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Atif I, Touloun O, Boussaa S. Toxoplasma Gondii in humans, animals and in the environment in Morocco: a literature review. Gut Pathog 2024; 16:53. [PMID: 39343964 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-024-00645-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, has the unsettling ability to infect nearly every warm-blooded vertebrate. When transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, it can lead to congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns, which may have severe and even fatal outcomes. Moreover, this parasite is a significant cause of reproductive issues in cattle. The aim of this literature review was to compile and synthesize information on the epidemiology and clinical features of naturally occurring Toxoplasma gondii infections in both humans and animals, as well as to assess the occurrence of oocysts in the environmental matrices in Morocco. To achieve these objectives, data were sourced from four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 32 articles published between January 1, 2000, and January 31, 2024, met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that the seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women varied by city and appeared to be lower in drier climates. The study identified several risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among women in Morocco, including direct contact with soil, failure to wash fruits and vegetables before eating, limited education, and reliance on well water for drinking. Moreover, there is a limited amount of serological data on T. gondii in animals. In Morocco, the prevalence of this parasite can reach up to 30% in sheep, while it stands at 8.5% in cattle and goats. Leafy greens are particularly prone to hosting pathogens and are associated with foodborne outbreaks. In Morocco, the prevalence of T. gondii in leafy vegetables is around 16%, although soil analyses have not found any oocysts. This review offers a thorough epidemiological overview of T. gondii infections in Morocco, serving as a valuable resource for researchers and aiding in the development of control and prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilham Atif
- Polyvalent Team of Research and Development (EPVRD), Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, 23000, Morocco.
| | - Oulaid Touloun
- Polyvalent Team of Research and Development (EPVRD), Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, 23000, Morocco
| | - Samia Boussaa
- Higher Institute of Nursing and Health Techniques (ISPITS), Ministry of health, Rabat, 4502, Morocco
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Araujo Coelho DR, Oliveira da Luz R, Soares Melegario C, Vieira WF, Bahia-Oliveira LMG. Knowledge Gaps and Educational Opportunities in Congenital Toxoplasmosis: A Narrative Review of Brazilian and Global Perspectives. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:137. [PMID: 38922049 PMCID: PMC11209368 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9060137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the transmission of the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy that can potentially cause severe consequences for the fetus or neonates. The disease disproportionately impacts the global population and is generally correlated with the Human Development Index. Despite its prevalence, there are knowledge gaps among pregnant women and healthcare providers regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. This narrative review aimed to examine the current state of knowledge of toxoplasmosis among both groups, with a focus on exploring the Brazilian and global perspectives and highlighting opportunities for enhancing education and communication. A search was conducted across five databases, and 60 studies were selected (23 in Brazil and 37 worldwide). Quantitative analysis revealed that general knowledge of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women is notably poor, with 66% of Brazilian women and 72% of women worldwide lacking sufficient understanding. Among those with some knowledge, the most recognized association is with cats (46% in Brazil and 38% worldwide), followed by raw or undercooked meat (27% in Brazil and 25% worldwide), and improperly sanitized vegetables or water (15% in Brazil and 21% worldwide). Similarly, gaps in knowledge were found among healthcare providers. Difficulty with IgG avidity test interpretation is higher in Brazil (43%) compared to worldwide (18%). The most recognized association is with cats (66% in Brazil and 74% worldwide), followed by raw or undercooked meat (49% in Brazil and 70% worldwide), and improperly sanitized vegetables or water (31% in Brazil and 32% worldwide). These findings emphasize the need for tailored local and global public health educational initiatives to enhance knowledge of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rogerio Oliveira da Luz
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-971, RJ, Brazil
| | - Catiucia Soares Melegario
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Macaé 27930-560, RJ, Brazil
| | - Willians Fernando Vieira
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
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Daka V, Mukosha M, Matafwali SK, Mudenda S, Phiri AM. Knowledge and practices of toxoplasmosis among healthcare workers at two large referral hospitals in Zambia: Implications on the One Health Approach. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002235. [PMID: 37582063 PMCID: PMC10426967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assessing the knowledge and practices of healthcare workers regarding Toxoplasma gondii infection, diagnosis, treatment, and control is crucial for developing an effective management strategy. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 175 healthcare workers at Ndola Teaching Hospital and Namwala District Hospital in Zambia from September 2021 to April 2022. RESULTS More than half (57.1%) of the respondents were males. Overall, 46(26.3%) and 68 (38.9%) respondents reported good knowledge and practices, respectively. Respondents with a higher number of years of experience (AOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77-0.97), who were nurses than clinicians (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.007-0.41) and working at Ndola teaching hospital than Namwala hospital (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI:0.13-0.89) were less likely to have good knowledge. Respondents with a degree qualification than a diploma (AOR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.09-8.47) were more likely to have good knowledge. Respondents from Ndola teaching hospital than Namwala hospital (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.92) were less likely to have good practices. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that healthcare workers had low levels of knowledge and poor practices, which could have negative implications for the management of toxoplasmosis. To improve their knowledge and practices, continuous medical education in Toxoplasma related aspects is recommended for in-service healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Daka
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Public Health Department, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
- Africa Center for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moses Mukosha
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Scott K. Matafwali
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steward Mudenda
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Andrew M. Phiri
- Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Africa Center for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Evaluation of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding neosporosis and toxoplasmosis among farmers and animal health practitioners in Namibia. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 55:28. [PMID: 36574053 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03441-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of livestock farmers in Namibia's Khomas region and animal health practitioners (veterinarians and animal health technicians) in the whole country concerning neosporosis and toxoplasmosis. Structured questionnaires were used, and a total of 63 farmers and 51 animal health practitioners responded out of an estimated 560 farmers in the Khomas region and 300 veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the country. Only 15.9% of the livestock farmers (n = 63) had heard about neosporosis or toxoplasmosis or knew how animals get infected (p < 0.0001). Only 5% of the farmers knew the risks associated with keeping dogs and cats concerning neosporosis and toxoplasmosis, respectively (p < 0.0001). None of the 51 animal health practitioners routinely requested Neospora caninum or Toxoplasma gondii laboratory tests in cases of cattle, sheep or goat abortions. Although all animal health practitioners indicated they routinely interacted with livestock farmers, none regularly discussed neosporosis or toxoplasmosis. Only 3.9% of animal health practitioners (n = 51) indicated that they had ever discussed either neosporosis or toxoplasmosis at a farmers' gathering (p < 0.0001), and only 21.6% had talked to at least one cat owner about toxoplasmosis in the previous 12 months (p < 0.0001). The authors concluded that farmers in the Khomas region were generally unaware of neosporosis and toxoplasmosis but could change their attitudes and practices if educated. The animal health practitioners lacked a deeper understanding and appreciation of the two diseases, which is required to cultivate enough confidence to educate farmers. Sharing this research and other relevant information on the two diseases at farmers' meetings, veterinary congresses, journals and newsletters could help educate farmers and animal health practitioners. Such platforms are likely to succeed because both these groups use these forums to get new information.
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Hattoufi K, Bissati KE, Adlaoui EB, Aguenaou H, Kharbach A, Barkat A. Awareness of toxoplasmosis among postpartum women: a cross-sectional study in Morocco. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 41:282. [PMID: 35855040 PMCID: PMC9250686 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2022.41.282.31049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction awareness and knowledge of toxoplasmosis are particularly important, as an intervention point for the management of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis in a sample of postpartum Moroccan women. Methods this was a cross-sectional descriptive survey carried out among 320 parturient at the National Reference Center for Neonatology and Nutrition at the Children's Hospital of Rabat. Results of 320 parturient women responding to the survey, 227 (71%) had never heard about toxoplasmosis. While 18.1% of parturient stated knowing the transmission routes for toxoplasmosis. Regarding the transmission route, 53 (16.6%) women pointed at a domestic cat and 31 (9.7%) at eating raw or undercooked meat. Out of all participants, 60 (18.8%) women said they had received prevention advice during their pregnancy. The great majority (90%) of participants were unaware of the severity of the congenital infection. None of the participants showed a high level of knowledge about transmission routes, measures of prevention, and severity of CT. Conclusion according to our survey, we observed that the majority of participants had never heard any information about toxoplasmosis. It is, therefore, necessary to educate women of childbearing age and pregnant women about the disease, especially concerning the transmission route and the prevention of infection and primary infection in non-immune women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenza Hattoufi
- National Reference Center in Neonatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital, University Hospital Centre IBN SINA, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed V University in Rabat, Research Team on Health and Nutrition of Mother and Child, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Kamal El Bissati
- The University of Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- University Mohamed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Coalition Center of Innovation and Prevention of Epidemics in Morocco (CIPEM), Benguerir, Morocco
| | | | - Hassan Aguenaou
- Ibn Tofail University-National Center for Energy Sciences and Nuclear Techniques (CNESTEN), Joint Research Unit in Nutrition, Health and Environnement, RDC-Nutrition African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology/International Atomic Energy Agency (AFRA/IAEA), Rabat-Kenitra, Morocco
| | - Aicha Kharbach
- Mohammed V University in Rabat, Research Team on Health and Nutrition of Mother and Child, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rabat, Morocco
- Gynecology-Obstetrics and Endocrinology Department, Maternity Souissi, University Hospital Center IBN SINA, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Amina Barkat
- National Reference Center in Neonatology and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital, University Hospital Centre IBN SINA, Rabat, Morocco
- Mohammed V University in Rabat, Research Team on Health and Nutrition of Mother and Child, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rabat, Morocco
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Maqsood T, Shahzad K, Naz S, Simsek S, Afzal MS, Ali S, Ahmed H, Cao J. A Cross-Sectional Study on the Association Between Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis and One Health Knowledge in Pakistan. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:751130. [PMID: 34869724 PMCID: PMC8637412 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.751130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan that infects warm-blooded animals and humans. Approximately one third of the global population is infected by T. gondii. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the risk factors and One Health knowledge of toxoplasmosis in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. From July through December 2020, we collected data using questionnaires. The results showed that 60% of participants had heard or read about the disease, 23.3% of participants had no knowledge about the disease, and 16.8% participants were not sure about the disease. More than half of the participants (53.3%) reported that toxoplasmosis was caused by toxins, 5.3% reported that toxoplasmosis was an animal disease, 13.8% reported that toxoplasmosis was a human disease, 65.8% reported that it was both an animal and human disease, and 15.3% reported that it was neither an animal nor a human disease. Approximately 80.5% of participants reported that individuals acquired toxoplasmosis by changing cat litter. Our study findings revealed a low level of knowledge and awareness about toxoplasmosis among males. Therefore, there should be awareness programs to educate individuals about the risks of this deadly disease and to provide information on the major routes of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooba Maqsood
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Khuram Shahzad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shumaila Naz
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Sami Simsek
- Department of Parasitology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Sohail Afzal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shahzad Ali
- Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Ahmed
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of People's Republic of China, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,The School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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The Level of Knowledge about Toxoplasmosis among University Students in Rabat in Morocco. J Parasitol Res 2021; 2021:5553977. [PMID: 34350032 PMCID: PMC8328697 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5553977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study is to evaluate the knowledge of toxoplasmosis among medical, biology, and veterinary students in Rabat in Morocco. The data was collected by using a questionnaire which includes demographic characteristics, epidemiology, diagnosis, and clinical issues related to knowledge of toxoplasmosis. During analysis, the study groups were divided based upon their specialty of students who were medical, biology, and veterinary students. Out of 230 students, 55.2% were female and 44.8% were male. The average age of the study population is 21.7 ± 02 years. Less than half (42.6%) have heard of the disease; most of them have heard from faculty during studies in classrooms with 75.8%, and 3.2% were from the internet. Only 36.5% knew the correct causative agent of toxoplasmosis, and 32.1% were aware of the definitive host. The current study documented that there are gaps in the knowledge of the students regarding toxoplasmosis. Therefore, the present study puts the basis for future studies highlighting the importance of educating students to improve knowledge and attitudes towards toxoplasmosis.
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Ait Hamou S, Laboudi M. An analytical study on the awareness and practice relating toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Casablanca, Morocco. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:507. [PMID: 33726705 PMCID: PMC7962262 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10474-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic in most cases among pregnant women, it may cause newborn abortions and birth defects if the infection occurs during pregnancy. Therefore, raising awareness and promoting good practices of pregnant women towards toxoplasmosis disease is essential to avoid infection during pregnancy. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to assess toxoplasmosis awareness and its risk-related behavior pregnant women who attended public health centers in one of the biggest Moroccan cities: Casablanca. METHODS A structured questionnaire was used to collect data including socio-demographics data, awareness of etiology, modes of transmission and preventive practices towards toxoplasmosis. RESULTS This study survey showed that among 390 pregnant women interviewed, 41.2% reported having heard or read information regarding toxoplasmosis. Only 8.1% of them knew that toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, and 13.7% of those who gave a correct answer were aware that the host of toxoplasmosis is cats. There is a significant statistical association between age, level of education and profession of pregnant women and toxoplasmosis awareness. Despite of the majority of the interviewed pregnant women had had effective preventive practices towards toxoplasmosis, 17.4% of pregnant women were convinced that Toxoplasmosis can transmit to the fetus and 14.3% stated it is asymptomatic in most cases. CONCLUSION This study highlights the low level of knowledge and awareness of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Casablanca/Morocco. Therefore, a special education program targeting all women during their reproductive age is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Ait Hamou
- Laboratory of Ecology and Environment (LEE), Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - M. Laboudi
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco
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Laboudi M, Taghy Z, Duieb O, Peyron F, Sadak A. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women in Rabat, Morocco. Trop Med Health 2021; 49:21. [PMID: 33685529 PMCID: PMC7941977 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-021-00311-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a protozoan parasite named Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii). Pregnant women are considered one of the risk groups. The objective of this retrospective study is to provide an updated estimate of the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies among a group of Moroccan pregnant women monitored at the Parasitology Laboratory of the National Institute of Hygiene in Rabat in Morocco. METHODS Serum samples were tested for the presence of specific anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-Toxoplasma IgM- and IgG-positive cases were also evaluated with the anti-Toxoplasma IgG avidity test. All cases were evaluated according to the age, parity, and historical of abortion. RESULTS Among 677 pregnant women, 94.1% (637/677) were serologically screened for the first time and therefore had no knowledge of their serological status, and only 5.9% (40/677) were screened for the second or third time. The overall anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM seropositivity among the 637 pregnant women included in the study analysis was 43% (274/637) and 3.9% (25/637), respectively. The use of the IgG avidity test allowed excluding recent infection among 83% of cases with IgG and IgM positive sera. The mean age was 29.4 ± 6.3 years. The result of the bivariate analysis revealed that the age influenced significantly the seroprevalence rate, while the parity and the existence of previous spontaneous abortion did not have any significant statistical correlation with seropositivity to T. gondii. CONCLUSION This study shows that 43% of pregnant women were positive and 57% of them had no antibody against the T. gondii infection. However, the pregnancy follow-up and the counseling of pregnant women remain essential for the prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majda Laboudi
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Hygiene, 27 Avenue Ibn Batouta, BP: 769, Rabat, Agdal, Morocco.
| | - Zoubida Taghy
- Faculty of Science, University Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Oussama Duieb
- Faculty of Science, University Mohamed V, Rabat, Morocco
| | - François Peyron
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Mycologie Médicale Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
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Pazoki H, Ziaee M, Anvari D, Rezaei F, Ahmadpour E, Haghparast-Kenari B, Saljoghi F, Biderouni FT, Barac A, Pagheh AS. Toxoplasma gondii infection as a potential risk for chronic liver diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microb Pathog 2020; 149:104578. [PMID: 33069795 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis, can cause serious public health problems. Although Toxoplasma gondii tends more to neurotropic and ocular organs, some existing evidence suggest that this disease might induce serious pathological effects on liver. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between chronic liver diseases and toxoplasmosis. Meanwhile, it attempted to assess whether patients with toxoplasmosis are susceptible to chronic liver diseases. To achieve this aim, the published studies related to the subject were systematically searched in five major electronic databases between the January 1, 1950 and October 1, 2019. The meta-analysis was carried out using the StatsDirect statistical software and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant for any test. Out of 691 identified studies, 10 studies met our inclusion criteria and entered this systematic review. The pooled prevalence rates of Toxoplasma gondii in patients with liver diseases (35.97%; 95% CI: 28.38-43.93) were higher than those in the control group (18.24%; 95% CI: 13.85-23.09). The meta-analysis indicated that the common Odd Ratio by a random effect model was 2.7 (95% CI: 2.30-3.24), revealing a significant association between chronic liver diseases and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody. The results of this systematic review confirmed the positive connection between toxoplasmosis and chronic liver diseases. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to clarify the detailed association between these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Pazoki
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masood Ziaee
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran; School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | | | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Fatemeh Saljoghi
- Department of Radiology, Ali Ebne Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Farid Tahvildar Biderouni
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aleksandra Barac
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Abdol Sattar Pagheh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
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Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonotic infectious disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This infection is estimated to affect about a third of the world's population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of Italian women about toxoplasmosis and its forms of transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and prevention through two different modalities (e-research and traditional research). In a cross-sectional study, 808 Italian women were interviewed, using a self-administered questionnaire, through two different modalities: an e-research or web survey and a traditional paper research and 84% reported to have heard about toxoplasmosis, but from most of the sample, it resulted that the knowledge of the protozoan disease was superficial and incomplete.The assessment of the dimensionality related to the toxoplasmosis knowledge's instrument showed that the scale is composed by two stable and reliable factors which explain 58.6% of the variance: (a) the basic knowledge (α = 0.83), which explains the 45.2% of the variance and (b) the specialist knowledge (α = 0.71), which explains the 13.4% of the variance. The variance and the multiple linear regression data analysis showed significant predictors of correct basic knowledge of toxoplasmosis: the highest age, the highest degree of study, to have previously contracted illness or to know someone who had contracted it, to be working or to be housewives. In conclusion, this study showed limited awareness of toxoplasmosis and suggested the implementation of effective education and learning programs. The results also showed that online data collection, in academic research, might be a valid alternative to more traditional (paper-and-pencil) surveys.
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