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Egorov AI, Griffin SM, Styles JN, Kobylanski J, Klein J, Wickersham L, Ritter R, Sams E, Hudgens EE, Wade TJ. Time outdoors and residential greenness are associated with reduced systemic inflammation and allostatic load. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 344:123408. [PMID: 38278402 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Contacts with nature are linked with reduced morbidity and mortality. Hypothesized pathways include relaxation, physical activity, and improved immune function. This cross-sectional study of 320 adults in central North Carolina assessed health benefits of residential greenness using allostatic load (AL) and systemic inflammation (INFL) indices, composite biomarker-based measures of physiological dysregulation and inflammation, respectively. Distance-to-residence weighted tree cover and vegetated land cover measures were estimated within 500 m of each residence; 37 biomarkers of immune, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and metabolic functions were dichotomized at distribution or health-based cut-offs. AL was calculated as a sum of potentially unhealthy values of all biomarkers; INFL was based on a subset of 18 immune biomarkers. Regression analysis used generalized additive models for Poisson-distributed outcome. An interquartile range (IQR) increase in tree cover was associated with 0.89 (95 % Confidence Limits 0.82; 0.97) and 0.90 (0.79; 1.03)-fold change in AL and INFL, respectively. Greater daily outdoor time was associated with reduced AL and INFL, while leisure screen time, problems with sleeping, and common chronic infections were linked with increased AL and INFL. Among 138 individuals spending more than 1 h outdoors daily, an IQR increase in tree cover was associated with 0.76 (0.67; 0.86) and 0.81 (0.65; 1.02)-fold changes in AL and INFL, respectively. Among individuals with residential tree cover above the 50th percentile, spending more than 3 h outdoors daily was associated with 0.54 (0.37; 0.78) and 0.28 (0.15; 0.54)-fold changes in AL and INFL, respectively, compared to spending less than 30 min outdoors; there were no significant effects in the low tree cover stratum. Consistent but weaker effects were observed for vegetated land cover. Interaction effects of tree and vegetative cover and time spent outdoors on AL and INFL were statistically significant. This biomarker-based approach can help to assess public health benefits of green spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey I Egorov
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Shannon M Griffin
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer N Styles
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jason Kobylanski
- ORAU Student Services Contractor, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jo Klein
- ORAU Student Services Contractor, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lindsay Wickersham
- ORAU Student Services Contractor, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca Ritter
- ORAU Student Services Contractor, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Sams
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward E Hudgens
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Timothy J Wade
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Kinsey EN, Korte C, Gouasmia S, L'Ollivier C, Dubey JP, Dumètre A, Darnault CJ. Detection, fate and transport of the biohazardous agent Toxoplasma gondii in soil water systems: Influence of soil physicochemical properties, water chemistry and surfactant. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 15:597-613. [PMID: 37740249 PMCID: PMC10667666 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to study the fate and transport of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in soils as a function of soil physicochemical properties and soil water chemistry properties. Soil columns were homogeneously packed with loamy sand soils (Lewiston and Greenson series) and sandy loam soils (Sparta and Gilford series), and subject to hydrologic conditions characterized by the absence and presence of an anionic surfactant-Aerosol 22 in the artificial rainfall. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was utilized for the detection and enumeration of oocysts in soil leachates to evaluate their breakthrough and in soil matrices to examine their spatial distribution. Differences in the rate and extent of transport of oocysts were observed as a function of physical and chemical parameters tested. The breakthrough of oocysts was observed for all the soils irrespective of the presence of surfactant. However, in the absence of surfactant, the predominant fate of oocysts in soils subject to simulated rainfall was their retention in the soil profile. The presence of surfactant induced a change in the fate of oocysts in these soils exposed to rainfall simulation as the predominant fate of oocysts was found to be in the soil leachates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin N. Kinsey
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth SciencesClemson UniversityAndersonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Caroline Korte
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth SciencesClemson UniversityAndersonSouth CarolinaUSA
| | - Sohib Gouasmia
- Aix Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
- IHU‐Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
| | - Coralie L'Ollivier
- Aix Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
- IHU‐Méditerranée InfectionMarseilleFrance
- AP‐HM, Parasitology LaboratoryTimone HospitalMarseilleFrance
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases LaboratoryBeltsville Agricultural Research CenterBeltsvilleMarylandUSA
| | | | - Christophe J.G. Darnault
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth SciencesClemson UniversityAndersonSouth CarolinaUSA
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Applebaum JW, Ellison C. "Whoever takes the dog gets the house": How older adults negotiate, budget, and deploy resources for multispecies family health and well-being. SOCIAL WORK IN MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 21:757-783. [PMID: 37860711 PMCID: PMC10583862 DOI: 10.1080/15332985.2023.2265005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we interrogate the ways that older adult pet owners exercise their agency within the limits of their social statuses to allocate their resources for the management of the health needs of their multispecies families. Guided by fundamental cause theory, we consider how the participants' memberships in socially constructed categories can impact their experiences with household health management. We conducted focus groups with 30 community-dwelling older adults who owned pets. Using a thematic analytic approach, we found that the participants' bonds with their pets led them to negotiate priorities and make concessions for the benefit of the household.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer W. Applebaum
- Department of Environmental & Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Carlyn Ellison
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
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Cárdenas Sierra DM, Domínguez Julio GC, Blanco Oliveros MX, Soto JA, Tórres Morales E. Seroprevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a toxoplasmosis gestacional en el Nororiente Colombiano. REVISTA CUIDARTE 2022. [DOI: 10.15649/cuidarte.2287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Highlights:
La toxoplasmosis gestacional podría constituir una grave problemática en ascenso en la población atendida en zona fronteriza nororiental de Colombia.
La incrementada reactividad IgM específica a T.gondii en mujeres gestantes representa una alarma para la generación de estrategias de impacto en la prevención de esta problemática, como población priorizada.
La seronegatividad frente a T.gondii, aún predominante en población gestante evaluada en región nororiental de Colombia, constituye un factor de riesgo relevante de toxoplasmosis gestacional, reflejado en alta susceptibilidad.
La considerable exposición a factores de riesgo de toxoplasmosis en el embarazo implica una clara oportunidad de mejora de la calidad del control prenatal, mediante atención integral.
Introducción:La toxoplasmosis es una zoonosis prevalente en un tercio de la población mundial, que afecta negativamente la salud materno-fetal causando daños de grado variable al feto. Objetivo: Se propuso evaluar el estado serológico IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii y factores de riesgo relacionados, en mujeres gestantes de primer trimestre en Cúcuta, Colombia, en el año 2018. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal y correlacional en 111 mujeres participando voluntariamente, a quienes se testeó para IgM e IgG específicas por inmunoensayo LIA. Resultados: Se halló 19,8% y 35,1% de seropositividad total para IgM e IgG, respectivamente, 11,7% lo fue únicamente para IgM y 53,2% corresponde a la frecuencia de seronegatividad global para T.gondii; Se identificaron factores de riesgo (IC=95%) como consumo de carne mal cocida (54,1% de los casos, OR=1,8, p=0,120), de agua del grifo (48,6%, OR=1,4, p=0,421), de leche cruda de cabra o de vaca (39,6%, OR=0,78, p=0,553), además de convivencia con gatos (23,4%), éste último asociado significativamente a seropositividad al parásito (OR=2,8, p=0,025). Discusión y Conclusiones: Nuestros hallazgos revelan un posible riesgo de primo-infección en más de la mitad de la población gestante dada su seronegatividad frente al parásito, pero también una frecuencia considerable de casos con sospecha de infección muy reciente, lo que además de asociarse a un factor de riesgo previamente reconocido, deja entrever otros aspectos de riesgo en torno a la alimentación que deben impactarse mediante estrategias de prevención durante el control prenatal, sugiriendo la necesidad de fortalecer la vigilancia en torno al evento.
Como citar este artículo: Cárdenas Sierra Denny Miley, Domínguez Julio Camila, Blanco Oliveros María Ximena, Soto Javier Andrés, Tórres Morales Elizabeth. Seroprevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a toxoplasmosis gestacional en el Nororiente Colombiano. Revista Cuidarte. 2023;14(1):e2287. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.2287
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Della Vecchia A, Marazziti D. Back to the Future: The Role of Infections in Psychopathology. Focus on OCD. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2022; 19:248-263. [PMID: 36101642 PMCID: PMC9442856 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in the relationship between infections and psychopathology, given the increasing data on the neurotropism and neurological/psychiatric morbidity of the SARS-COV2 virus, responsible for the current worldwide pandemic. Although the majority of observations were those obtained in mood and schizophrenic disorders, a few data are also available on the presence of bacterial or viral infections in patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, given the limited information, the present paper aimed at reviewing the most updated evidence of infections in neuropsychiatric disorders and their possible mechanisms of actions, with a narrow focus on microbes in OCD. METHOD This paper is a narrative review. The databases of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO and Google Scholar were accessed to research and collect English language papers published between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 2021. The data on PANDAS/PANS and those observed during severe brain infections were excluded. RESULTS Several pathogens have been associated with an increased risk to develop a broad spectrum of neuropsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anorexia nervosa, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some evidence supported a possible role of infections also in the pathophysiology of OCD. Infections from Herpes simplex virus 1, Borna disease virus, Group A-Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus, Borrelia spp., and Toxoplasma gondii were actually found in patients with OCD. Although different mechanisms have been hypothesized, all would converge to trigger functional/structural alterations of specific circuits or immune processes, with cascade dysfunctions of several other systems. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current evidence, a possible contribution of different types of microbes has been proposed for different neuropsychiatric disorders including OCD. However, the currently available literature is meager and heterogeneous in terms of sample characteristics and methods used. Therefore, further studies are needed to better understand the impact of infectious agents in neuropsychiatric disorders. Our opinion is that deeper insights in this field might contribute to a better definition of biological underpinnings of specific clinical pictures, as well as to promote psychiatric precision medicine, with treatments based on altered pathological pathways of single patients. This might be particularly relevant in OCD, a disorder with a high proportion of patients who are resistant or do not respond to conventional therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences – UniCamillus, Rome, Italy
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Parvin I, Das SK, Ahmed S, Rahman A, Shahid ASMSB, Shahrin L, Afroze F, Ackhter MM, Alam T, Jahan Y, Palit P, Sarker MHR, Das J, Hoque ME, Magalhães RJS, Mamun AA, Faruque ASG, Ahmed T, Chisti MJ. Toxoplasma gondii Infection Is Associated with Low Birth Weight: Findings from an Observational Study among Rural Bangladeshi Women. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030336. [PMID: 35335660 PMCID: PMC8954211 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection may cause substantial adverse effects on developing fetuses, newborns and also mothers. This study aims to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii among rural Bangladeshi pregnant women and determine the risk of a low birth weight (LBW). We followed a longitudinal design where 208 pregnant women were followed until the birth of their infants. Levels of IgG and IgM of T. gondii were assessed using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted associations and multiple regression analysis was performed to understand the confounding and modifying effects of the variables. Thirty-nine (19%) children were born with LBW, among whom 15 (39%) mothers were positive for T. gondii IgG during pregnancy. After adjusting for several confounders and modifiers, pregnant women with T. gondii IgG or IgM seropositivity were significantly associated with LBW of infants (aRR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.17–3.42). The strength of this association increased after adjusting for maternal education (aRR: 4.88, 95% CI: 1.74–13.69). The final model had an AROC of 0.84 with a sensitivity of 36% and specificity of 97%. Although causality is yet to be established, the study observed an association between T. gondii infection during pregnancy among rural Bangladeshi women and LBW of newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irin Parvin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Sumon Kumar Das
- Menzies—School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0811, Australia
- Correspondence: or (S.K.D.); (A.S.G.F.)
| | - Shahnawaz Ahmed
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Aminur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayeem Bin Shahid
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Lubaba Shahrin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Farzana Afroze
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Mst. Mahmuda Ackhter
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Tahmina Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Yasmin Jahan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Parag Palit
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Mohammad Habibur Rahman Sarker
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Jui Das
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Mohammad Enamul Hoque
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Ricardo J. Soares Magalhães
- UQ Spatial Epidemiology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
- Children’s Health and Environment Program, UQ Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Abu Syed Golam Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
- Correspondence: or (S.K.D.); (A.S.G.F.)
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Mohammod Jobayer Chisti
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (I.P.); (A.R.); (A.S.M.S.B.S.); (L.S.); (F.A.); (M.M.A.); (T.A.); (Y.J.); (P.P.); (M.H.R.S.); (T.A.); (M.J.C.)
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Guidi J, Lucente M, Sonino N, Fava GA. Allostatic Load and Its Impact on Health: A Systematic Review. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 90:11-27. [PMID: 32799204 DOI: 10.1159/000510696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allostatic load refers to the cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events. It involves the interaction of different physiological systems at varying degrees of activity. When environmental challenges exceed the individual ability to cope, then allostatic overload ensues. Allostatic load is identified by the use of biomarkers and clinical criteria. OBJECTIVE To summarize the current knowledge on allostatic load and overload and its clinical implications based on a systematic review of the literature. METHODS PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to December 2019. A manual search of the literature was also performed, and reference lists of the retrieved articles were examined.We considered only studies in which allostatic load or overload were adequately described and assessed in either clinical or non-clinical adult populations. RESULTS A total of 267 original investigations were included. They encompassed general population studies, as well as clinical studies on consequences of allostatic load/overload on both physical and mental health across a variety of settings. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that allostatic load and overload are associated with poorer health outcomes. Assessment of allostatic load provides support to the understanding of psychosocial determinants of health and lifestyle medicine. An integrated approach that includes both biological markers and clinimetric criteria is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Guidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,
| | | | - Nicoletta Sonino
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Saito T, Kitamura Y, Tanaka E, Ishigami I, Taniguchi Y, Moribe J, Kitoh K, Takashima Y. Spatial distribution of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody-positive wild boars in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17207. [PMID: 34446779 PMCID: PMC8390498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96758-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally wide-spread parasite that infects almost all species of mammals and birds, including humans. We studied the spatial distribution of individual T. gondii-seropositive wild boar in Gifu Prefecture (10,621 km2), Japan. Altogether, 744 wild boars were captured at 663 points around human settlements in Gifu Prefecture. Serum samples were collected after recording the exact capture locations, along with each wild boar’s body length and sex. We then used a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for swine to measure anti-T. gondii antibodies in these animals. Among the 744 wild boars, 169 tested positive for T. gondii (22.7%). No significant difference in T. gondii seroprevalence was observed between the mountainous northern region with high winter snow cover and the mild-wintered geographical plain of the southern part of the prefecture. In contrast, 8 of the 11 wild boars that were captured in a public park surrounded by residential areas showed T. gondii seropositivity (72.7%), a value significantly higher than those of the wild boar populations in the other prefecture areas. This in-depth analysis, which spans the big city suburbs and rural areas of a whole prefecture, explains the seroprevalence of zoonotic T. gondii in wild boar and has public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taizo Saito
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitamura
- Gifu Prefectural Chuo Livestock Hygiene Service Center, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1112, Japan.,Department of Applied Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Eiji Tanaka
- Gifu Prefectural Chuo Livestock Hygiene Service Center, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1112, Japan
| | - Itsuki Ishigami
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yuji Taniguchi
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Junji Moribe
- School of Social System Management, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.,Laboratory of Wildlife Resources, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Katsuya Kitoh
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.,Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan. .,Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1193, Japan.
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Harwell MC, Jackson CA. Synthesis of Two Decades of US EPA's Ecosystem Services Research to Inform Environmental, Community, and Sustainability Decision Making. SUSTAINABILITY 2021; 13:1-8249. [PMID: 34804601 PMCID: PMC8597581 DOI: 10.3390/su13158249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A conceptual framework is helpful to understand what types of ecosystem services (ES) information is needed to support decision making. Principles of structured decision making are helpful for articulating how ES consideration can influence different elements in a given decision context resulting in changes to the environment, human health, and well-being. This article presents a holistic view of an ES framework, summarizing two decades of the US EPA's ES research, including recent advances in final ES, those ES that provide benefits directly to people. Approximately 150 peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and book chapters characterize a large ES research portfolio. In introducing framework elements and the suite of relevant US EPA research for each element, both challenges and opportunities are identified. Lessons from research to advance each of the final ES elements can be useful for identifying gaps and future science needs. Ultimately, the goal of this article is to help the reader develop an operational understanding of the final ES conceptual framework, an understanding of the state of science for a number of ES elements, and an introduction to some ES tools, models, and frameworks that may be of use in their case-study applications or decision-making contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chloe A. Jackson
- US EPA, Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division, Gulf Breeze, FL 32561, USA
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10
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Egorov AI, Converse RR, Griffin SM, Styles JN, Sams E, Hudgens E, Wade TJ. Latent Toxoplasma gondii infections are associated with elevated biomarkers of inflammation and vascular injury. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:188. [PMID: 33602170 PMCID: PMC7890825 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05882-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects cats as definitive hosts and other warm-blooded animals including humans as intermediate hosts. It forms infectious cysts in the brain, muscle and other tissues establishing life-long latent infection. Approximately 10% of the US population is infected. While latent infections are largely asymptomatic, they are associated with neurological deficits and elevated risks of neuropsychiatric diseases. METHODS This cross-sectional epidemiological study investigated associations of T. gondii infections with biomarkers of inflammation and vascular injury: soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid A (SAA). Serum samples from 694 adults in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina metropolitan area were tested for IgG antibody response to T. gondii, and for the above biomarkers using commercially available assays. RESULTS T. gondii seroprevalence rate in this sample was 9.7%. Seropositivity was significantly associated with 11% (95% confidence limits 4, 20%) greater median levels of VCAM-1 (p = 0.003), and marginally significantly with 9% (1, 17%), and 36% (1, 83%) greater median levels of ICAM-1, and CRP, respectively (p = 0.04 for each) after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates, while the 23% (- 7, 64%) adjusted effect on SAA was not statistically significant (p = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS Latent infections with T. gondii are associated with elevated biomarkers of chronic inflammation and vascular injury that are also known to be affected by ambient air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey I. Egorov
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, EPA, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA
| | - Reagan R. Converse
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, EPA, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA
| | - Shannon M. Griffin
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Jennifer N. Styles
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, EPA, 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 Sams
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, EPA, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA
| | - Edward Hudgens
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, EPA, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA
| | - Timothy J. Wade
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, EPA, MD 58-C, 109. T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA
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11
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Epidemiological Survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Associated Risk Factors in Ruminant Species of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. J Parasitol Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/6653239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma infection is one of the most common human parasitic diseases. During 2018-2020, in the rural areas of three districts of Pakistan, we surveyed a total of 451 animals, belonging to different asymptomatic ruminant species, to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. We used ELISA assay as well as recorded some associated risk factors contributing to its transmission. IgM antibodies were detected in 17% and IgG in 13.4% of ruminant samples with the highest percentage, 10% for IgM and 8.6% for IgG in sheep. A strong significant association was found between antibodies and different species (IgM,
.280,
, and IgG,
,
), respectively. Infection with T. gondii seems mainly associated with different geographic features and the presence of cats in the environment, low hygiene water systems and livestock that are mostly dependent on outdoor drinking and grazing. There was no significant association between IgM and age grouping (
,
nor for IgG (
,
). The results of this study may be considered the starting point to promote the awareness about parasitic infections in ruminants in Pakistan in order to prevent this infection from further spreading.
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12
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Franco dos Santos IP, Marinho AFSS, Gómez-Hernández C, Andrade CMR, Rodrigues V, Rezende-Oliveira K. Prevalência de anticorpos IgM e IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii em universitários do Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Pontal do Triângulo Mineiro. REVISTA CIÊNCIAS EM SAÚDE 2020. [DOI: 10.21876/rcshci.v10i4.1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo: Investigar a presença de IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii no soro de estudantes de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, campus do Pontal. Métodos: Estudo transversal de prevalência, com coleta de dados realizada entre junho de 2017 e fevereiro de 2018. Foram utilizadas as técnicas de Imunofluorescência Indireta e Ensaio Imunoenzimático (ELISA) e aplicados questionário semiestruturado para avaliação dos conhecimentos prévios sobre a toxoplasmose. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 128 alunos com faixa etária de 18 a 41 anos, sendo 83 (64,4%) do sexo feminino e 45 (35,6%) do sexo masculino. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 106 participantes e 13 (12,3%) apresentaram anticorpos anti-T. gondii. Destes, 3 (2,8%) afirmaram consumir leite bovino não pasteurizado, 3 (2,8%) carne crua ou mal passada e 1 (0,94%) vegetais crus ou não higienizados. Não foi observada associação estatisticamente significativa entre positividade (IgM anti-T. gondii e/ou IgG anti-T. gondii) e as variáveis analisadas no questionário.Conclusão: Neste trabalho foi possível verificar a presença de anticorpos IgM e IgG anti-T. gondii em universitários. Não se observou uma associação entre soropositividade e o hábito alimentar. Entretanto, a análise das respostas obtidas no questionário mostrou comportamento de risco por parte destes indivíduos, principalmente ao que se refere ao contato frequente com cães e gatos, muitas vezes recolhidos na rua.
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13
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Ducrocq J, Simon A, Lemire M, De Serres G, Lévesque B. Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii Through Consumption of Raw or Undercooked Meat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 21:40-49. [PMID: 33202167 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed protozoan that mainly causes health issues in the fetuses of pregnant women who have never been exposed to this parasite and patients with deficient immune systems. Except in these vulnerable populations, the primary infection generally goes unnoticed in most healthy individuals. Apart from transplant/transfusion, congenital transmission, direct contact with infected cats or their feces, and environmental contamination (i.e., oocysts in food, water, and soil) pathways, humans can acquire the parasite through consumption of animal tissues infected by T. gondii. This meta-analysis estimated the risk of acquiring T. gondii by consuming raw or undercooked meat, regardless of which animal species are eaten. Using a random-effect model, crude and adjusted pooled measures of association (risk and odds ratio) were estimated according to study design (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies). The meta-analysis included measures of heterogeneity as well as quality rating scales for each study design. Our results suggest that individuals who eat raw or undercooked meat have, respectively, 1.2-1.3 times the risk and 1.7-3.0 times the odds of T. gondii infection compared to those who thoroughly cook meat, regardless of the animal species they consume. These results align with the current understanding that adequately cooking meat inactivates the parasite and decreases the risk of transmission. Seroprevalence ranged from 1.3% to 88.6%, while the proportion of individuals eating raw or undercooked meat fluctuated from 0.7% to 98.3% across the studies in the meta-analysis. These numbers reflect various preferences with regard to eating meat (i.e., eating tartar, sausages, or salamis) as well as individual, cultural and religious food habits, and personal awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ducrocq
- Université Laval, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Québec, Canada.,Axe des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Audrey Simon
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Université Laval, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Québec, Canada.,Axe des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Gaston De Serres
- Université Laval, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Québec, Canada.,Axe des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada.,Direction de la Santé Environnementale et de la Toxicologie, Institut de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Benoit Lévesque
- Université Laval, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Québec, Canada.,Axe des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec, Canada.,Direction des Risques Biologiques et Santé au Travail, Institut de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada
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14
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Styles JN, Converse RR, Griffin SM, Wade TJ, Klein E, Nylander-French LA, Stewart JR, Sams E, Hudgens E, Egorov AI. Human Cytomegalovirus Infections Are Associated With Elevated Biomarkers of Vascular Injury. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:334. [PMID: 32733818 PMCID: PMC7363776 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects ~50% of adults in the United States. HCMV infections may cause vascular inflammation leading to cardiovascular disease, but the existing evidence is inconsistent. Objective: We investigated demographic predictors of HCMV infection and explored associations between HCMV infection status, the intensity of anti-HCMV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response, and biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial function which are known predictors of cardiovascular disease. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 694 adults residing in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC metropolitan area. Serum samples were tested for IgG antibody response to HCMV, and for biomarkers of vascular injury including soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum amyloid A (SAA). Associations between HCMV and biomarker levels were analyzed using two approaches with HCMV serostatus modeled as a binary variable and as an ordinal variable with five categories comprised of seronegative individuals and quartiles of anti-HCMV antibody responses in seropositive individuals. Results: HCMV seroprevalence in the study population was 56%. Increased body mass index, increased age, female gender, racial/ethnic minority status, and current smoking were significantly associated with HCMV seropositivity in a multivariate regression analysis. HCMV seropositivity was also associated with 9% (95% confidence interval 4–15%) and 20% (0.3–44%) increases in median levels of sICAM-1 and CRP, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. The association between HCMV seropositivity and median levels of sVCAM-1 and SAA were positive but not statistically significant. Significant positive associations were observed between the intensity of anti-HCMV IgG responses and levels of sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 (p-values 0.0008 and 0.04 for linear trend, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological study to show a relationship between anti-HCMV IgG responses and vascular injury biomarkers sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in the general population. Conclusion: HCMV infections are associated with vascular injury and inflammation biomarkers in adult residents of North Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Styles
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States.,Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Reagan R Converse
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Shannon M Griffin
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Timothy J Wade
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Klein
- ORAU Student Services Contractor to US EPA, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Leena A Nylander-French
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jill R Stewart
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Sams
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Edward Hudgens
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Andrey I Egorov
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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15
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Egorov AI, Griffin SM, Converse RR, Styles JN, Klein E, Scott J, Sams EA, Hudgens EE, Wade TJ. Greater tree cover near residence is associated with reduced allostatic load in residents of central North Carolina. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 186:109435. [PMID: 32315826 PMCID: PMC7584403 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among urban residents, increased contacts with nature are associated with reduced morbidity and mortality. The concept of allostatic load, a biomarker-based composite measure of physiological dysregulation, can be applied to study subclinical benefits of exposure, and to elucidate pathways leading to improved health. OBJECTIVE This research explored associations between residential vegetated land cover and an allostatic load index calculated using the statistical distance measure known as Mahalanobis distance. METHODS This cross-sectional population-based study involved 186 adult residents of the Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina metropolitan area. Measures of tree and grass cover within 500 m of residence were derived from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's EnviroAtlas land cover database. Fifteen biomarkers of immune, neuroendocrine, and metabolic functions were analyzed in serum samples. Regression analysis was conducted using generalized additive models with thin-plate spline functions of geographic coordinates, adjusting for modelled traffic air pollution from local sources and sociodemographic covariates. RESULTS The second and third tertiles of distance-weighted tree cover were associated with 14% (95% Confidence Limits 20%; 8%) and 15% (21%; 8%) reduction in adjusted median allostatic load, respectively, compared to the first tertile. The same tertiles of tree cover were also associated with 0.16 (0.03; 0.76) and 0.04 (0.01; 0.35) adjusted odds ratios of having allostatic load index above the 90th percentile of the sample distribution. Grass cover was inversely correlated with tree cover and was not associated with reduced allostatic load. CONCLUSIONS Subclinical beneficial health effects of green spaces demonstrated in this study are consistent with reduced susceptibility to acute environmental and social stressors, and reduced risks of morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey I Egorov
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Shannon M Griffin
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Reagan R Converse
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer N Styles
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA; Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Klein
- ORAU Student Services Contractor, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - James Scott
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Sams
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Edward E Hudgens
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Timothy J Wade
- Office of Research and Development, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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16
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Olariu TR, Ursoniu S, Hotea I, Dumitrascu V, Anastasiu D, Lupu MA. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pregnant Women from Western Romania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:763-767. [PMID: 32589521 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection were assessed among pregnant women in Western Romania. T. gondii seroprevalence was evaluated in 208 pregnant women by demonstration of serum antibodies using the commercial Vitros anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM assays. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding the risk factors associated with T. gondii seropositivity. Chi-squared tests, Fisher exact test, and Stata 9.2 (Statacorp, Texas) were used to evaluate differences between T. gondii positive and negative women. T. gondii antibodies were demonstrated in 116 (55.8%) of 208 pregnant women. Lower level of education and working with meat were found to be risk factors for T. gondii seropositivity. Pet owners (cats and/or dogs) had a higher T. gondii seroprevalence than those who did not report having any pet (p = 0.032). Women with ≥4 live births were more frequently T. gondii seropositive than those without previous births (p < 0.002). Women with histories of spontaneous abortions were more frequently T. gondii seropositive than those without such a history (p = 0.036). Our results indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in pregnant women in Romania. Risk factors for T. gondii past infection were being in the older age group, working with meat, having pets, a lower level of education, higher gravidity, and history of spontaneous abortions. This survey provided the first data regarding risk factors for T. gondii infection in pregnant women from Western Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- Discipline of Public Health, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ionela Hotea
- Discipline of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Victor Dumitrascu
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Doru Anastasiu
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Timisoara, Romania
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17
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Khan MB, Khan S, Rafiq K, Khan SN, Attaullah S, Ali I. Molecular identification of Toxoplasma gondii in domesticated and broiler chickens (Gallus domesticus) that possibly augment the pool of human toxoplasmosis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232026. [PMID: 32320445 PMCID: PMC7176139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded animals including domesticated birds and humans. Birds normally get infected by ground feeding and human beings contract the disease by consumption of undercooked chicken meat. This study aimed to analyze seroprevalence and DNA of T. gondii in chickens (domesticated and broiler) and to assess possible transfer to humans by review of available literature from Pakistan. Blood from and tissues from domesticated and broilers chickens were analyzed for Toxo-IgM/IgG and Toxoplasma DNA through ELISA and PCR respectively. Furthermore, research articles published during 1990-2019 on the prevalence of T. gondii in humans from Pakistan, were analyzed to assess the possible infection burden in the area in connection to transmission from chickens. The overall prevalence of IgM and IgG for T. gondii was 17.83% and 8.8% respectively in the study areas. Significant seroprevalence was found in domesticated chickens than broilers. In domesticated chickens, the prevalence was high in age ≥ 2 years. Toxoplasma DNA was detected in tissues with an overall prevalence of 10.84%. Higher prevalence was observed in liver (10.50%) than heart (9.5%) and muscles (7.11%). Only 4.78% broiler and 2.38% domesticated chickens were positive for both IgM and DNA, 1.2% domesticated and 1.30% broilers were positive for IgG and DNA, while 2.98% domesticated and 2.17% broilers were positive for IgM, IgG, and DNA. Available literature showed that 25.8% of human beings were infected with T. gondii in Pakistan. The prevalence was 20.64% in male and 26.82%in the female. The rate of infections increases with age and high (37.36%) was found in humans of age range 40 to 60 years. A high prevalence of T. gondii is found in both domesticated and broiler chickens in the study area. Moreover, the literature survey indicates that a high seroprevalence of T. gondii is present in human beings of Pakistan. It is concluded that the high prevalence of T. gondii in humans may be associated with the parasite transmission through infected chicken's meat in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Bar Khan
- Department of Zoology University of Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Sanaullah Khan
- Department of Zoology University of Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Khair Rafiq
- Department of Zoology University of Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Niaz Khan
- Department of Zoology Kohat University of Science & Technology Kohat Pakistan, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Attaullah
- Department of Zoology Islamia College Peshawar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ijaz Ali
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan
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18
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Shapiro K, Bahia-Oliveira L, Dixon B, Dumètre A, de Wit LA, VanWormer E, Villena I. Environmental transmission of Toxoplasma gondii: Oocysts in water, soil and food. Food Waterborne Parasitol 2019; 15:e00049. [PMID: 32095620 PMCID: PMC7033973 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2019.e00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that can cause morbidity and mortality in humans, domestic animals, and terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. The environmentally robust oocyst stage of T. gondii is fundamentally critical to the parasite's success, both in terms of its worldwide distribution as well as the extensive range of infected intermediate hosts. Despite the limited definitive host species (domestic and wild felids), infections have been reported on every continent, and in terrestrial as well as aquatic environments. The remarkable resistance of the oocyst wall enables dissemination of T. gondii through watersheds and ecosystems, and long-term persistence in diverse foods such as shellfish and fresh produce. Here, we review the key attributes of oocyst biophysical properties that confer their ability to disseminate and survive in the environment, as well as the epidemiological dynamics of oocyst sources including domestic and wild felids. This manuscript further provides a comprehensive review of the pathways by which T. gondii oocysts can infect animals and people through the environment, including in contaminated foods, water or soil. We conclude by identifying critical control points for reducing risk of exposure to oocysts as well as opportunities for future synergies and new directions for research aimed at reducing the burden of oocyst-borne toxoplasmosis in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, One Shields Ave, 4206 VM3A, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-5270, USA
| | - Lillian Bahia-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Brent Dixon
- Bureau of Microbial Hazards, Food Directorate, Health Canada, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, A.L. 2204E, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Aurélien Dumètre
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD 257, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Luz A. de Wit
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, 130 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95050, USA
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, VBS 111, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Isabelle Villena
- EA 7510, UFR Medicine, University Reims Champagne-Ardenne, National Reference Center on Toxoplasmosis, Hospital Maison Blanche, Reims, France
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19
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Mareze M, Benitez ADN, Brandão APD, Pinto-Ferreira F, Miura AC, Martins FDC, Caldart ET, Biondo AW, Freire RL, Mitsuka-Breganó R, Navarro IT. Socioeconomic vulnerability associated to Toxoplasma gondii exposure in southern Brazil. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212375. [PMID: 30763391 PMCID: PMC6375698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human toxoplasmosis, a protozoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, has been described as a worldwide foodborne disease with important public health impact. Despite infection has reportedly varied due to differences in alimentary, cultural and hygienic habits and geographic region, social vulnerability influence on toxoplasmosis distribution remains to be fully established. Accordingly, the present study has aimed to assess T. gondii seroprevalence and factors associated to social vulnerability for infection in households of Ivaiporã, southern Brazil, with 33.6% population making half minimum wage or less, ranked 1,055th in population (31,816 habitants), 1,406th in per capita income (U$ 211.80 per month) and 1,021st in HDI (0.764) out of 5,570 Brazilian cities. Serum samples and epidemiological questionnaires were obtained from citizen volunteers with official City Secretary of Health assistance in 2015 and 2016. In overall, serosurvey has revealed 526/715 (73.57%) positive samples for anti-T. gondii antibodies by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test. Logistic regression has shown a significant increase associated to adults (p = 0.021) and elderly (p = 0.014) people, illiterates (p = 0.025), unemployment (p <0.001) and lack of household water tank (p = 0.039). On the other hand, sex (male or female), living area (urban or rural), yard hygiene, meat ingestion, sand or land contact, owning pets (dog, cat or both) were not significant variables of positivity for anti-T. gondii antibodies in the surveyed population. Although no significant spatial cluster was found, high intensity areas of seropositive individuals were located in the Kernel map where the suburban neighborhoods are located. In conclusion, socioeconomic vulnerability determinants may be associated to Toxoplasma gondii exposure. The increased risk due to illiteracy, adult or elderly age, unemployment and lack of household water tank were confirmed by multivariate analysis and the influence of low family income for seropositivity by the spatial analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelle Mareze
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernanda Pinto-Ferreira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Miura
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Felippe Danyel Cardoso Martins
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eloiza Teles Caldart
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná Brazil
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana United States of America
| | - Roberta Lemos Freire
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Regina Mitsuka-Breganó
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Italmar Teodorico Navarro
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Zoonoses and Public Health, Londrina State University, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Edwards KL, Edes AN, Brown JL. Stress, Well-Being and Reproductive Success. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1200:91-162. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-23633-5_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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