immediate rather than delayed memory, particularly in White Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelico Mendy
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, S161 CPHB 105 River Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
| | - Edgar R Vieira
- Department of Physical Therapy, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Ahmed N Albatineh
- Department of Biostatistics, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Janvier Gasana
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Robert Stempel School of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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Flegr J, Dama M. Does the prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis and frequency of Rhesus-negative subjects correlate with the nationwide rate of traffic accidents? Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2014. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2014.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Gebremedhin EZ, Abdurahaman M, Hadush T, Tessema TS. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep and goats slaughtered for human consumption in Central Ethiopia. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:696. [PMID: 25287190 PMCID: PMC4196015 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses worldwide. Humans get infections with T. gondii after ingesting raw or undercooked meat or oocysts via contaminated soil, food or water; or congenitally by transplacental transmission of tachyzoites. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the seroprevalence and assess risk factors for T. gondii infection in sheep and goats slaughtered for human consumption in Central Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out from September, 2011 to November, 2012 in randomly selected small ruminants (n = 628). Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) was used to detect IgG antibodies specific to T. gondii. A titer of 1: 40 or 1: 4000 or both was considered indicative of T. gondii exposure. Logistic regression was used to assess potential risk factors. RESULTS An overall seroprevalence of 17.68% (111/628) (95% confidence interval [CI]:14.77-20.89) was detected. Twenty percent (61/305) seroprevalence (95% CI: 15.6-624.94) in sheep was found with a reciprocal end titers of 60 in fourteen, 180 in three, 540 in two, 1620 in five, 6000 in nine, 18000 in six, 54000 in eleven and 162000 in eleven. Similarly, seroprevalence of 15.48% (50/323) (95% CI:11.71-19.89) in goats was found with a reciprocal end titers of 60 in eighteen, 180 in five, 540 in three, 1620 in seven, 6000 in four, 18,000 in four, 54,000 in five and 162,000 in four. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of T. gondii infection was significantly higher in adult sheep (adjusted Odd ratio (aOR) = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.10-3.70; P = 0.023) than in young sheep and in sheep sampled during the dry season (aOR = 4.19, 95% CI: 1.55-11.33, P = 0.005) than those sampled during wet season. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in small ruminants slaughtered for human consumption in Central Ethiopia is high. Age and season are significant predictors of seropositivity in sheep. The study highlighted the importance of meat of small ruminants as a potential source of infection for humans. Prevention of the spread of the disease through farm biosecurity measures is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin
- />Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences Ambo University, P.O.Box 19, Ambo, Ethiopia
| | - Mukarim Abdurahaman
- />College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Jimma University, P.O.Box 307, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tsehaye Hadush
- />College of Veterinary Medicine, Samera University, P.O.Box 132, Samera, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Sisay Tessema
- />Institute of Biotechnology, College of Natural and computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Andrews KT, Fisher G, Skinner-Adams TS. Drug repurposing and human parasitic protozoan diseases. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2014; 4:95-111. [PMID: 25057459 PMCID: PMC4095053 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases have an enormous health, social and economic impact and are a particular problem in tropical regions of the world. Diseases caused by protozoa and helminths, such as malaria and schistosomiasis, are the cause of most parasite related morbidity and mortality, with an estimated 1.1 million combined deaths annually. The global burden of these diseases is exacerbated by the lack of licensed vaccines, making safe and effective drugs vital to their prevention and treatment. Unfortunately, where drugs are available, their usefulness is being increasingly threatened by parasite drug resistance. The need for new drugs drives antiparasitic drug discovery research globally and requires a range of innovative strategies to ensure a sustainable pipeline of lead compounds. In this review we discuss one of these approaches, drug repurposing or repositioning, with a focus on major human parasitic protozoan diseases such as malaria, trypanosomiasis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis and leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine T Andrews
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gillian Fisher
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tina S Skinner-Adams
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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Flegr J, Prandota J, Sovičková M, Israili ZH. Toxoplasmosis--a global threat. Correlation of latent toxoplasmosis with specific disease burden in a set of 88 countries. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90203. [PMID: 24662942 PMCID: PMC3963851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 385] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is becoming a global health hazard as it infects 30-50% of the world human population. Clinically, the life-long presence of the parasite in tissues of a majority of infected individuals is usually considered asymptomatic. However, a number of studies show that this 'asymptomatic infection' may also lead to development of other human pathologies. AIMS OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study was to collect available geoepidemiological data on seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and search for its relationship with mortality and disability rates in different countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS Prevalence data published between 1995-2008 for women in child-bearing age were collected for 88 countries (29 European). The association between prevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific disease burden estimated with age-standardized Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) or with mortality, was calculated using General Linear Method with Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDP), geolatitude and humidity as covariates, and also using nonparametric partial Kendall correlation test with GDP as a covariate. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with specific disease burden in particular countries explaining 23% of variability in disease burden in Europe. The analyses revealed that for example, DALY of 23 of 128 analyzed diseases and disease categories on the WHO list showed correlations (18 positive, 5 negative) with prevalence of toxoplasmosis and another 12 diseases showed positive trends (p<0.1). For several obtained significant correlations between the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific diseases/clinical entities, possible pathophysiological, biochemical and molecular explanations are presented. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with various disease burden. Statistical associations does not necessarily mean causality. The precautionary principle suggests however that possible role of toxoplasmosis as a triggering factor responsible for development of several clinical entities deserves much more attention and financial support both in everyday medical practice and future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph Prandota
- Department of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michaela Sovičková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zafar H. Israili
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Feigenson KA, Kusnecov AW, Silverstein SM. Inflammation and the two-hit hypothesis of schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 38:72-93. [PMID: 24247023 PMCID: PMC3896922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 10/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The high societal and individual cost of schizophrenia necessitates finding better, more effective treatment, diagnosis, and prevention strategies. One of the obstacles in this endeavor is the diverse set of etiologies that comprises schizophrenia. A substantial body of evidence has grown over the last few decades to suggest that schizophrenia is a heterogeneous syndrome with overlapping symptoms and etiologies. At the same time, an increasing number of clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies have shown links between schizophrenia and inflammatory conditions. In this review, we analyze the literature on inflammation and schizophrenia, with a particular focus on comorbidity, biomarkers, and environmental insults. We then identify several mechanisms by which inflammation could influence the development of schizophrenia via the two-hit hypothesis. Lastly, we note the relevance of these findings to clinical applications in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Feigenson
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Alex W Kusnecov
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Program and Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers University, 52 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8020, USA.
| | - Steven M Silverstein
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; University Behavioral Health Care at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 671 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08855, USA.
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Galván-Ramírez MDLL, Sánchez-Orozco LV, Rodríguez LR, Rodríguez S, Roig-Melo E, Troyo Sanromán R, Chiquete E, Armendáriz-Borunda J. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in drivers involved in road traffic accidents in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:294. [PMID: 24499659 PMCID: PMC3852619 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the general population of Guadalajara, Mexico, is around 32%. Toxoplasmosis can cause ocular lesions and slowing of reaction reflexes. Latent toxoplasmosis has been related with traffic accidents. We aimed to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and visual impairments related with traffic accidents in drivers from the metropolitan Guadalajara. METHODS We prospectively evaluated the prevalence of IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies in 159 individuals involved in traffic accidents, and in 164 control drivers never involved in accidents. Cases of toxoplasmosis reactivation or acute infection were detected by PCR in a subset of 71 drivers studied for the presence of T. gondii DNA in blood samples. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed in drivers with IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in search of ocular toxoplasmosis. RESULTS Fifty-four (34%) traffic accident drivers and 59 (36%) controls were positive to IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies (p = 0.70). Among the 113 seropositive participants, mean anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies titers were higher in traffic accident drivers than in controls (237.9 ± 308.5 IU/ml vs. 122.9 ± 112.7 IU/ml, respectively; p = 0.01 by Student's t test, p = 0.037 by Mann-Whitney U test). In multivariate analyses, anti-T. gondii IgG antibody titers were consistently associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents, whereas age showed an inverse association. The presence of IgM-anti-T. gondii antibodies was found in three (1.9%) subjects among traffic accident drives, and in two (1.2%) controls. Three (4.2%) samples were positive for the presence of T. gondii DNA, all among seropositive individuals. No signs of ocular toxoplasmosis were found in the entire cohort. Moreover, no other ocular conditions were found to be associated with the risk of traffic accidents in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Anti-T. gondii antibody titers are associated with the risk of traffic accidents. We could not determine any association of ocular toxoplasmosis with traffic accidents. Our results warrant further analyses in order to clarify the link between toxoplasmosis and traffic accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma de la Luz Galván-Ramírez
- Department of Physiology, Neurophysiology Laboratory, University Center of Health Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
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Pearce BD, Hubbard S, Rivera HN, Wilkins PP, Fisch MC, Hopkins MH, Hasenkamp W, Gross R, Bliwise N, Jones JL, Duncan E. Toxoplasma gondii exposure affects neural processing speed as measured by acoustic startle latency in schizophrenia and controls. Schizophr Res 2013; 150:258-61. [PMID: 23953218 PMCID: PMC3786776 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (TOXO) infection in schizophrenia (SCZ) is elevated compared to controls (odds ratio=2.73). TOXO infection is associated with psychomotor slowing in rodents and non-psychiatric humans. Latency of the acoustic startle response, an index of neural processing speed, is the time it takes for a startling stimulus to elicit the reflexive response through a three-synapse subcortical circuit. We report a significant slowing of latency in TOXO seropositive SCZ vs. seronegative SCZ, and in TOXO seropositive controls vs. seronegative controls. Latency was likewise slower in SCZ subjects than in controls. These findings indicate a slowing of neural processing speed with chronic TOXO infection; the slowest startle latency was seen in the TOXO seropositive SCZ group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D. Pearce
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, US
| | - Sydney Hubbard
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, US
| | - Hilda N. Rivera
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Bldg. 23, Rm 420, Mailstop D-64, Atlanta, GA 30333, US
| | - Patricia P. Wilkins
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Bldg. 23, Rm 420, Mailstop D-64, Atlanta, GA 30333, US
| | - Marylynn C. Fisch
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, US
| | - Myfanwy H. Hopkins
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, US
| | - Wendy Hasenkamp
- Atlanta VA Medical Center and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine,1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur GA 30033, US
| | - Robin Gross
- Atlanta VA Medical Center and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine,1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur GA 30033, US
| | - Nancy Bliwise
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta GA, US
| | - Jeffrey L. Jones
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE, Mailstop A-06, Atlanta GA, 30329-4018, US
| | - Erica Duncan
- Atlanta VA Medical Center and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine,1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur GA 30033, US
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Flegr J. Influence of latent Toxoplasma infection on human personality, physiology and morphology: pros and cons of the Toxoplasma-human model in studying the manipulation hypothesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 216:127-33. [PMID: 23225875 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.073635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii infects about one-third of the population of developed countries. The life-long presence of dormant stages of this parasite in the brain and muscular tissues of infected humans is usually considered asymptomatic from the clinical point of view. In the past 20 years, research performed mostly on military personnel, university students, pregnant women and blood donors has shown that this 'asymptomatic' disease has a large influence on various aspects of human life. Toxoplasma-infected subjects differ from uninfected controls in the personality profile estimated with two versions of Cattell's 16PF, Cloninger's TCI and Big Five questionnaires. Most of these differences increase with the length of time since the onset of infection, suggesting that Toxoplasma influences human personality rather than human personality influencing the probability of infection. Toxoplasmosis increases the reaction time of infected subjects, which can explain the increased probability of traffic accidents in infected subjects reported in three retrospective and one very large prospective case-control study. Latent toxoplasmosis is associated with immunosuppression, which might explain the increased probability of giving birth to a boy in Toxoplasma-infected women and also the extremely high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in mothers of children with Down syndrome. Toxoplasma-infected male students are about 3 cm taller than Toxoplasma-free subjects and their faces are rated by women as more masculine and dominant. These differences may be caused by an increased concentration of testosterone. Toxoplasma also appears to be involved in the initiation of more severe forms of schizophrenia. At least 40 studies confirmed an increased prevalence of toxoplasmosis among schizophrenic patients. Toxoplasma-infected schizophrenic patients differ from Toxoplasma-free schizophrenic patients by brain anatomy and by a higher intensity of the positive symptoms of the disease. Finally, five independent studies performed in blood donors, pregnant women and military personnel showed that RhD blood group positivity, especially in RhD heterozygotes, protects infected subjects against various effects of latent toxoplasmosis, such as the prolongation of reaction times, an increased risk of traffic accidents and excessive pregnancy weight gain. The modern human is not a natural host of Toxoplasma. Therefore, it can only be speculated which of the observed effects of latent toxoplasmosis are the result of the manipulation activity of the Toxoplasma aimed to increase the probability of its transmission from a natural intermediate to the definitive host by predation, and which are just side effects of chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Department of Philosophy and History of Science, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Torgerson PR, Mastroiacovo P. The global burden of congenital toxoplasmosis: a systematic review. Bull World Health Organ 2013; 91:501-8. [PMID: 23825877 DOI: 10.2471/blt.12.111732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 395] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the global burden of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT), which results from infection of pregnant women with Toxoplasma gondii. METHODS The authors systematically searched 9 major databases for published and unpublished sources and established direct contact with the authors of source materials. Searches were country-specific. To be included, studies had to report on the incidence of CT, on positivity to Toxoplasma-specific IgM in infants and pregnant women (including seroconversion results) or on positivity to Toxoplasma-specific IgG in the general population. Various modelling techniques were used, depending on the country-specific data available, to estimate the CT incidence and burden in each country. These data were then synthesized into an estimate of the global incidence of CT and of the global burden of CT in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). FINDINGS The global annual incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis was estimated to be 190,100 cases (95% credible interval, CI: 179,300-206,300). This was equivalent to a burden of 1.20 million DALYs (95% CI: 0.76-1.90). High burdens were seen in South America and in some Middle Eastern and low-income countries. CONCLUSION Congenital toxoplasmosis poses a substantial burden of poor health globally. Toxoplasmosis should be included in future updates of the global burden of disease and the corresponding data should be used to support public health interventions to reduce disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Torgerson
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurestrasse 270, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Flegr J, Preiss M, Klose J. Toxoplasmosis-associated difference in intelligence and personality in men depends on their Rhesus blood group but not ABO blood group. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61272. [PMID: 23593448 PMCID: PMC3622667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The parasite Toxoplasma gondii influences the behaviour of infected animals and probably also personality of infected humans. Subjects with a Rhesus-positive blood group are protected against certain behavioural effects associated with Toxoplasma infection, including the deterioration of reaction times and personality factor shift. Methodology/Principal Findings Here, we searched for differences in the toxoplasmosis-associated effects between RhD-positive and RhD-negative subjects by testing 502 soldiers with two personality tests and two intelligence tests. The infected subjects expressed lower levels of all potentially pathognomic factors measured with the N-70 questionnaire and in neurasthenia measured with NEO-PI-R. The RhD-positive, Toxoplasma-infected subjects expressed lower while RhD-negative, Toxoplasma-infected subjects expressed higher intelligence than their Toxoplasma-free peers. The observed Toxoplasma-associated differences were always larger in RhD-negative than in RhD-positive subjects. Conclusions RhD phenotype plays an important role in the strength and direction of association between latent toxoplasmosis and not only psychomotor performance, but also personality and intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic.
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50
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Flegr J. How and why Toxoplasma makes us crazy. Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:156-63. [PMID: 23433494 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
For a long time, a latent toxoplasmosis, the lifelong presence of dormant stages of Toxoplasma in various tissues, including the brain, was considered harmless for immunocompetent persons. Within the past 10 years, however, many independent studies have shown that this parasitic disease, with a worldwide prevalence of about 30%, could be indirectly responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths due to its effects on the rate of traffic and workplace accidents, and also suicides. Moreover, latent toxoplasmosis is probably one of the most important risk factors for schizophrenia. At least some of these effects, possibly mediated by increased dopamine and decreased tryptophan, are products of manipulation activity by Toxoplasma aiming to increase the probability of transmission from intermediate to definitive host through predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague 128 44, Czech Republic.
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