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Nascimento LS, de Castro YS, Figueira JDA, Souza RDC, da Silva JA, Nahn EP, Peixoto-Rangel AL. Toxoplasma gondii infection and high levels of IgE are associated to erythema nodosum leprosy (ENL). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300704. [PMID: 38865430 PMCID: PMC11168690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300704] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. The disease may evolve for inflammatory reactions, reversal reaction (RR) and erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), the major cause of irreversible neuropathy in leprosy, which occur in 1 in 3 people with leprosy, even with effective treatment of M. leprae. Leprosy remains persistently endemic in our region where it predominantly affects lowest socioeconomic conditions people, as Toxoplasma gondii infection in the municipality studied. Previously, we have shown T. gondii coinfection as a risk marker for leprosy, mainly in its severe form. This present study assessed whether T. gondii infection is also a risk factor for leprosy reactions and the predictive value of immunoglobulin production prior to development of leprosy reactions. Patients with leprosy (n = 180), co-infected or not with T. gondii, had their serum investigated for levels of IgA, IgE, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 anti-PGL-1 by ELISA prior to development of leprosy reactions. The serologic prevalence for T. gondii infection was 87.7% in leprosy reaction patients reaching 90.9% in those with ENL. The leprosy reaction risk increased in T. gondii seropositive individuals was two-fold ([OR] = 2.366; 95% confidence interval [CI 95%]: 1.024-5.469) higher than those seronegative, and considering the risk of ENL, this increase was even more evident (OR = 6.753; 95% CI: 1.050-72.85) in coinfected individuals. When evaluated the prediction of anti-PGL-1 immunoglobulin levels for development of leprosy reactions in patients coinfected or not with T. gondii, only the increase IgE levels were associated to occurrence of reactional episodes of leprosy, specifically ENL type, in patients coinfected with T. gondii, compared to those not coinfected or no reaction. Thus, the immunomodulation in co-parasitism T. gondii-M. leprae suggest increased levels of IgE as a biomarker for early detection of these acute inflammatory episodes and thereby help prevent permanent neuropathy and disability in leprosy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Silva Nascimento
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yuri Scheidegger de Castro
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jessany de Aquino Figueira
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rebeka da Conceição Souza
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Azevedo da Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edilbert Pellegrini Nahn
- Faculdade de Medicina de Campos, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alba Lucínia Peixoto-Rangel
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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de Carvalho AG, Tiwari A, Luz JGG, Nieboer D, Steinmann P, Richardus JH, Ignotti E. Leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis affecting the same individuals: A retrospective cohort analysis in a hyperendemic area in Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010035. [PMID: 34898634 PMCID: PMC8699965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting the skin. Their control is challenging but the integration of skin NTDs control programs is recommended to improve timely detection and treatment. However, little is known about the occurrence of leprosy and CL in the same individuals, and what are the characteristics of such patients. This study aimed to identify and characterize patients diagnosed with both leprosy and CL (i.e., outcome) in the hyperendemic state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Also, we investigated the demographic risk factors associated with the period between the diagnosis of both diseases. Methodology/principal findings A retrospective cohort study was conducted with patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2017. From the leprosy (n = 28,204) and CL (n = 24,771) databases of the national reporting system, 414 (0.8%; 414/52,561) patients presenting both diseases were identified through a probabilistic linkage procedure. This observed number was much higher than the number of patients that would be expected by chance alone (n = 22). The spatial distribution of patients presenting the outcome was concentrated in the North and Northeast mesoregions of the state. Through survival analysis, we detected that the probability of a patient developing both diseases increased over time from 0.2% in the first year to 1.0% within seven years. Further, using a Cox model we identified male sex (HR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.7–2.9) and low schooling level (HR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–1.9) as positively associated with the outcome. Furthermore, the hazard of developing the outcome was higher among individuals aged 40–55 years. Conclusions/significance Leprosy and CL are affecting the same individuals in the area. Integration of control policies for both diseases will help to efficiently cover such patients. Measures should be focused on timely diagnosis by following-up patients diagnosed with CL, active case detection, and training of health professionals. Leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that usually affect poor populations in the same geographical areas. Both affect the skin and can cause physical disability and disfigurement resulting in discrimination. Both diseases occur at hyperendemic levels in several regions of Brazil. The integration of skin NTDs control programs may be a way to improve timely detection and treatment. However, little is known about the occurrence of leprosy and CL in the same individuals, and what are the characteristics of these patients. For the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, we identified 414 patients diagnosed with leprosy and CL between 2008 and 2017, spatially concentrated mainly in the North and Northeast mesoregions. The individual probability of developing both diseases increased from 0.2% to 1.0% within seven years. Male sex, being in the 40–55 years age group, and low levels of schooling were the risk factors positively associated with the time interval between the diagnosis of both diseases. These findings may inform the implementation of integrated leprosy and CL control policies focused on timely diagnosis. A sustainable integration requires continuous measures, such as the follow-up of patients, active case detection, training of health professionals, besides financial and political support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gabriela de Carvalho
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Anuj Tiwari
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - João Gabriel Guimarães Luz
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Nieboer
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hendrik Richardus
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eliane Ignotti
- School of Medicine, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduation Program Environment Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil
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Mao F, Yang Y, Chen Y, Zhang Q, Ding X, Ni B, Xu X, Jin X, Dai Y. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection Among High-Risk Populations in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:783654. [PMID: 34778115 PMCID: PMC8581562 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.783654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an opportunistic protozoan, infects one-third of people worldwide and could lead to serious outcomes in immunodeficient or immunocompromised populations. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for T. gondii infection among high-risk populations in Jiangsu Province, eastern China. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 4 categories of populations in 13 prefectures including HIV/AIDS patients, livestock breeding/processing (B/P) staff, pregnant women, and cancer patients. We detected specific immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) levels for each participant using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and asked to complete a questionnaire for each participant that covered sociodemographic information as well as the basic knowledge of attitudes toward and the practices for the prevention of toxoplasmosis. A total of 5231 participants distributed across 13 prefecture-level cities was surveyed, including 2455 males and 2776 females. Total seropositivity rate in each population category was as follows: 9.08% (HIV/AIDS patients), 11.65% (livestock B/P staff), 5.50% (pregnant women), and 12.89% (cancer patients). We detected IgM positivity in HIV/AIDS patients (0.47%, 6/1289), livestock B/P staff (0.08%, 1/1330), and cancer patients (0.46%, 6/1303) but not in pregnant women. Further, we detected IgM+IgG positivity only in cancer patients (0.31%, 4/1303). The seropositivity rate for pregnant women was significantly lower, while cancer patients were significantly higher. Higher educational levels were associated with lower seropositivity rates for T. gondii infection. High seropositivity rates were associated with long period of HIV infection among HIV/AIDS patients, frequent contact with livestock among livestock breeding/processing staff and male older patients among cancer patients, respectively. Analysis of practices across all participants showed that frequent contact with pets in everyday life or using the same cutting board for both raw and cooked foods leads to higher seropositivity rates. Therefore, we obtained the seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among high-risk populations in Jiangsu Province which could provide evidence for the implementation of control measures in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanzhen Mao
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi City, China
| | - Yougui Yang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi City, China.,Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, China
| | - Yuying Chen
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi City, China.,Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi City, China
| | - Xin Ding
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi City, China
| | - Bixian Ni
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi City, China
| | - Xiangzhen Xu
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi City, China
| | - Xiaolin Jin
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi City, China
| | - Yang Dai
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi City, China.,Center for Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing City, China
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