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Velasco-Velásquez S, Orozco AS, Ramirez M, Pachón L, Hurtado-Gomez MJ, Valois G, Celis-Giraldo D, Cordero-López SS, McLeod R, Gómez-Marín JE. Impact of education on knowledge, attitudes, and practices for gestational toxoplasmosis. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:102516. [PMID: 39154433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.102516] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is potentially avoidable, treatable, and curable by simple and direct preventive measures. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) assessments concerning gestational toxoplasmosis were evaluated in a cohort of pregnant women from Armenia-Quindío (Colombia, South America). METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive KAP-type study was performed with informed consent between October 2021 and March 2022. The intervention involved a ten-minute talk administered by prenatal clinic nurses to pregnant women. This took place in the public health clinic RedSalud and the private clinic Happy Maternity with a post-KAP survey after pregnancy. RESULTS The findings of the initial KAP survey revealed that approximately 42.8 % of the 250 mothers surveyed had IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies present. A strong correlation was observed between a lower frequency of antibodies and a higher level of education. Following an educational intervention, 73 seronegative women demonstrated a significant improvement in their knowledge and behavior. Among the 111 mothers who received the intervention, 42 (37 %) were followed until delivery. Unfortunately, their level of compliance with prenatal serological follow-up was lower compared to previous historical records of cohort of mothers in the same health center during pre-pandemic periods. No seroconversion occurred, although the small number of cases makes the outcome inconclusive with respect to statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Education plays a crucial role in imparting valuable knowledge and fostering effective practices. It holds significant potential to prevent toxoplasmosis in pregnant seronegative mothers. Prenatal check-ups have proven to be a critical determinant in leveraging the benefits of education for seronegative mothers. Reporting and observed behaviors differed, identifying areas for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefany Velasco-Velásquez
- Molecular Parasitology Group (GEPAMOL), Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Ana Sofía Orozco
- Molecular Parasitology Group (GEPAMOL), Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Morgan Ramirez
- The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Center for Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Liliana Pachón
- Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Quindío, Colombia; Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios de Armenia, Colombia
| | | | - Gloria Valois
- Centro de Atención Básica del Sur, Redsalud, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Daniel Celis-Giraldo
- Molecular Parasitology Group (GEPAMOL), Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Sara Sofia Cordero-López
- Molecular Parasitology Group (GEPAMOL), Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Rima McLeod
- The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Center for Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; The University of Chicago, Chicago Medicine, Biological Sciences Division, Departments of Opthamology and Visual Sciences, Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases), CHESS, Committees on Molecular Medicine, Immunology, Institute for Genetics, Genomics, and Systems Biology, Toxoplasmosis Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jorge Enrique Gómez-Marín
- Molecular Parasitology Group (GEPAMOL), Biomedical Research Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia.
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De Santis M, Tartaglia S, Apicella M, Visconti D, Noia G, Valentini P, Lanzone A, Santangelo R, Masini L. The prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis using a combination of Spiramycin and Cotrimoxazole: The long-time experience of a tertiary referral centre. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:697-705. [PMID: 38842439 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.14021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii and is responsible for gestational and congenital infections worldwide. The current standard therapy is based on the administration of Spiramycin to prevent trans-placental transmission. Other therapies are being studied to reduce the rates of foetal transmission and symptomatic congenital infection. OBJECTIVES We report our long-standing experience in maternal toxoplasmosis infection treatment using a combination of Spiramycin-Cotrimoxazole, assessing its effectiveness in preventing vertical transmission compared to the expected incidence of congenital infection. METHODS We retrospectively collected cases of pregnant women referred to our centre for suspected toxoplasmosis infection according to Lebech criteria, treated with Spiramycin-Cotrimoxazole. RESULTS Of 1364 women referred to our centre, postnatal follow-up of primary toxoplasmosis was available in 562 cases (73.9%). The overall vertical transmission rate was 3.4% in women treated immediately with Spiramycin-Cotrimoxazole after the diagnosis of infection. In comparison, it was 7.7% in women undergoing the same therapy but late or with poor compliance. The foetal transmission rate was 71.4% in untreated cases. All the infected newborns of mother treated adequately with Spiramycin-Cotrimoxazole were asymptomatic afterbirth, while 6/21 infected infants of the inadequate Spiramycin-Cotrimoxazole therapy group had postnatal sequelae (28.5%). The incidence of transmission after appropriate Spiramycin-Cotrimoxazole therapy was significantly lower than the expected rate reported in literature. CONCLUSIONS A combination of Spiramycin and Cotrimoxazole is safe and effective in preventing foetal congenital toxoplasmosis and reducing sequelae in case of in-utero infection. The timing and adherence to the therapy are crucial to lowering the risk of congenital infection and neonatal morbidity.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Spiramycin/therapeutic use
- Female
- Pregnancy
- Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/prevention & control
- Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/drug therapy
- Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/epidemiology
- Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control
- Retrospective Studies
- Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination/therapeutic use
- Tertiary Care Centers
- Infant, Newborn
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/prevention & control
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/drug therapy
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/epidemiology
- Adult
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
- Toxoplasmosis/prevention & control
- Toxoplasmosis/transmission
- Toxoplasmosis/drug therapy
- Toxoplasmosis/epidemiology
- Antiprotozoal Agents/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Santis
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvio Tartaglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Visconti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Noia
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Valentini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Pediatria, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Clinica Pediatrica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Lanzone
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosaria Santangelo
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Laboratorio e Infettivologiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, UOC di Microbiologia, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Masini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Ostetricia e Patologia Ostetrica, Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Athukorala N, Wickramasinghe S, Yatawara L, Weerakoon K. A Systematic Review of Zoonotic Disease Prevalence in Sri Lanka (2000-2022). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:453-472. [PMID: 38775108 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The burden of zoonotic diseases in developing countries is significantly underestimated, influenced by various factors such as misdiagnosis, underreporting, natural disasters, climate change, resource limitations, rapid unplanned urbanization, poverty, animal migration, travel, ecotourism, and the tropical environmental conditions prevalent in the region. Despite Sri Lanka's provision of a publicly funded free health care system, zoonoses still contribute significantly to the burden of communicable diseases in the country. This study serves as a timely and exhaustive systematic review of zoonoses reported over the past 22 years in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: This systematic review adhered to the guidelines provided by the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) statement. A systematic literature search was conducted between July and September 2022, utilizing the following databases and sources: Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Weekly Epidemiological Reports, and Rabies Statistical Bulletins published by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. Results: From the initial database search, 1,710 articles were identified. After excluding nonzoonotic diseases, duplicated reports, inaccessible articles, and those not meeting the inclusion criteria, 570 reports were evaluated for eligibility. Of these, 91 reports were selected for data extraction, comprising 58 original research articles, 10 case reports, 16 weekly epidemiological reports, and 7 rabies statistical bulletins. Over the study period (2000-2022), 14 parasitic, 7 bacterial, and 7 viral zoonoses have been reported in Sri Lanka. Notably, leptospirosis emerged as the most reported zoonotic disease in the country. Conclusions: In response to these findings, we strongly recommend the implementation of a tailored, country-specific prevention and control program. To achieve this goal effectively, we emphasize the importance of adopting a country-specific "One Health" approach as a comprehensive framework for managing and controlling zoonotic diseases in Sri Lanka.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeesha Athukorala
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Susiji Wickramasinghe
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Lalani Yatawara
- Deparment of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Kosala Weerakoon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka
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Karami M, Gorgani-Firouzjaee T, Rostami-Mansour S, Shirafkan H. Prevalence of Ocular Toxoplasmosis in the General Population and Uveitis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2024; 32:1003-1016. [PMID: 37043543 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2023.2190801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in the general population and patients with uveitis. METHODS Four electronic databases were searched and 130 studies for evaluating the prevalence of OT among the general population and uveitis patients were included. RESULTS The pooled prevalence of OT among the general population was estimated at 2% (95% CI, 2-3%; 762/486 051). The highest prevalence rate was observed in America 6% (95% CI, 1-11%). In uveitis patients, a prevalence rate of 9% (95% CI, 8-10%; 5668/88 006) was reported. The countries with a lower middle income had higher prevalence rates. The prevalence of OT in posterior uveitis 33% (95%CI, 24-42%) was substantially higher than in panuveitis 7% (95% CI, 5-8%). CONCLUSION Our results provide a new perspective on the prevalence of OT. Knowledge of international and regional patterns of disease is essential for the establishment of precise diagnostic protocols and control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami
- Department of Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Tahmineh Gorgani-Firouzjaee
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sahar Rostami-Mansour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hoda Shirafkan
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Centre, Research Institute for Health, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Arias Padilla LF, Lopez JM, Shibata A, Murray JM, Hu K. The initiation and early development of apical-basal polarity in Toxoplasma gondii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.14.603470. [PMID: 39071409 PMCID: PMC11275826 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.14.603470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
The human parasite Toxoplasma gondii has a distinctive body plan with a well-defined polarity. In the apical complex, the minus ends of the 22 cortical microtubules are anchored to the apical polar ring, a putative microtubule-organizing center. The basal complex caps and constricts the parasite posterior end, and is critical for cytokinesis. How this apical-basal polarity axis is initiated was unknown. Here we examined the development of the apical polar ring and the basal complex in nascent daughters using expansion microscopy. We found that different substructures in the apical polar ring have different sensitivity to stress. In addition, apical-basal differentiation is already established upon nucleation of the cortical microtubule array: arc forms of the apical polar ring and basal complex associate with opposite ends of the microtubules. As the construction of the daughter framework progresses towards the centrioles, the apical and the basal arcs co-develop in striking synchrony ahead of the microtubule array, and close into a ring-form before all the microtubules are nucleated. We also found that two apical polar ring components, APR2 and KinesinA, act synergistically. The removal of each protein individually has modest to no impact on the lytic cycle. However, the loss of both results in abnormalities in the microtubule array and highly reduced plaquing and invasion efficiency.
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Soytürk H, Önal C, Kılıç Ü, Türkoğlu ŞA, Ayaz E. The effect of the HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway in patients with idiopathic epilepsy and its relationship with toxoplasmosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18542. [PMID: 39046369 PMCID: PMC11267981 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the relationship between toxoplasmosis and this pathway, which may be effective in the formation of epilepsy by acting through the HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway in patients with idiopathic epilepsy. In the study, four different experimental groups were formed by selecting Toxoplasma gondii IgG positive and negative patients with idiopathic epilepsy and healthy controls. Experimental groups were as follows: Group 1: Epilepsy+/Toxo- (E+, T-) (n = 10), Group 2: Epilepsy-/Toxo- (E-, T-) (n = 10), Group 3: Epilepsy-/Toxo+ (E-, T+) (n = 10), Group 4: Epilepsy+/Toxo+ (E+, T+) (n = 10). HMGB1, RAGE, TLR4, TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, IRAK1, IRAK2, IKBKB, IKBKG, BCL3, IL1β, IL10, 1 L8 and TNFα mRNA expression levels in the HMGB/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway were determined by quantitative simultaneous PCR (qRT-PCR) after collecting blood samples from all patients in the groups. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA followed by LSD post-hoc tests, and p < 0.05 was considered to denote statistical significance. The gene expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4, IL10, IL1B, IL8, and TLR2 were significantly higher in the G1 group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). In the G3 group, RAGE and BCL3 gene expression levels were significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). In the G4 group, however, IRAK2, IKBKB, and IKBKG gene expression levels were significantly higher than in the other groups (p < 0.05). HMGB1, TLR4, IRAK2, IKBKB, IL10, IL1B, IL1B, and IL8 in this signalling pathway are highly expressed in epilepsy patients in G1 and seizures occur with the stimulation of excitatory mechanisms by acting through this pathway. The signalling pathway in epilepsy may be activated by HMGB1, TLR4, and TLR2, which are considered to increase the level of proinflammatory cytokines. In T. gondii, this pathway is activated by RAGE and BCL3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayriye Soytürk
- Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Institute of Graduate Studies Interdisciplinary NeuroscienceBoluTurkey
| | - Cansu Önal
- Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit UniversityDepartment of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of ScienceZonguldakTurkey
| | - Ümit Kılıç
- Duzce University Vocational School of Health ServicesDuzceTurkey
| | - Şule Aydın Türkoğlu
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of MedicineBolu Abant Izzet Baysal UniversityBoluTurkey
| | - Erol Ayaz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of MedicineBolu Abant Izzet Baysal UniversityBoluTurkey
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Kazemi Arababadi M, Abdollahi SH, Ramezani M, Zare-Bidaki M. A Review of Immunological and Neuropsychobehavioral Effects of Latent Toxoplasmosis on Humans. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13060. [PMID: 39072801 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis as a zoonotic disease has a worldwide distribution and can infect a wide range of animal hosts, as well as at least one third of the world's human population. The disease is usually mild or asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, but dormant tissue cysts survive especially in the brain for the host lifespan, known as latent toxoplasmosis (LT). Recent studies suggest that LT can have certain neurological, immunological psychological and behavioural effects on human including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression, suicide anxiety and sleeping disorders. LT effects are controversial, and their exact mechanisms of action is not yet fully understood. This review aims to provide an overview of the potential effects, their basic mechanisms including alteration of neurotransmitter levels, immune activation in the central nervous system and induction of oxidative stress. Additionally, beneficial effects of LT, and an explanation of the effects within the framework of manipulation hypothesis, and finally, the challenges and limitations of the current research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, , Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Abdollahi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, , Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ramezani
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, , Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zare-Bidaki
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, , Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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Uddin T, Xia J, Fu Y, McNamara CW, Chatterjee AK, David Sibley L. High Throughput Repurposing Screen Reveals Compounds with Activity Against Toxoplasma gondii Bradyzoites. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.01.601569. [PMID: 39005312 PMCID: PMC11244992 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.01.601569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes widespread chronic infections that are not cured by current treatments due to inability to affect semi-dormant bradyzoite stages within tissue cysts. To identify compounds to eliminate chronic infection, we developed a HTS using a recently characterized strain of T. gondii that undergoes efficient conversion to bradyzoites in intro. Stage-specific expression of luciferase was used to selectively monitor growth inhibition of bradyzoites by the Library of Pharmacological Active Compounds, consisting of 1280 drug-like compounds. We identified 44 compounds with >50% inhibitory effects against bradyzoites, including several new highly potent compounds several of which have precedent for antimicrobial activity. Subsequent characterization of the compound Sanguinarine sulfate revealed potent and rapid killing against in vitro produced bradyzoites and bradyzoites harvested from chronically infected mice. These findings provide a platform for expanded screening and identify promising compounds for further preclinical development against T. gondii bradyzoites responsible for chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taher Uddin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yong Fu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Daka V, Mukosha M, Zimba SD, Phiri AM. Cross-sectional study to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii among women attending the antenatal clinic in Namwala, Zambia. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e084582. [PMID: 38950992 PMCID: PMC11328639 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). It has a wide host range and is capable of vertical transmission in pregnant women, which may lead to undesirable pregnancy outcomes such as congenital malformations, miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth. This study investigated the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at Namwala District Hospital in Southern Zambia. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study where blood was collected, and the serum was tested for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM. A questionnaire was administered to participants on demographic characteristics and risk factors. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. RESULTS A total of 401 women were enrolled in the study from 3 March to 5 August 2021. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG was 4.2% (n=17), while the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgM was 0.7% (n=3). The median age was 27 (IQR: 24-30) years, and a larger proportion had primary-level education (n=223, 55.6%). The majority (81.6%) of the women were married. None of the risk factors investigated in this study were significant for T. gondii infection. CONCLUSION There was a low seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among pregnant women in the Namwala district of Southern Province, Zambia, and regular screening may not be warranted in this population. Continued research on toxoplasmosis is recommended to understand its epidemiology across Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Daka
- Department of Clinical Sciences Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Moses Mukosha
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sharon D Zimba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rusangu University, Monze, Zambia
| | - Andrew M Phiri
- Department of Clinical Sciences Studies, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Deng ML, Chen JR, Yang JF, Ma J, Shu FF, Zou FC, He JJ. Transcriptomic analysis of reproductive organs of pregnant mice post toxoplasma gondii infection reveals the potential factors that contribute to poor prognosis. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1431183. [PMID: 39006750 PMCID: PMC11239361 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1431183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite of phylum Apicomplexa that poses a huge threat to pregnant hosts, and induces tragic outcomes for pregnant hosts, fetuses and newborns. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the tragic consequences caused by T. gondii remains to be revealed. In the present study, we applied RNA-seq to study the transcriptomic landscape of the whole reproductive organ of pregnant mice post T. gondii infection, aiming to reveal the key altered biological characters of reproductive organs of pregnant mice that could contribute to the tragic outcomes caused by T. gondii infection. The results of the present study showed that the transcriptome of reproductive organs of pregnant mice was significantly altered by T. gondii infection. A total of 2,598 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 1,449 upregulated genes and 1,149 downregulated genes. Enrichment analysis of the DEGs showed that the significantly altered features of reproductive organs of pregnant mice were excessive inflammatory responses, downregulated metabolism processes, and congenital diseases. The chemotaxis of immune cells in the reproductive organs of infected pregnant mice could also be reshaped by 19 differentially expressed chemokines and 6 differentially expressed chemokine receptors that could contribute to the damages of reproductive organ in pregnant mice. Overall, the findings of present study may help to understand the pathogenic mechanism of the acute T. gondii infection in reproductive organs of pregnant mice, and it could also help to improve toxoplasmosis therapeutics for pregnant individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ling Deng
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Rong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Fan-Fan Shu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
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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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Sebaa S, Behnke JM, Labed A, Abu-Madi MA. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Algeria. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:1137-1144. [PMID: 38688274 PMCID: PMC11154063 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite affecting all warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. Infections in humans can lead to severe clinical manifestations in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. The aim of the present study was to assess seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and to identify the associated risk factors among pregnant women from southern Algeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to May 2022 among 1,345 pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on risk factors associated with infection. Participants were screened for anti T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using the enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. The overall IgG and IgM seroprevalence was 13.6% and 0.89%, respectively. A significant association was found between seroprevalence of anti T. gondii IgG and history of spontaneous abortion (P = 0.016). Moreover, an increasing trend of seroprevalence was detected in the autumnal season (P = 0.030), and eating raw or undercooked meat was found to be significantly associated with anti-T. gondii IgM seropositivity (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that women who had experienced spontaneous abortion, regularly ate undercooked meat, and used bottled water in summer were more likely to contract infection with T. gondii. The majority (86.4%) of the studied pregnant women were serologically negative for toxoplasmosis and hence were susceptible to primary acute infection during pregnancy and possible fetal anomalies. Therefore, health education and awareness of the disease and its transmission to women, especially during pregnancy, is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumia Sebaa
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty SNV, University of Ziane Achour, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Jerzy M. Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amina Labed
- Department of Ecology and Environment, University Batna 2, Batna, Algeria
| | - Marawan A. Abu-Madi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Biomedical Research Centre, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Swapna LS, Stevens GC, Sardinha-Silva A, Hu LZ, Brand V, Fusca DD, Wan C, Xiong X, Boyle JP, Grigg ME, Emili A, Parkinson J. ToxoNet: A high confidence map of protein-protein interactions in Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012208. [PMID: 38900844 PMCID: PMC11219001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012208] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a major food borne pathogen that is highly prevalent in the global population. The majority of the T. gondii proteome remains uncharacterized and the organization of proteins into complexes is unclear. To overcome this knowledge gap, we used a biochemical fractionation strategy to predict interactions by correlation profiling. To overcome the deficit of high-quality training data in non-model organisms, we complemented a supervised machine learning strategy, with an unsupervised approach, based on similarity network fusion. The resulting combined high confidence network, ToxoNet, comprises 2,063 interactions connecting 652 proteins. Clustering identifies 93 protein complexes. We identified clusters enriched in mitochondrial machinery that include previously uncharacterized proteins that likely represent novel adaptations to oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, complexes enriched in proteins localized to secretory organelles and the inner membrane complex, predict additional novel components representing novel targets for detailed functional characterization. We present ToxoNet as a publicly available resource with the expectation that it will help drive future hypotheses within the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grant C. Stevens
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aline Sardinha-Silva
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lucas Zhongming Hu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Verena Brand
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel D. Fusca
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cuihong Wan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xuejian Xiong
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jon P. Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael E. Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrew Emili
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John Parkinson
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Zhang XX, Sun YZ, Wang W, Gao Y, Wei XY, Sun HC, Wang CR, Ni HB, Yang X, Elsheikha HM, Guo HP. Altered landscape of total RNA, tRNA and sncRNA modifications in the liver and spleen of mice infected by Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012281. [PMID: 38905319 PMCID: PMC11221703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012281] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogens can impact host RNA modification machinery to establish a favorable cellular environment for their replication. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on host RNA modification profiles and explored how these modifications may influence the host-parasite interaction. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We analyzed the modification levels of ∼ 80 nt tRNA and 17-50 nt sncRNAs in mouse liver, spleen, and serum using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The results revealed alterations in RNA modification profiles, particularly during acute infection. The liver exhibited more differentially abundant RNA modifications than the spleen. RNA modification levels in serum were mostly downregulated during acute infection compared to control mice. Correlations were detected between different RNA modifications in the liver and spleen during infection and between several RNA modifications and many cytokines. Alterations in RNA modifications affected tRNA stability and protein translation. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These findings provide new insight into the role of RNA modifications in mediating the murine host response to T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Yu-Zhe Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Yang Gao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agriculture University, Daqing, PR China
| | - Xin-Yu Wei
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agriculture University, Daqing, PR China
| | - Hong-Chao Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Chun-Ren Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agriculture University, Daqing, PR China
| | - Hong-Bo Ni
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, PR China
| | - Hany M. Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Huan-Ping Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Harbin, China
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Brun P, Groisman B, Bidondo MP, Barbero P, Trotta M, Liascovich R. Prevalence of congenital anomalies and prenatal diagnosis by birth institution (public vs. non-public): indicators of inequality in access to elective termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies. J Community Genet 2024:10.1007/s12687-024-00714-x. [PMID: 38822971 DOI: 10.1007/s12687-024-00714-x] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Congenital anomalies (CA) encompass all morphological or functional alterations originating prenatally and present at birth. The prenatal diagnosis of these anomalies can significantly impact the overall health of the pregnant individual and may influence her decision regarding the continuation of the pregnancy. In contexts where safe pregnancy termination is not guaranteed by the state, it can lead to unsafe procedures with severe consequences. In our research, we analyzed epidemiological information on CA to develop potential indicators of inequity in access to safe abortion prior to the legalization of legal termination of pregnancy in Argentina. We included cases from 13 public hospitals and 9 non-public subsector hospitals, from the period 2013-2020. Two groups of specific CA were selected: 1) CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed, and 2) CA related to vascular disruptive events. 10/18 of the selected CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed had a significantly higher prevalence in public hospitals (anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, holoprosencephaly, hydranencephaly, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, bilateral renal agenesis). Non public hospitals had higher prenatal detection. Birth prevalence of CA related with vascular disruptive events (limb reduction, Moebius syndrome, amniotic band sequence) were significantly higher in public hospitals. These results suggest disparities in access to prenatal diagnosis and safe abortion based on socioeconomic status. There was a significant gap in access to prenatal diagnosis for CA and possibly to safe elective abortion depending on the type of institution (public vs. non-public).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Brun
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Centro de Medicina Traslacional, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Cruce, Florencio Varela, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Boris Groisman
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Paz Bidondo
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Unidad Académica de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Barbero
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marianela Trotta
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosa Liascovich
- Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC), Instituto Nacional de Epidemiología, ANLIS Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Effective factors in the pathogenesis of Toxoplasmagondii. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31558. [PMID: 38818168 PMCID: PMC11137575 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite in humans and animals. It infects about 30 % of the human population worldwide and causes potentially fatal diseases in immunocompromised hosts and neonates. For this study, five English-language databases (ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar were searched. This review was accomplished to draw a global perspective of what is known about the pathogenesis of T. gondii and various factors affecting it. Virulence and immune responses can influence the mechanisms of parasite pathogenesis and these factors are in turn influenced by other factors. In addition to the host's genetic background, the type of Toxoplasma strain, the routes of transmission of infection, the number of passages, and different phases of parasite life affect virulence. The identification of virulence factors of the parasite could provide promising insights into the pathogenesis of this parasite. The results of this study can be an incentive to conduct more intensive research to design and develop new anti-Toxoplasma agents (drugs and vaccines) to treat or prevent this infection. In addition, further studies are needed to better understand the key agents in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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17
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Mulu Gelaw Y, Worku Dagnew G, Degu Alene G, Gangneux JP, Robert-Gangneux F. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012198. [PMID: 38781272 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a serious endemic zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy can result in congenital transmission and serious fetal and neonatal complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its determinants among pregnant women in African countries. METHODS All articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in African countries and published from 2010 to 2023 were searched using various databases. The pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis was calculated using a random-effect model. The variation between the included studies was assessed using a funnel plot and I2 heterogeneity statistics. To identify the sources of heterogeneity, sub-group analysis was further conducted by country, diagnostic method, and sub-African region. The association of prevalence rates with the socio-economic level and geoclimatic parameters was also explored. RESULTS In total, 29,383 pregnant women from 60 articles were included for analysis. The pooled T. gondii seroprevalence was 42.89% with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.4%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analysis revealed variation by country (ranging from 2.62% in Namibia to 80.28% in Congo), diagnostic method used (from 8.66% in studies using a rapid diagnostic test to 55.69% in those using an agglutination test), and sub-African region (from 4.14% in regions of Southern Africa to 53.96 in Central Africa). Cat ownership (OR = 1.58) and the consumption of raw meat (OR = 1.50) and raw vegetables (OR = 1.48) had a statistically significant combined effect on T. gondii seroprevalence. No association was found between T. gondii prevalence and the level of income of the country or geoclimatic parameters. CONCLUSION The prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection among pregnant women in Africa is high, particularly in Central and Eastern Africa. The determinants of prevalence are multifactorial. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase the awareness of women concerning the risk factors for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yared Mulu Gelaw
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Université de Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Rennes, France
| | - Gizachew Worku Dagnew
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Getu Degu Alene
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Université de Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Rennes, France
| | - Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Université de Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Rennes, France
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Khan MY, Barlaam A, Gazzonis AL, Ferrari N, Giangaspero A. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats from South Punjab Province, Pakistan. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 50:101018. [PMID: 38644047 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Layyah District in South Punjab Province of Pakistan offers the most intensive caprine economy in the country; its Indus riverine and desert environment makes the area peculiar and worthy of specific investigations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgG-antibody in goats in serum samples and the potential risk factors. The prevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated using a two-stage sample design. All caprine farms in the study area were stratified by size, and from these 110 were randomly selected. Twelve goats (>1-year-old) were selected from each farm and a total of 1320 serum samples were collected and tested by ELISA. A questionnaire on the conditions and management practices of each farm was administered to 110 farmers. Four hundred and sixteen out of 1320 sera samples (31.5%) were found positive and 89% of the flock had at least one seropositive goat. The proportion of seropositive goats tested within each flock ranged from 8.3% to 83.3%. with several factors contributing to this heterogeneity. Goat age played a significant role in the presence of cats. Significant interactions were related to goat farms having floor of dirt and kitten presence. Moreover, age class, abortion history and water source supply were modulated by owner education levels. This is the first study to determine the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in goats sera in Layyah district and the largest carried out so far in Pakistan. The remarkable presence of T. gondii among goats in areas where goat farming plays a significant economic role may pose a production threat to the small-stock industry, as well as to public health and food safety. Therefore, investigations to identify high-risk goat populations are highly recommended in order to facilitate the implementation of local control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Yaser Khan
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy; Para Veterinary Institute, Layyah Campus, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, 54000, Karor Lal Eason, Lahore 31100, Pakistan.
| | - Alessandra Barlaam
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Annunziata Giangaspero
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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Zhou Y, Leahy K, Grose A, Lykins J, Siddiqui M, Leong N, Goodall P, Withers S, Ashi K, Schrantz S, Tesic V, Abeleda AP, Beavis K, Clouser F, Ismail M, Christmas M, Piarroux R, Limonne D, Chapey E, Abraham S, Baird I, Thibodeau J, Boyer KM, Torres E, Conrey S, Wang K, Staat MA, Back N, L’Ollivier C, Mahinc C, Flori P, Gomez-Marin J, Peyron F, Houzé S, Wallon M, McLeod R. Novel paradigm enables accurate monthly gestational screening to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis and more. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011335. [PMID: 38805559 PMCID: PMC11132520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011335] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital toxoplasmosis is a treatable, preventable disease, but untreated causes death, prematurity, loss of sight, cognition and motor function, and substantial costs worldwide. OBJECTIVES We asked whether high performance of an Immunochromatographic-test (ICT) could enable accurate, rapid diagnosis/treatment, establishing new, improved care-paradigms at point-of-care and clinical laboratory. METHODS Data were obtained in 12 studies/analyses addressing: 1-feasibility/efficacy; 2-false-positives; 3-acceptability; 4-pink/black-line/all studies; 5-time/cost; 6-Quick-Information/Limit-of-detection; 7, 8-acute;-chronic; 9-epidemiology; 10-ADBio; 11,12-Commentary/Cases/Chronology. FINDINGS ICT was compared with gold-standard or predicate-tests. Overall, ICT performance for 1093 blood/4967 sera was 99.2%/97.5% sensitive and 99.0%/99.7% specific. However, in clinical trial, FDA-cleared-predicate tests initially caused practical, costly problems due to false-positive-IgM results. For 58 persons, 3/43 seronegative and 2/15 chronically infected persons had false positive IgM predicate tests. This caused substantial anxiety, concerns, and required costly, delayed confirmation in reference centers. Absence of false positive ICT results contributes to solutions: Lyon and Paris France and USA Reference laboratories frequently receive sera with erroneously positive local laboratory IgM results impeding patient care. Therefore, thirty-two such sera referred to Lyon's Reference laboratory were ICT-tested. We collated these with other earlier/ongoing results: 132 of 137 USA or French persons had false-positive local laboratory IgM results identified correctly as negative by ICT. Five false positive ICT results in Tunisia and Marseille, France, emphasize need to confirm positive ICT results with Sabin-Feldman-Dye-test or western blot. Separate studies demonstrated high performance in detecting acute infections, meeting FDA, CLIA, WHO REASSURED, CEMark criteria and patient and physician satisfaction with monthly-gestational-ICT-screening. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This novel paradigm using ICT identifies likely false positives or raises suspicion that a result is truly positive, rapidly needing prompt follow up and treatment. Thus, ICT enables well-accepted gestational screening programs that facilitate rapid treatment saving lives, sight, cognition and motor function. This reduces anxiety, delays, work, and cost at point-of-care and clinical laboratories. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04474132, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04474132 ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Karen Leahy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Andrew Grose
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Joseph Lykins
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Maryam Siddiqui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Nicole Leong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Perpetua Goodall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Shawn Withers
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kevin Ashi
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stephen Schrantz
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Chicago Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Vera Tesic
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Chicago Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ana Precy Abeleda
- Chicago Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Beavis
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Chicago Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Fatima Clouser
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Mahmoud Ismail
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Chicago Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Monica Christmas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Chicago Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | | | | | - Emmanuelle Chapey
- Institut des agents infectieux, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvie Abraham
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hôpital, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Baird
- The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Global Health Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Juliette Thibodeau
- The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Global Health Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kenneth M. Boyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Rush Presbyterian Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Torres
- Group of Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Quindio, Armenia (Quindio), Colombia
| | - Shannon Conrey
- University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Kanix Wang
- Carl H. Lindner College of Business, The University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mary Allen Staat
- University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Nancy Back
- University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Coralie L’Ollivier
- Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose—Pôle Sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Caroline Mahinc
- Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory, Pôle de Biologie-Pathologie, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, Saint Etienne, France
| | - Pierre Flori
- Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory, Pôle de Biologie-Pathologie, University Hospital of Saint Etienne, Saint Etienne, France
| | - Jorge Gomez-Marin
- Group of Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Quindio, Armenia (Quindio), Colombia
| | - Francois Peyron
- Institut des agents infectieux, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Sandrine Houzé
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hôpital, Paris, France
| | - Martine Wallon
- Institut des agents infectieux, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Rima McLeod
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- The College, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Global Health Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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20
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Padilla LFA, Murray JM, Hu K. The initiation and early development of the tubulin-containing cytoskeleton in the human parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar37. [PMID: 38170577 PMCID: PMC10916856 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-11-0418] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The tubulin-containing cytoskeleton of the human parasite Toxoplasma gondii includes several distinct structures: the conoid, formed of 14 ribbon-like tubulin polymers, and the array of 22 cortical microtubules (MTs) rooted in the apical polar ring. Here we analyze the structure of developing daughter parasites using both 3D-SIM and expansion microscopy. Cortical MTs and the conoid start to develop almost simultaneously, but from distinct precursors near the centrioles. Cortical MTs are initiated in a fixed sequence, starting around the periphery of a short arc that extends to become a complete circle. The conoid also develops from an open arc into a full circle, with a fixed spatial relationship to the centrioles. The patterning of the MT array starts from a "blueprint" with ∼five-fold symmetry, switching to 22-fold rotational symmetry in the final product, revealing a major structural rearrangement during daughter growth. The number of MT is essentially invariant in the wild-type array, but is perturbed by the loss of some structural components of the apical polar ring. This study provides insights into the development of tubulin-containing structures that diverge from conventional models, insights that are critical for understanding the evolutionary paths leading to construction and divergence of cytoskeletal frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F. Arias Padilla
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution/School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University
| | - John M. Murray
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution/School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University
| | - Ke Hu
- Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution/School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University
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21
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Moudgil P, Pandita S, Kumar R, Khasa V, Dash SS, Bangar YC, Jindal N. Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii in pigs in Haryana, India. Zoonoses Public Health 2024; 71:136-143. [PMID: 37946694 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common food-borne parasitic zoonosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in Haryana, India. METHODS AND RESULTS Serum samples were collected from 429 pigs from three agroclimatic zones (I-III) of Haryana and analysed for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 106 animals (24.7%), with the highest seropositivity in zone II (31.3%) followed by zone III (24.4%) and zone I (18.3%). Risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were farm size (higher in large-sized farms), age (higher in pigs >1 year of age), sex (higher in males), type of feeding (higher in combination of homemade and hotel waste) and housing (higher in free-ranging pigs). CONCLUSIONS The findings of the study testify to the exposure of pigs (of all agro-climatic zones) to T. gondii. Hence, the observations are of significant medical and veterinary importance for devising and implementing control measures to check the dissemination of toxoplasmosis to pigs and eventually to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Moudgil
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Sakshi Pandita
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Vipin Khasa
- State Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Sonipat, Haryana, India
| | - Spandan Shashwat Dash
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Yogesh C Bangar
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Naresh Jindal
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, India
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22
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Elmahallawy EK, Ali FAZ, Raya-Álvarez E, Fehaid A, Abd El-Razik KA, El Fadaly HAM, El-Khadragy MF, Sayed ASM, Soror AH, Alhegaili AS, Saleh AA, Alkhaldi AAM, Madboli AENA, Agil A, Barakat AM. Ameliorative effects of propolis and wheat germ oil on acute toxoplasmosis in experimentally infected mice are associated with reduction in parasite burden and restoration of histopathological changes in the brain, uterus, and kidney. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1357947. [PMID: 38496314 PMCID: PMC10940321 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1357947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis continues to be a prevalent parasitic zoonosis with a global distribution. This disease is caused by an intracellular parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii, and the development of effective novel drug targets to combat it is imperative. There is limited information available on the potential advantages of wheat germ oil (WGO) and propolis, both individually and in combination, against the acute phase of toxoplasmosis. In this study, acute toxoplasmosis was induced in Swiss albino mice, followed by the treatment of infected animals with WGO and propolis, either separately or in combination. After 10 days of experimental infection and treatment, mice from all groups were sacrificed, and their brains, uteri, and kidneys were excised for histopathological assessment. Additionally, the average parasite load in the brain was determined through parasitological assessment, and quantification of the parasite was performed using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction targeting gene amplification. Remarkably, the study found that treating infected animals with wheat germ oil and propolis significantly reduced the parasite load compared to the control group that was infected but not treated. Moreover, the group treated with a combination of wheat germ oil and propolis exhibited a markedly greater reduction in parasitic load compared to the other groups. Similarly, the combination treatment effectively restored the histopathological changes observed in the brain, uterus, and kidney, and the scoring of these reported lesions confirmed these findings. In summary, the present results reveal intriguing insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of wheat germ oil and propolis in the treatment of acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Zoonosis (GISAZ), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Fatma Abo Zakaib Ali
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Enrique Raya-Álvarez
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Av. de la Investigación s/n, Granada, Spain
| | - Alaa Fehaid
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Khaled A. Abd El-Razik
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Manal F. El-Khadragy
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal S. M. Sayed
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt
| | - Ashraf H. Soror
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Alaa S. Alhegaili
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amira A. Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Abd El-Nasser A. Madboli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Agil
- Department of Pharmacology, Biohealth Institute Granada (IBs Granada) and Neuroscience Institute, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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23
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Hvorecny KL, Sladewski TE, De La Cruz EM, Kollman JM, Heaslip AT. Toxoplasma gondii actin filaments are tuned for rapid disassembly and turnover. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1840. [PMID: 38418447 PMCID: PMC10902351 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46111-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein actin plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of the intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, mediating invasion and egress, cargo transport, and organelle inheritance. Advances in live cell imaging have revealed extensive filamentous actin networks in the Apicomplexan parasite, but there are conflicting data regarding the biochemical and biophysical properties of Toxoplasma actin. Here, we imaged the in vitro assembly of individual Toxoplasma actin filaments in real time, showing that native, unstabilized filaments grow tens of microns in length. Unlike skeletal muscle actin, Toxoplasma filaments intrinsically undergo rapid treadmilling due to a high critical concentration, fast monomer dissociation, and rapid nucleotide exchange. Cryo-EM structures of jasplakinolide-stabilized and native (i.e. unstabilized) filaments show an architecture like skeletal actin, with differences in assembly contacts in the D-loop that explain the dynamic nature of the filament, likely a conserved feature of Apicomplexan actin. This work demonstrates that evolutionary changes at assembly interfaces can tune the dynamic properties of actin filaments without disrupting their conserved structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Hvorecny
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas E Sladewski
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Enrique M De La Cruz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Justin M Kollman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Aoife T Heaslip
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
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24
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Franco PS, Scussel ACMO, Silva RJ, Araújo TE, Gonzaga HT, Marcon CF, Brito-de-Sousa JP, Diniz ALD, Paschoini MC, Barbosa BF, Martins-Filho OA, Mineo JR, Ferro EAV, Gomes AO. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis Diagnosis: Advances and Challenges. J Trop Med 2024; 2024:1514178. [PMID: 38419946 PMCID: PMC10901580 DOI: 10.1155/2024/1514178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To understand how congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) diagnosis has evolved over the years, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the kind of analysis that has been employed for CT diagnosis. Methods PubMed and Lilacs databases were used in order to access the kind of analysis that has been employed for CT diagnosis in several samples. Our search combined the following combining terms: "congenital toxoplasmosis" or "gestational toxoplasmosis" and "diagnosis" and "blood," "serum," "amniotic fluid," "placenta," or "colostrum." We extracted data on true positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative to generate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Random-effects models using MetaDTA were used for analysis. Results Sixty-five articles were included in the study aiming for comparisons (75.4%), diagnosis performance (52.3%), diagnosis improvement (32.3%), or to distinguish acute/chronic infection phases (36.9%). Amniotic fluid (AF) and placenta were used in 36.9% and 10.8% of articles, respectively, targeting parasites and/or T. gondii DNA. Blood was used in 86% of articles for enzymatic assays. Colostrum was used in one article to search for antibodies. In meta-analysis, PCR in AF showed the best performance for CT diagnosis based on the highest summary sensitivity (85.1%) and specificity (99.7%) added to lower magnitude heterogeneity. Conclusion Most of the assays being researched to diagnose CT are basically the same traditional approaches available for clinical purposes. The range in diagnostic performance and the challenges imposed by CT diagnosis indicate the need to better explore pregnancy samples in search of new possibilities for diagnostic tools. Exploring immunological markers and using bioinformatics tools and T. gondii recombinant antigens should address the research needed for a new generation of diagnostic tools to face these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Silva Franco
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Rafaela José Silva
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Thadia Evelyn Araújo
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Henrique Tomaz Gonzaga
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila Ferreira Marcon
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino, 30, Nossa Sra. da Abadia 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Pedro Brito-de-Sousa
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Angélica Lemos Debs Diniz
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Carvalho Paschoini
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino, 30, Nossa Sra. da Abadia 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino, 30, Nossa Sra. da Abadia 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
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Arkhis S, Rouges C, Dahane N, Guegan H, Yéra H, Robert-Gangneux F. Could PLATELIA Toxo IgM be the new gold standard for the serological diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis: a French multicenter study. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0122223. [PMID: 38259072 PMCID: PMC10865801 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01222-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To assess the performance of PLATELIA Toxo IgM (Bio-Rad) and Toxo ISAGA (BioMérieux) to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgM in infants at risk of congenital toxoplasmosis, a retrospective multicenter study was conducted comparing serological results obtained in the framework of routine diagnosis work-up for congenital toxoplasmosis. All infants born to mothers infected with T. gondii during pregnancy from 2010 to 2020 with at least 6 months of serological follow-up were included (n = 1,010). One thousand ten cases were included, of which 250 infants (24.75%) had congenital toxoplasmosis. A total of 1039 sera were included. The concordance between the two techniques was 96%, with kappa coefficient of 0.87, showing an almost perfect agreement between ISAGA and PLATELIA. Cumulative sensitivity and specificity were 73.2% and 99.5.% and 74.8% and 100% for ISAGA and PLATELIA, respectively. The mean time to detect IgM using ISAGA and PLATELIA tests was 6.9 ± 20.1 days and 5.6 ± 14.7 days, respectively not significant (ns). Finally, the sensitivity of ISAGA and PLATELIA to detect IgM antibodies in infected neonates at 5 days of life was 62% and 64%, respectively. Performances of PLATELIA Toxo IgM assay were comparable to the gold standard ISAGA. This enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is suitable for routine serology for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns. IMPORTANCE This study will help clinical microbiologists to chose an alternative serological method for the neonatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, once the gold standard technique ISAGA will be withdrawn next year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safya Arkhis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Celia Rouges
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Cochin University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Naïma Dahane
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Cochin University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Guegan
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement Travail), Rennes, France
| | - Hélène Yéra
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Cochin University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Dupuytren University Hospital, Limoges, France
| | - Florence Robert-Gangneux
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement Travail), Rennes, France
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26
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Guarch-Ibáñez B, Carreras-Abad C, Frick MA, Blázquez-Gamero D, Baquero-Artigao F, Fuentes-Corripio I, Soler-Palacin P. Results of the REIV-TOXO national survey on prenatal screening for toxoplasmosis in Spain. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2024:S2529-993X(24)00011-X. [PMID: 38296670 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Currently, the status of serological screening for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Spain is unknown, and there is no official recommendation. The objective of this study is to show the current practice of gestational screening for toxoplasmosis in hospitals belonging to the Spanish Network for Research on Congenital Toxoplasmosis (REIV-TOXO). METHODS An electronic survey was sent between April 2021 and September 2021 to investigators from 118 hospitals of REIV-TOXO, representing all Spanish regions. Nine items related to gestational screening for toxoplasmosis were collected. This information was compared with cases of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) identified in REIV-TOXO to determine if these were diagnosed in the presence of gestational screening. RESULTS During the study period, serological screening was performed in 53.3% (63/118) hospitals, with variations between regions and even among hospitals within the same region. Testing performed in each trimester was the most common practice (57.7%), followed by a single determination (24.4%). 89.4% of CT cases between January 2015 and September 2021 were diagnosed due to gestational screening. CONCLUSION The decision to perform gestational screening for toxoplasmosis in Spain is highly heterogeneous, with significant local and regional differences. Despite this, screening still allows the diagnosis of most CT cases. It is urgent to have current epidemiological data to inform decision-making in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borja Guarch-Ibáñez
- Unidad de Infectología pediátrica ICS-IAS de Girona, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitari Dr. Josep Trueta; Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Clara Carreras-Abad
- Unidad de Infectología Pediátrica, Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Antoinette Frick
- Unidad de Patología Infecciosa e Immunodeficiencias de Pediatría, Hospital Infantil Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Catalunya, España; Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; Grupo de Trabajo de Infecciones Congénitas, Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP), Spain
| | - Daniel Blázquez-Gamero
- Grupo de Trabajo de Infecciones Congénitas, Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP), Spain; Unidad de Infectología Pediátrica, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Baquero-Artigao
- Unidad de Infectología Pediátrica, Hospital La Paz; Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Fuentes-Corripio
- Unidad de Toxoplasmosis y protozoos intestinales, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pere Soler-Palacin
- Unidad de Patología Infecciosa e Immunodeficiencias de Pediatría, Hospital Infantil Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Catalunya, España; Vall d'Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; Grupo de Trabajo de Infecciones Congénitas, Sociedad Española de Infectología Pediátrica (SEIP), Spain
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Lykins J, Moschitto MJ, Zhou Y, Filippova EV, Le HV, Tomita T, Fox BA, Bzik DJ, Su C, Rajagopala SV, Flores K, Spano F, Woods S, Roberts CW, Hua C, El Bissati K, Wheeler KM, Dovgin S, Muench SP, McPhillie M, Fishwick CW, Anderson WF, Lee PJ, Hickman M, Weiss LM, Dubey JP, Lorenzi HA, Silverman RB, McLeod RL. From TgO/GABA-AT, GABA, and T-263 Mutant to Conception of Toxoplasma. iScience 2024; 27:108477. [PMID: 38205261 PMCID: PMC10776954 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes morbidity, mortality, and disseminates widely via cat sexual stages. Here, we find T. gondii ornithine aminotransferase (OAT) is conserved across phyla. We solve TgO/GABA-AT structures with bound inactivators at 1.55 Å and identify an inactivator selective for TgO/GABA-AT over human OAT and GABA-AT. However, abrogating TgO/GABA-AT genetically does not diminish replication, virulence, cyst-formation, or eliminate cat's oocyst shedding. Increased sporozoite/merozoite TgO/GABA-AT expression led to our study of a mutagenized clone with oocyst formation blocked, arresting after forming male and female gametes, with "Rosetta stone"-like mutations in genes expressed in merozoites. Mutations are similar to those in organisms from plants to mammals, causing defects in conception and zygote formation, affecting merozoite capacitation, pH/ionicity/sodium-GABA concentrations, drawing attention to cyclic AMP/PKA, and genes enhancing energy or substrate formation in TgO/GABA-AT-related-pathways. These candidates potentially influence merozoite's capacity to make gametes that fuse to become zygotes, thereby contaminating environments and causing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Lykins
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Matthew J. Moschitto
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, and Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208-3113, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ekaterina V. Filippova
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hoang V. Le
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, and Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208-3113, USA
| | - Tadakimi Tomita
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Barbara A. Fox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - David J. Bzik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Seesandra V. Rajagopala
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The J. Craig Venter Institute, 9704 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Kristin Flores
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Furio Spano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stuart Woods
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Scotland, UK
| | - Craig W. Roberts
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Scotland, UK
| | - Cong Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kamal El Bissati
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kelsey M. Wheeler
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sarah Dovgin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Stephen P. Muench
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, The University of Leeds, Leeds, West York LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Martin McPhillie
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Colin W.G. Fishwick
- School of Chemistry and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Wayne F. Anderson
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Patricia J. Lee
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Military Malaria Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Mark Hickman
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Military Malaria Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jitender P. Dubey
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Hernan A. Lorenzi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The J. Craig Venter Institute, 9704 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Richard B. Silverman
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery, and Center for Developmental Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208-3113, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rima L. McLeod
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases), Institute of Genomics, Genetics, and Systems Biology, Global Health Center, Toxoplasmosis Center, CHeSS, The College, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Arias Padilla LF, Murray JM, Hu K. The initiation and early development of the tubulin-containing cytoskeleton in the human parasite Toxoplasma gondii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.03.565597. [PMID: 38106158 PMCID: PMC10723254 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.03.565597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The tubulin-containing cytoskeleton of the human parasite Toxoplasma gondii includes several distinct structures: the conoid, formed of 14 ribbon-like tubulin polymers, and the array of 22 cortical microtubules (MTs) rooted in the apical polar ring. Here we analyze the structure of developing daughter parasites using both 3D-SIM and expansion microscopy. Cortical MTs and the conoid start to develop almost simultaneously, but from distinct precursors near the centrioles. Cortical MTs are initiated in a fixed sequence, starting around the periphery of a short arc that extends to become a complete circle. The conoid also develops from an open arc into a full circle, with a fixed spatial relationship to the centrioles. The patterning of the MT array starts from a "blueprint" with ∼ 5-fold symmetry, switching to 22-fold rotational symmetry in the final product, revealing a major structural rearrangement during daughter growth. The number of MT is essentially invariant in the wild-type array, but is perturbed by the loss of some structural components of the apical polar ring. This study provides insights into the development of tubulin-containing structures that diverge from conventional models, insights that are critical for understanding the evolutionary paths leading to construction and divergence of cytoskeletal frameworks.
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Devarakonda PM, Sarmiento V, Heaslip AT. F-actin and myosin F control apicoplast elongation dynamics which drive apicoplast-centrosome association in Toxoplasma gondii. mBio 2023; 14:e0164023. [PMID: 37732764 PMCID: PMC10653800 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01640-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii and most other parasites in the phylum Apicomplexa contain an apicoplast, a non-photosynthetic plastid organelle required for fatty acid, isoprenoid, iron-sulfur cluster, and heme synthesis. Perturbation of apicoplast function results in parasite death. Thus, parasite survival critically depends on two cellular processes: apicoplast division to ensure every daughter parasite inherits a single apicoplast, and trafficking of nuclear encoded proteins to the apicoplast. Despite the importance of these processes, there are significant knowledge gaps in regards to the molecular mechanisms which control these processes; this is particularly true for trafficking of nuclear-encoded apicoplast proteins. This study provides crucial new insight into the timing of apicoplast protein synthesis and trafficking to the apicoplast. In addition, this study demonstrates how apicoplast-centrosome association, a key step in the apicoplast division cycle, is controlled by the actomyosin cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Sarmiento
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Aoife T. Heaslip
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Onyinye NP, Ikechukwu M, Chinedu N, Chukwuanugo N O, Nnamdi C OI, Nne AC. Recent and past toxoplasmosis infections, associated factors, and awareness among pregnant women in Nigeria. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231202230. [PMID: 37915843 PMCID: PMC10617264 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231202230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The study determined the rate of recent and past Toxoplasma gondii infections, associated factors, and awareness among expectant mothers assessing antenatal care in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women. A questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographics, infection risk factors, and awareness of the infection. Using an ELISA kit, the IgG and IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were assessed in blood samples from these women. For samples that tested positive for IgM, a real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the DNA. SPSS version 23 was used for data entry and analysis. The p-value < 0.05 was adjudged to be significant. Results A total of 250 pregnant women participated in the study. The rate of recent infection (IgM antibody positivity) was 3.6% (9/250), while past infection (IgG antibody positivity) was 68.4% (171/250). Polymerase chain reaction confirmed 5/9 recent infections as positive. Factors significantly associated with toxoplasmosis were gardening (p = 0.037) and undercooked meat (p = 0.023). Only 27 out of 250 pregnant women in this research had heard of toxoplasmosis, which translates to a low awareness rate of 10.8%. Conclusions The recent infection among pregnant women in this study indicates the possibility of mother-to-child transmission with attendant sequelae. There was a significant association between past Toxoplasmosis gondii infections and stillbirth. Routine screening for toxoplasmosis should be incorporated into the antenatal program since none of the symptoms could significantly predict illness. In addition, regular antennal care instruction should cover toxoplasmosis education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nnemelu Perpetua Onyinye
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Mbachu Ikechukwu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Ndukwe Chinedu
- Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Ogbuagu Chukwuanugo N
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Onyenyili Ikemefuna Nnamdi C
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Akujobi Comfort Nne
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
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Zeinali S, Khademvatan S, Jafari R, Vazifekhah S, Yousefi E, Behroozi-Lak T. Prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among women with miscarriage and their aborted fetuses in the northwest of Iran. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283493. [PMID: 37883415 PMCID: PMC10602335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283493] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide disease of various animals and human and results from infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Abortion and congenital defects are important consequences of the T. gondii infection. The aim of this study was to determine the Toxoplasma-induced abortions among women with miscarriage and the presence of T. gondii in their aborted fetuses in Urmia, the northwest of Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 215 women with abortion and their aborted fetuses, from 2020 to 2021. Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM were determined using the sera of the aforesaid women. Nested PCR was carried out using RE-529 gene sequences, and sequencing was performed using the T. gondii GRA6 gene on the remnant of pregnancy after abortion. The tissue positive samples were then subjected to another PCR on GRA6 gene and sequenced for genotyping. Among 215 serum samples of women with abortion, 70 (32.6%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG, and three (1.4%) were positive for IgM. The RE-529 sequence of T. gondii was positive in three (1.4%) of the aborted fetuses. The analysis of GRA6 gene indicated that all three positive samples carried a GRA6 allele (GRA6I) of T. gondii type I genotype. Our findings suggest that T. gondii is one of the causative agents of spontaneous abortion in West Azerbijan Province, the northwest of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Zeinali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology& Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shahram Khademvatan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology& Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Rasool Jafari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology& Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shabnam Vazifekhah
- Maternal and Childhood Obesity Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Elham Yousefi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology& Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Tahereh Behroozi-Lak
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Infertility, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Amagbégnon R, Dechavanne C, Dambrun M, Yehouénou U, Akondé N, Migot-Nabias F, Nounnagnon Tonouhéwa AB, Hamidović A, Fievet N, Tonato-Bagnan A, Ogouyemi-Hounto A, Alao MJ, Dardé ML, Mercier A, Kindé-Gazard D. Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and detection of infection acquired during pregnancy in Cotonou, Benin. Parasite 2023; 30:43. [PMID: 37855713 PMCID: PMC10586240 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessing the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and the associated risk factors is the first step in defining policy for the prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis in a given population. An epidemiological study was conducted during prenatal consultations at the CHU-MEL of Cotonou (Benin) between September 2018 and April 2021 and recruited 549 pregnant women to determine the seroprevalence and potential factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection. Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM antibodies were detected using an enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) technique, an IgG avidity test and an IgG/IgM comparative Western blot to diagnose the maternal toxoplasmosis serological status, the possibility of an infection acquired during pregnancy and congenital infection, respectively. Concomitantly, the participants answered a questionnaire investigating potential risk factors. Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence was estimated at 44.4% (95% CI 40.3-48.6) and the factors significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity were: age over 30 years, multigravid women and contact with cats. The possibility of an infection acquired during the periconceptional period or the first trimester of pregnancy concerned six women [1.1% (95% CI 0.5-2.0)]. However, due to the low rate of serological controls in seronegative women, a significant proportion of women first tested during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, and an insufficient sample size, the incidence of primary infection during pregnancy could not be determined. No cases of congenital transmission occurred in the newborns from the suspected cases of primary infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Amagbégnon
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Mère et de l’Enfant-Lagune (CHU-MEL) 01 BP 107 Cotonou Bénin
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB) Abomey-Calavi Benin
| | | | | | - Urielle Yehouénou
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Mère et de l’Enfant-Lagune (CHU-MEL) 01 BP 107 Cotonou Bénin
| | - Noé Akondé
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Mère et de l’Enfant-Lagune (CHU-MEL) 01 BP 107 Cotonou Bénin
| | | | | | - Azra Hamidović
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, OmegaHealth Limoges France
| | | | - Angéline Tonato-Bagnan
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Mère et de l’Enfant-Lagune (CHU-MEL) 01 BP 107 Cotonou Bénin
- Université d’Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS) Bénin
| | - Aurore Ogouyemi-Hounto
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB) Abomey-Calavi Benin
- Université d’Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS) Bénin
- Service de Microbiologie du Centre National Hospitalier Universitaire – Hubert Koutoukou MAGA (CNHU-HKM) de Cotonou Bénin
| | - Maroufou Jules Alao
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Mère et de l’Enfant-Lagune (CHU-MEL) 01 BP 107 Cotonou Bénin
- Université d’Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS) Bénin
| | - Marie-Laure Dardé
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, OmegaHealth Limoges France
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) sur la toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), CHU de Limoges 87042 Limoges France
| | - Aurélien Mercier
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des maladies chroniques en zone tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, OmegaHealth Limoges France
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) sur la toxoplasmose/Toxoplasma Biological Resource Center (BRC), CHU de Limoges 87042 Limoges France
| | - Dorothée Kindé-Gazard
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB) Abomey-Calavi Benin
- Université d’Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé (FSS) Bénin
- Service de Microbiologie du Centre National Hospitalier Universitaire – Hubert Koutoukou MAGA (CNHU-HKM) de Cotonou Bénin
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de Souza G, Teixeira SC, Fajardo Martínez AF, Silva RJ, Luz LC, de Lima Júnior JP, Rosini AM, dos Santos NCL, de Oliveira RM, Paschoalino M, Barbosa MC, Alves RN, Gomes AO, da Silva CV, Ferro EAV, Barbosa BF. Trypanosoma cruzi P21 recombinant protein modulates Toxoplasma gondii infection in different experimental models of the human maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243480. [PMID: 37915581 PMCID: PMC10617204 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease that affects about one-third of the human population. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, but severe cases can occur such as in congenital transmission, which can be aggravated in individuals infected with other pathogens, such as HIV-positive pregnant women. However, it is unknown whether infection by other pathogens, such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, as well as one of its proteins, P21, could aggravate T. gondii infection. Methods In this sense, we aimed to investigate the impact of T. cruzi and recombinant P21 (rP21) on T. gondii infection in BeWo cells and human placental explants. Results Our results showed that T. cruzi infection, as well as rP21, increases invasion and decreases intracellular proliferation of T. gondii in BeWo cells. The increase in invasion promoted by rP21 is dependent on its binding to CXCR4 and the actin cytoskeleton polymerization, while the decrease in proliferation is due to an arrest in the S/M phase in the parasite cell cycle, as well as interleukin (IL)-6 upregulation and IL-8 downmodulation. On the other hand, in human placental villi, rP21 can either increase or decrease T. gondii proliferation, whereas T. cruzi infection increases T. gondii proliferation. This increase can be explained by the induction of an anti-inflammatory environment through an increase in IL-4 and a decrease in IL-6, IL-8, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. Discussion In conclusion, in situations of coinfection, the presence of T. cruzi may favor the congenital transmission of T. gondii, highlighting the importance of neonatal screening for both diseases, as well as the importance of studies with P21 as a future therapeutic target for the treatment of Chagas disease, since it can also favor T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Aryani Felixa Fajardo Martínez
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Luana Carvalho Luz
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Joed Pires de Lima Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Natália Carine Lima dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael Martins de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Paschoalino
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Matheus Carvalho Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Nascimento Alves
- Department of Agricultural and Natural Science, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Ituiutaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
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Gomes Ferrari Strang AG, Ferrar RG, Falavigna-Guilherme AL. Gestational toxoplasmosis treatment changes the child's prognosis: A cohort study in southern Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011544. [PMID: 37773943 PMCID: PMC10593203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011544] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluate the drug treatment for pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis to reduce the risk of congenital infection, side effects (prenatal and postnatal treatment in children) and the hazard of discontinuing the infant's medication. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess the risks of congenital toxoplasmosis among children born to acutely infected women with and without treatment. We examined the relationship between "exposed" and "infected children", "number of infant neutrophils", "prenatal" and "postnatal treatment". Factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD) was used to analyze the data. All children started treatment at the hospital. FINDINGS Between 2017 and 2021, 233 pregnant women were evaluated at the University Hospital of Maringá; ninety-four met criteria for acute gestational toxoplasmosis. We followed up 61 children; eleven (18%) had the infection confirmed and 50 (82%) were free of toxoplasmosis (exposed). Children born to untreated mothers have 6.5-times higher risk of being infected; the transmission rate among untreated mothers was 50% versus 8.3% among treated ones. Three decreasing values of immunoglobulin G were a security parameter for stopping the child's medication in the exposed group (50/61). Neutropenia was the leading side effect among children and the infected had a 2.7 times higher risk. There was no correlation between maternal use of pyrimethamine and children's neutropenia. INTERPRETATION The follow-up of women with acute T. gondii infection and their children, through a multidisciplinary team, availability of anti-T. gondii serology and pre- and post-natal treatments reduced the risk of toxoplasmosis transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gabriela Gomes Ferrari Strang
- Department of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, University Hospital of Maringá (HUM), State University of Maringá, Paraná (UEM), Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Health Science, Health Sciences Center, State University of Maringá (UEM), Paraná, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Gomes Ferrar
- Postgraduate Program in Food Science, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Briciu V, Ionică AM, Flonta M, Almaș A, Muntean M, Topan A, Horvat M, Ungureanu L, Lupșe M. Toxoplasmosis Screening during Pregnancy in a Romanian Infectious Diseases Tertiary Center: Results of a 15 Years Follow-Up Program. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2189. [PMID: 37764033 PMCID: PMC10537741 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal infection with Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy may have serious consequences for the fetus. In Romania, screening for toxoplasmosis is included in the first antenatal visit. A retrospective study was performed on all toxoplasmosis antenatal screening patients between May 2008 and February 2023. Twenty-seven thousand one hundred sixty-nine (27,169) pregnant women presented for prenatal screening once (22,858) or several times: during the same pregnancy (209) or during multiple pregnancies (4102). Thirty-one thousand six hundred fifty-eight (31,658) tests for IgM and IgG antibodies were performed. Nine thousand eighty-three (9083) tests (28.69%), corresponding to 7911 women (29.12%), were positive for IgG antibodies. The seroprevalence increased with patients' age, decreased in time intervals, and was more frequently associated with rural residence. At risk for acquiring the infection during the pregnancy were women with negative anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies (70.88%), but only 0.9% of them presented for rescreening during the same pregnancy. Acute Toxoplasma infection (ATI) was suspected in 44 patients (0.16%) due to IgG seroconversion and/or low or borderline IgG avidity. A questionnaire follow-up interview was performed, and no congenital toxoplasmosis was identified in children born from mothers with probable ATI. Our study demonstrates poor compliance with the screening program in the Romanian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Briciu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mirela Flonta
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ariana Almaș
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Muntean
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Adriana Topan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Melinda Horvat
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Liviu Ungureanu
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Lupșe
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Hvorecny KL, Sladewski TE, De La Cruz EM, Kollman JM, Heaslip AT. Toxoplasma gondii actin filaments are tuned for rapid disassembly and turnover. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555340. [PMID: 37693530 PMCID: PMC10491163 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeletal protein actin plays a critical role in the pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii, mediating invasion and egress, cargo transport, and organelle inheritance. Advances in live cell imaging have revealed extensive filamentous actin networks in the Apicomplexan parasite, but there is conflicting data regarding the biochemical and biophysical properties of Toxoplasma actin. Here, we imaged the in vitro assembly of individual Toxoplasma actin filaments in real time, showing that native, unstabilized filaments grow tens of microns in length. Unlike skeletal muscle actin, Toxoplasma filaments intrinsically undergo rapid treadmilling due to a high critical concentration, fast monomer dissociation, and rapid nucleotide exchange. Cryo-EM structures of stabilized and unstabilized filaments show an architecture like skeletal actin, with differences in assembly contacts in the D-loop that explain the dynamic nature of the filament, likely a conserved feature of Apicomplexan actin. This work demonstrates that evolutionary changes at assembly interfaces can tune dynamic properties of actin filaments without disrupting their conserved structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L Hvorecny
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas E Sladewski
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Enrique M De La Cruz
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Justin M Kollman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aoife T Heaslip
- Department of Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Han L, Li R, Xiong W, Hu Y, Wu J, Liu X, Nie H, Qin W, Ling L, Li M. Prevalence of preconception TORCH infections and its influential factors: evidence from over 2 million women with fertility desire in southern China. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:425. [PMID: 37563634 PMCID: PMC10416474 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02560-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TORCH (Toxoplasma gondii [TOX], Cytomegalovirus [CMV], Rubella virus [RV], and Herpes simplex virus [HSV]) represents pathogens known to traverse the maternal-fetal barrier and cause severe neonatal anomalies. We aimed to assess the prevalence of preconception TOX, CMV, and RV infections among women with fertility desire in southern China, and identify related risk factors. METHODS Data were obtained from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted as part of the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project. Women planning to conceive within the next 6 months in Guangdong Province were enrolled between 2014 and 2019. Information on sociodemographic, gynecological, and obstetric characteristics was collected. Sera were analyzed for TOX IgG, CMV IgG, and RV IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between TORCH infections and related factors. RESULTS Among 2,409,137 participants, the prevalence of IgG antibodies for TOX, CMV, and RV was 3.20% (95% CI: 3.18-3.22%), 77.67% (95% CI: 77.62-77.71%) and 76.03% (95% CI: 75.98-76.07%), respectively. Of all participants, 141,047 women (5.85%, 95% CI:5.83-5.88%) reported a history of immunization for RV. Women living in the Pearl River Delta, a more developed region, have significantly lower vaccination rates than those living in other regions. The seropositivity of TOX IgG was highest among women aged 35 years and above, with primary or lower education levels, and rural registration. Factors such as being older, having a higher educational level, and being of other ethnicities were associated with a higher prevalence of naturally acquired CMV and RV infections. Women living in the Pearl River Delta showed a higher risk of TOX, CMV, and RV infections, with aORs of 2.21, 4.45, and 1.76, respectively. A history of pregnancy, gynecological diseases, and sexually transmitted infections were potentially associated with TORCH infections, but this association varied across pathogens. CONCLUSION The findings of this study update the baseline of preconception TORCH infections among women with fertility desire in southern China, helping to estimate the risk of congenital infection and guide the development and implementation of effective prevention measures for preconception TORCH infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Han
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenxue Xiong
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiabao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Nie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Ling
- Faculty of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Clinical research design division, Clinical research center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Mingzhen Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), 510600, Guangzhou, China.
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Radoi CL, Zlatian OM, Balasoiu M, Giubelan L, Stoian AC, Dragonu L, Neacsu A, Iliescu DG. Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence and Trends in Women Presenting for Toxoplasma Screening in South-West Romania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2057. [PMID: 37630617 PMCID: PMC10458910 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082057] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease with potentially severe implications for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and their fetuses/children. This study examined the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in two groups of childbearing age women, including 653 participants in Group 1 (2013-2016) and 3221 participants in Group 2 (2019-2022). Our results revealed a decrease in the overall positivity rate of anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies from 2.32% to 1.06%, suggesting improved public health interventions over time. However, there were variations among different age groups and between rural and urban environments, with a significant decrease in urban areas across all age groups from Group 1 to Group 2. Regarding anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, we did not observe a significant change in the seropositivity rate between the two groups. In the rural population with an age group over 35 years, we observed the highest positivity rate in Group 2. This study provided information on the risk factors and burden of toxoplasmosis in women of childbearing age with data that can be valuable to public health policies and the planning of healthcare measures for effective toxoplasmosis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Luiza Radoi
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (C.L.R.); (A.N.)
| | - Ovidiu Mircea Zlatian
- Medical Laboratory, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Microbiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Maria Balasoiu
- Medical Laboratory, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Microbiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Lucian Giubelan
- Infectious Diseases Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (L.G.); (A.C.S.); (L.D.)
- “Victor Babes” Infectious Diseases and Pneumophtisiology Clinical Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Andreea Cristina Stoian
- Infectious Diseases Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (L.G.); (A.C.S.); (L.D.)
| | - Livia Dragonu
- Infectious Diseases Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (L.G.); (A.C.S.); (L.D.)
- “Victor Babes” Infectious Diseases and Pneumophtisiology Clinical Hospital, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Alexandru Neacsu
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania; (C.L.R.); (A.N.)
| | - Dominic Gabriel Iliescu
- Obstetric and Gynecology Department, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Obstetric and Gynecology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Santos-Baltuilhe S, Mallmann GS, França ALN, Azambuja KCO, Andrade PHM, Oliveira EF, Soares-Marangoni DA. Motor repertoire in 3- to 5- month-old infants with prenatal exposure to syphilis and toxoplasmosis. Early Hum Dev 2023; 183:105822. [PMID: 37454445 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105822] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM To characterize the motor repertoire of 3- to 5-month-old infants who were prenatally exposed to the infectious agents of syphilis and toxoplasmosis. METHODS Exploratory observational study that evaluated 15 exposed infants (34.4 ± 3.5 weeks gestation) recruited from a referral center. Age assessment ranged 12-20 (median 12) weeks post-term. General Movement Assessment, including the Motor Optimality Score-Revised (MOS-R), was used to assess the global quality of fidgety movements (FMs) and to quantify and detail coexisting motor patterns. Clinical variables were also collected. Later motor outcomes were obtained from medical reports when possible. RESULTS MOS-R ranged 10-26 (median 24). There was a higher proportion of infants with normal (80.0 %) than aberrant FMs, but the proportion of infants with reduced MOS-R (80.0 %) was higher compared to optimal MOS-R. One infant with aberrant FMs was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Only 13.3 % of the infants showed smooth and fluent movement character. All observed tongue movements were abnormal. CONCLUSION Infants had predominantly normal FMs, but with reduced MOS-R and abnormalities in the coexisting motor repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Santos-Baltuilhe
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Institute of Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Specialized Rehabilitation Center, Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional Children, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Geruza Souza Mallmann
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Institute of Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Andressa Lagoa Nascimento França
- Graduate Program in Health and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Henrique Muleta Andrade
- Specialized Rehabilitation Center, Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional Children, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Everton Falcão Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Daniele Almeida Soares-Marangoni
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Institute of Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
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40
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Rząd M, Kanecki K, Lewtak K, Goryński P, Tyszko P, Lewandowska-Andruszuk I, Nitsch-Osuch A. Congenital toxoplasmosis among hospitalized infants in Poland in the years 2007-2021: study based on the national hospital registry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11060. [PMID: 37422492 PMCID: PMC10329637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38270-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is a rare entity and it may pose a life-threatening risk for the newborns. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and other selected factors of CT in Poland. Our study is a population-based study on CT patients in 2007-2021. The study was based on 1504 hospitalization records of first-time diagnosis of CT in newborns. In the study group, we observed 763 males (50.7%) and 741 females (49.3%). The mean and median age was 31 days and 10 days, respectively. Based on the hospital registry, the mean annual CT incidence was estimated to be 2.6 per 10,000 live births (95% CI 2.0-3.2 per 10,000 live births). The incidence of CT cases fluctuated over the years 2007-2021, with the highest incidence in 2010 and the lowest one in 2014. There were no statistically significant differences between the incidence of CT in relation to sex or place of residence. The periodic fluctuations in the number of cases of congenital toxoplasmosis indicates the need to develop effective prevention programs to effectively counteract the disease and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Rząd
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 3 Oczki Str., 02-007, Warsaw, Poland
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kanecki
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 3 Oczki Str., 02-007, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Lewtak
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 3 Oczki Str., 02-007, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Paweł Goryński
- National Institute of Public Health NIH - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Tyszko
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 3 Oczki Str., 02-007, Warsaw, Poland
- Institute of Rural Health in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Izabela Lewandowska-Andruszuk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Gynaecologic Oncology, Mazovian Specialist Hospital, Radom, Poland
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities, Radom, Poland
| | - Aneta Nitsch-Osuch
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 3 Oczki Str., 02-007, Warsaw, Poland
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Lockyer EJ, Torelli F, Butterworth S, Song OR, Howell S, Weston A, East P, Treeck M. A heterotrimeric complex of Toxoplasma proteins promotes parasite survival in interferon gamma-stimulated human cells. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002202. [PMID: 37459303 PMCID: PMC10373997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii secretes protein effectors to subvert the human immune system sufficiently to establish a chronic infection. Relative to murine infections, little is known about which parasite effectors disarm human immune responses. Here, we used targeted CRISPR screening to identify secreted protein effectors required for parasite survival in IFNγ-activated human cells. Independent screens were carried out using 2 Toxoplasma strains that differ in virulence in mice, leading to the identification of effectors required for survival in IFNγ-activated human cells. We identify the secreted protein GRA57 and 2 other proteins, GRA70 and GRA71, that together form a complex which enhances the ability of parasites to persist in IFNγ-activated human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs). Components of the protein machinery required for export of Toxoplasma proteins into the host cell were also found to be important for parasite resistance to IFNγ in human cells, but these export components function independently of the identified protein complex. Host-mediated ubiquitination of the parasite vacuole has previously been associated with increased parasite clearance from human cells, but we find that vacuoles from GRA57, GRA70, and GRA71 knockout strains are surprisingly less ubiquitinated by the host cell. We hypothesise that this is likely a secondary consequence of deletion of the complex, unlinked to the IFNγ resistance mediated by these effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise J Lockyer
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Torelli
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Butterworth
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ok-Ryul Song
- High-Throughput Screening Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Howell
- Proteomics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Weston
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philip East
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Moritz Treeck
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Cell Biology of Host-Pathogen Interaction Laboratory, Instituto Gulbenkian Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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Devarakonda PM, Sarmiento V, Heaslip AT. F-actin and Myosin F control apicoplast elongation dynamics which drive apicoplast-centrosome association in Toxoplasma gondii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.01.521342. [PMID: 36711828 PMCID: PMC9881852 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.01.521342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii contains an essential plastid organelle called the apicoplast that is necessary for fatty acid, isoprenoid, and heme synthesis. Perturbations affecting apicoplast function or inheritance lead to parasite death. The apicoplast is a single copy organelle and therefore must be divided so that each daughter parasite inherits an apicoplast during cell division. In this study we identify new roles for F-actin and an unconventional myosin motor, TgMyoF, in this process. First, loss of TgMyoF and actin lead to an accumulation of apicoplast vesicles in the cytosol indicating a role for this actomyosin system in apicoplast protein trafficking or morphological integrity of the organelle. Second, live cell imaging reveals that during division the apicoplast is highly dynamic, exhibiting branched, U-shaped and linear morphologies that are dependent on TgMyoF and actin. In parasites where movement was inhibited by the depletion of TgMyoF, the apicoplast fails to associate with the parasite centrosomes. Thus, this study provides crucial new insight into mechanisms controlling apicoplast-centrosome association, a vital step in the apicoplast division cycle, which ensures that each daughter inherits a single apicoplast.
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Leke AZ, Malherbe H, Kalk E, Mehta U, Kisa P, Botto LD, Ayede I, Fairlie L, Maboh NM, Orioli I, Zash R, Kusolo R, Mumpe-Mwanja D, Serujogi R, Bongomin B, Osoro C, Dah C, Sentumbwe–Mugisha O, Shabani HK, Musoke P, Dolk H, Barlow-Mosha L. The burden, prevention and care of infants and children with congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001850. [PMID: 37379291 PMCID: PMC10306220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this scoping review was to determine the scope, objectives and methodology of contemporary published research on congenital anomalies (CAs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), to inform activities of the newly established sub-Saharan African Congenital Anomaly Network (sSCAN). MEDLINE was searched for CA-related articles published between January 2016 and June 2021. Articles were classified into four main areas (public health burden, surveillance, prevention, care) and their objectives and methodologies summarized. Of the 532 articles identified, 255 were included. The articles originated from 22 of the 49 SSA countries, with four countries contributing 60% of the articles: Nigeria (22.0%), Ethiopia (14.1%), Uganda (11.7%) and South Africa (11.7%). Only 5.5% of studies involved multiple countries within the region. Most articles included CA as their primary focus (85%), investigated a single CA (88%), focused on CA burden (56.9%) and care (54.1%), with less coverage of surveillance (3.5%) and prevention (13.3%). The most common study designs were case studies/case series (26.6%), followed by cross-sectional surveys (17.6%), retrospective record reviews (17.3%), and cohort studies (17.2%). Studies were mainly derived from single hospitals (60.4%), with only 9% being population-based studies. Most data were obtained from retrospective review of clinical records (56.1%) or via caregiver interviews (34.9%). Few papers included stillbirths (7.5%), prenatally diagnosed CAs (3.5%) or terminations of pregnancy for CA (2.4%).This first-of-a-kind-scoping review on CA in SSA demonstrated an increasing level of awareness and recognition among researchers in SSA of the contribution of CAs to under-5 mortality and morbidity in the region. The review also highlighted the need to address diagnosis, prevention, surveillance and care to meet Sustainable Development Goals 3.2 and 3.8. The SSA sub-region faces unique challenges, including fragmentation of efforts that we hope to surmount through sSCAN via a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminkeng Zawuo Leke
- Institute for Nursing and Health Research, Centre for Maternal, Fetal and Infant Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
- Centre for Infant and Maternal Health Research, Health Research Foundation, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Helen Malherbe
- Research & Epidemiology, Rare Diseases South Africa NPC, Bryanston, Sandton, South Africa
| | - Emma Kalk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ushma Mehta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Phylis Kisa
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lorenzo D. Botto
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- International Center on Birth Defects, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Idowu Ayede
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Lee Fairlie
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nkwati Michel Maboh
- Centre for Infant and Maternal Health Research, Health Research Foundation, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ieda Orioli
- Genetics Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- ReLAMC: Latin American Network for Congenital Malformation Surveillance, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rebecca Zash
- The Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ronald Kusolo
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Mumpe-Mwanja
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Serujogi
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bodo Bongomin
- Gulu University Faculty of Medicine: Gulu, Gulu, UG/ World Health Organization, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Caroline Osoro
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Clarisse Dah
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Philippa Musoke
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Helen Dolk
- Institute for Nursing and Health Research, Centre for Maternal, Fetal and Infant Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Barlow-Mosha
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
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Zhu S, VanWormer E, Martínez-López B, Bahia-Oliveira LMG, DaMatta RA, Rodrigues PS, Shapiro K. Quantitative Risk Assessment of Oocyst Versus Bradyzoite Foodborne Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in Brazil. Pathogens 2023; 12:870. [PMID: 37513717 PMCID: PMC10384504 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite. Infection with T. gondii can cause congenital toxoplasmosis in developing fetuses and acute outbreaks in the general population, and the disease burden is especially high in South America. Prior studies found that the environmental stage of T. gondii, oocysts, is an important source of infection in Brazil; however, no studies have quantified this risk relative to other parasite stages. We developed a Bayesian quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to estimate the relative attribution of the two primary parasite stages (bradyzoite and oocyst) that can be transmitted in foods to people in Brazil. Oocyst contamination in fruits and greens contributed significantly more to overall estimated T. gondii infections than bradyzoite-contaminated foods (beef, pork, poultry). In sensitivity analysis, treatment, i.e., cooking temperature for meat and washing efficiency for produce, most strongly affected the estimated toxoplasmosis incidence rate. Due to the lack of regional food contamination prevalence data and the high level of uncertainty in many model parameters, this analysis provides an initial estimate of the relative importance of food products. Important knowledge gaps for oocyst-borne infections were identified and can drive future studies to improve risk assessments and effective policy actions to reduce human toxoplasmosis in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA
| | - Beatriz Martínez-López
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | - Renato Augusto DaMatta
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Pedro Souto Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Zhou Y, Leahy K, Grose A, Lykins J, Siddiqui M, Leong N, Goodall P, Withers S, Ashi K, Schrantz S, Tesic V, Abeleda AP, Beavis K, Clouser F, Ismail M, Christmas M, Piarroux R, Limonne D, Chapey E, Abraham S, Baird I, Thibodeau J, Boyer K, Torres E, Conrey S, Wang K, Staat MA, Back N, Gomez Marin J, Peyron F, Houze S, Wallon M, McLeod R. Novel paradigm enables accurate monthly gestational screening to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis and more. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.04.26.23289132. [PMID: 37162985 PMCID: PMC10168490 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.26.23289132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Congenital toxoplasmosis is a treatable, preventable disease, but untreated causes death, prematurity, loss of sight, cognition and motor function, and substantial costs worldwide. Methods/Findings In our ongoing USA feasibility/efficacy clinical trial, data collated with other ongoing and earlier published results proved high performance of an Immunochromatographic-test(ICT) that enables accurate, rapid diagnosis/treatment, establishing new paradigms for care. Overall results from patient blood and/or serum samples tested with ICT compared with gold-standard-predicate-test results found ICT performance for 4606 sera/1876 blood, 99.3%/97.5% sensitive and 98.9%/99.7% specific. However, in the clinical trial the FDA-cleared-predicate test initially caused practical, costly problems due to false-positive-IgM results. For 58 persons, 3/43 seronegative and 2/15 chronically infected persons had false positive IgM predicate tests. This caused substantial anxiety, concerns, and required costly, delayed confirmation in reference centers. Absence of false positive ICT results contributes to solutions: Lyon and Paris France and USA Reference laboratories frequently receive sera with erroneously positive local laboratory IgM results impeding patient care. Therefore, thirty-two such sera referred to Lyon's Reference laboratory were ICT-tested. We collated these with other earlier/ongoing results: 132 of 137 USA or French persons had false positive local laboratory IgM results identified correctly as negative by ICT. Five false positive ICT results in Tunisia and Marseille, France, emphasize need to confirm positive ICT results with Sabin-Feldman-Dye-test or western blot. Separate studies demonstrated high performance in detecting acute infections, meeting FDA, CLIA, WHO ASSURED, CEMark criteria and patient and physician satisfaction with monthly-gestational-ICT-screening. Conclusions/Significance This novel paradigm using ICT identifies likely false positives or raises suspicion that a result is truly positive, rapidly needing prompt follow up and treatment. Thus, ICT enables well-accepted gestational screening programs that facilitate rapid treatment saving lives, sight, cognition and motor function. This reduces anxiety, delays, work, and cost at point-of-care and clinical laboratories. Author’s Summary Toxoplasmosis is a major health burden for developed and developing countries, causing damage to eyes and brain, loss of life and substantial societal costs. Prompt diagnosis in gestational screening programs enables treatment, thereby relieving suffering, and leading to > 14-fold cost savings for care. Herein, we demonstrate that using an ICT that meets WHO ASSURED-criteria identifying persons with/without antibody to Toxoplasma gondii in sera and whole blood with high sensitivity and specificity, is feasible to use in USA clinical practice. We find this new approach can help to obviate the problem of detection of false positive anti- T.gondii IgM results for those without IgG antibodies to T.gondii when this occurs in present, standard of care, predicate USA FDA cleared available assays. Thus, this accurate test facilitates gestational screening programs and a global initiative to diagnose and thereby prevent and treat T.gondii infection. This minimizes likelihood of false positives (IgG and/or IgM) while maintaining maximum sensitivity. When isolated IgM antibodies are detected, it is necessary to confirm and when indicated continue follow up testing in ∼2 weeks to establish seroconversion. Presence of a positive ICT makes it likely that IgM is truly positive and a negative ICT makes it likely that IgM will be a false positive without infection. These results create a new, enthusiastically-accepted, precise paradigm for rapid diagnosis and validation of results with a second-line test. This helps eliminate alarm and anxiety about false-positive results, while expediting needed treatment for true positive results and providing back up distinguishing false positive tests.
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Joeres M, Cardron G, Passebosc-Faure K, Plault N, Fernández-Escobar M, Hamilton CM, O'Brien-Anderson L, Calero-Bernal R, Galal L, Luttermann C, Maksimov P, Conraths FJ, Dardé ML, Ortega-Mora LM, Jokelainen P, Mercier A, Schares G. A ring trial to harmonize Toxoplasma gondii microsatellite typing: comparative analysis of results and recommendations for optimization. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023:10.1007/s10096-023-04597-7. [PMID: 37093325 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04597-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
A ring trial among five European laboratories was organized to reach consistency in microsatellite (MS) typing of the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Three sample sets were circulated and analyzed by each laboratory following a previously published method that is based on fragment length polymorphism of 15 MS markers. The first sample set compared typing results in general and focused on effects of DNA concentration; the second sample set focused on the polymorphic fingerprinting markers that can differentiate T. gondii strains within the same archetypal lineage; and the third set focused on non-archetypal genotypes. Methodological variations between laboratories, including the software programs used to determine MS fragment length, were collated using a questionnaire. Overall, lineage-level typing results reached a high level of agreement, especially in samples with the highest DNA concentrations. However, laboratory-specific differences were observed for particular markers. Major median differences in fragment length, of up to 6 base pairs, were related to the fluorophore used to label fragment-specific primers. In addition, primer pairs with identical sequences obtained from different suppliers resulted in fragments of differing length. Furthermore, differences in the way the sequencing profiles were assessed and interpreted may have led to deviating results in fragment length determination. Harmonization of MS typing, for example, by using the same fluorophores or by numerical adjustments applied to the fragment-lengths determined, could improve the uniformity of the results across laboratories. This is the first interlaboratory comparison, providing guidelines (added as a supplement) for the optimization of this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Joeres
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - G Cardron
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - K Passebosc-Faure
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - N Plault
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - M Fernández-Escobar
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - C M Hamilton
- The Moredun Research Institute, Penicuik, Midlothian, UK
| | - L O'Brien-Anderson
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Galal
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - C Luttermann
- Institute of Immunology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, -Insel Riems, Greifswald, Germany
| | - P Maksimov
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - F J Conraths
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M L Dardé
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - L M Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Jokelainen
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Mercier
- Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose Centre Hospitalier-Universitaire Dupuytren, Limoges, France
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France
| | - G Schares
- Institute of Epidemiology, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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Melo MS, Cabrera LAA, Lima SVMA, Dos Santos AD, Oliveira LMGB, de Oliveira RC, de Sousa Menezes J, de Figueiredo JA, de Moura Lane VF, de Lima Júnior FEF, da Rocha Moreira RV. Temporal trend, spatial analysis and spatiotemporal clusters of infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil: Time series from 2000 to 2020. Trop Med Int Health 2023. [PMID: 37060253 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyse the spatial, temporal and spatial-temporal patterns of infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil between the years 2000 and 2020. METHODS Ecological study of time series, with spatial analysis and spatiotemporal scan of infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis from the records of deaths of the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The rates were smoothed by the Local Empirical Bayesian model. The Global Moran Index, Global Geary's Contiguity and Getis-Ord General statistics were calculated for spatial autocorrelation assessment. The trends were evaluated by the Joinpoint method. RESULTS We identified 1183 infant deaths associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil between 2000 and 2020. The predominant characteristics were male sex (52.1%), post-neonatal age group (51.9%), white race/colour (45.7%), and Southeast region of residence (40.0%). The infant mortality rate associated with congenital toxoplasmosis showed an increasing trend in the country in the years analysed. The spatial analysis showed heterogeneous distribution of mortality in the Brazilian territory and found no evidence of spatial autocorrelation; but spatial-temporal analysis identified three risk clusters involving 703 municipalities. CONCLUSION Infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis is a persistent public health problem in Brazil. The risk factors male sex, indigenous race/colour, early neonatal age, North and Northeast regions and risk clusters mapped in this study should be observed for future analysis and planning of health care policies in the control of infant deaths associated with congenital toxoplasmosis. Health surveillance strategies and public health policies need to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Santos Melo
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, Department of Public Health Emergencies, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Renata Carla de Oliveira
- General Coordination of Zoonoses and Vector-Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, Department of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Janaína de Sousa Menezes
- General Coordination of Zoonoses and Vector-Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, Department of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Josivânia Arrais de Figueiredo
- General Coordination of Zoonoses and Vector-Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, Department of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Viviane Fragoso de Moura Lane
- General Coordination of Zoonoses and Vector-Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, Department of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Rosalynd Vinicios da Rocha Moreira
- General Coordination of Zoonoses and Vector-Transmitted Diseases Surveillance, Department of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
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Dao VTV, Anagnostou A, Schlösser R, Rochwalsky U, Groß U, Hoehl S, Kempf VAJ, Besier S. First description of congenital toxoplasmosis after maternal coinfection with Toxoplasma gondii and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:121. [PMID: 37013596 PMCID: PMC10069942 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-03855-8] [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: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital toxoplasmosis can be associated with serious clinical consequences from fetus to adulthood. Hence, early detection is required to minimize severe sequelae through appropriate therapy. We describe the first case of a congenital toxoplasmosis after maternal coinfection with Toxoplasma gondii and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the challenging serological diagnosis of the disease in this context. CASE PRESENTATION A Caucasian boy was born at 27 weeks 2 days of gestation by cesarean section due to maternal COVID-19-related respiratory failure. Postpartum serological screening of the mother revealed a previously unrecognized active Toxoplasma gondii infection. The premature child initially tested negative for anti- Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin A and M antibodies 1, 2 and 4 weeks after birth, whereas immunoglobulin G antibodies were only weakly positive with no evidence of child-specific production. Neither neurological nor ophthalmological abnormalities were detected. Approximately 3 months after birth, serological testing indicated a congenital toxoplasmosis by presence of immunoglobulin A and M, in combination with a child-specific immunoglobulin G synthesis. Additionally, cerebrospinal fluid was tested positive for Toxoplasma gondii DNA. Although no clinical manifestations of congenital toxoplasmosis were detected, an antiparasitic therapy was initiated to minimize the risk of late sequelae. There were no hints for a transplacental transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. CONCLUSION This case raises the awareness of possible coinfections with the risk of transplacental transmission in cases of maternal coronavirus disease 2019. The report emphasizes the need for screening vulnerable patients for toxoplasmosis in general and especially in the context of pregnancy. It becomes evident that prematurity can complicate the serological diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis due to a delayed antibody response. Repeated testing is recommended to carefully monitor children at risk and especially those with a history of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Thao-Vi Dao
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anastasia Anagnostou
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rolf Schlösser
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulrich Rochwalsky
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Uwe Groß
- German Consulting Laboratory for Toxoplasma, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hoehl
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Silke Besier
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital, Goethe University, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 40, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Kuruca L, Belluco S, Vieira-Pinto M, Antic D, Blagojevic B. Current control options and a way towards risk-based control of Toxoplasma gondii in the meat chain. Food Control 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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50
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Anisuzzaman, Hossain MS, Hatta T, Labony SS, Kwofie KD, Kawada H, Tsuji N, Alim MA. Food- and vector-borne parasitic zoonoses: Global burden and impacts. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2023; 120:87-136. [PMID: 36948728 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Around 25% of the global population suffer from one or more parasitic infections, of which food- and vector-borne parasitic zoonotic diseases are a major concern. Additionally, zoonoses and communicable diseases, common to man and animals, are drawing increased attention worldwide. Significant changes in climatic conditions, cropping pattern, demography, food habits, increasing international travel, marketing and trade, deforestation, and urbanization play vital roles in the emergence and re-emergence of parasitic zoonoses. Although it is likely to be underestimated, the collective burden of food- and vector-borne parasitic diseases accounts for ∼60 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Out of 20 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13 diseases are of parasitic origin. There are about 200 zoonotic diseases of which the WHO listed eight as neglected zoonotic diseases (NZDs) in the year 2013. Out of these eight NZDs, four diseases, namely cysticercosis, hydatidosis, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis, are caused by parasites. In this review, we discuss the global burden and impacts of food- and vector-borne zoonotic parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisuzzaman
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Shahadat Hossain
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Takeshi Hatta
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sharmin Shahid Labony
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Kofi Dadzie Kwofie
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan; Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Hayato Kawada
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Naotoshi Tsuji
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Minami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan.
| | - Md Abdul Alim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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