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Milne GC, Webster JP, Walker M. Is the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis declining? Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:26-37. [PMID: 36400672 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can cause congenital toxoplasmosis (CT), an often fatal or lifelong-disabling condition. Several studies of human populations have reported temporal decreases in seroprevalence, suggesting declining CT incidence. However, the consistency of this trend among diverse populations remains unclear, as does its implication for prenatal screening programmes, the major intervention against CT. Using temporally resolved data on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in various countries, we discuss how the parasite's changing epidemiology may affect trends in CT incidence in varying and counterintuitive ways. We argue that parasite stage-specific serology could be helpful for understanding underlying causes of secular changes in seroprevalence. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of updating cost-effectiveness estimates of screening programmes, accounting for neuropsychiatric sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Colin Milne
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Joanne P Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
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2
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Carvalho MDC, Ribeiro-Andrade M, Melo RPBD, Guedes DM, Pinheiro Junior JW, Cavalcanti EFTSF, Magalhães FJR, Mota RA. Cross-sectional survey for Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans in Fernando de Noronha island, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e005121. [PMID: 34259739 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, is zoonotic disease and is one of the most important foodborne parasitic diseases globally. The prevalence in humans is highly variable, being influenced by cultural habits, socioeconomic, and environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in humans on the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco State, Brazil, and to identify the risk factors associated with this infection. The seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G anti-T. gondii antibodies was 50.4% (172/341, 95% CI: 45.2%-55.7%). Factors associated with the infection were consumption of well water or rainwater (odds ratio [OR]: 2.43, p=0.020) and consumption of game meat (OR: 1.80, p=0.026). This is the first study to provide epidemiological information of T. gondii infection among the residents of the Island of Fernando de Noronha, revealing a considerable antibody seroprevalence in this population. This study provides information for the adoption of prevention and control measures in island environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Müller Ribeiro-Andrade
- Setor de Parasitologia e Patologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Alagoas - UFAL, Campus A. C. Simões, Maceió, AL, Brasil
| | | | - Dandara Matias Guedes
- Superintendência em Saúde, Administração do Distrito Estadual de Fernando de Noronha, Fernando de Noronha, PE, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE, Recife, PE, Brasil
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3
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Jung J, Lee J, Chang YK, Ahn SK, Park SH, Hong SJ, Lee J, Chong CK, Ahn HJ, Nam HW, Kim TS, Kim D. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii assayed using Rapid Diagnostic Tests among Residents in Three Counties Adjacent to The Demilitarized Zone, Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2021; 59:9-14. [PMID: 33684982 PMCID: PMC7939962 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2021.59.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence have been rapidly increasing in some parts of Korea. We analyzed prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), in the sera of 552 residents in Ganghwa-gun, 661 ones in Cheorwon-gun, and 305 ones in Goseong-gun, Korea in 2019. IgG/IgM RDT mounted with recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1), glutathione-S-transferase-linker-SAG1A, were applied to the sera. IgG seroprevalence was 28.1% in Ganghwa-gun, 19.5% in Cheorwon-gun and 35.7% in Goseong-gun. Odds ratios comparing Cheorwon vs Ganghwa was 0.63 (P=0.001) and Goesong versus Ganghwa was 1.47 (P=0.01) adjusting age and sex. Goseong had highest seroprevalence among the 3 counties both in crude rates and logistic regression. Although Cheorwon and Goseong are adjacent to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Korea, seroprevalence rate was much higher in Goseong. Further investigation on other DMZ-closed areas is necessary whether they have high prevalence rates compared to the other areas. T. gondii prevalence in Korea is still persists; proper health policy should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeehi Jung
- Department of Biomedicine Health Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Yoon Kyung Chang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Seong Kyu Ahn
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Seo Hye Park
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Sung-Jong Hong
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | | | | | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea
| | - Dongjae Kim
- Department of Biomedicine Health Science, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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4
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Huh S. Status of common parasitic diseases in Korea in 2019. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2019. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2019.62.8.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Huh
- Department of Parasitology and Institute of Medical Education, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
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Yoo WG, Kim SM, Won EJ, Lee JY, Dai F, Woo HC, Nam HW, Kim TI, Han JH, Kwak D, Cho YS, Kang SW, Kim TS, Zhu XQ, Wang C, Youn H, Hong SJ. Tissue Fluid Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay for Piglets Experimentally Infected with Toxoplasma gondii and Survey on Local and Imported Pork in Korean Retail Meat Markets. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 56:437-446. [PMID: 30419729 PMCID: PMC6243190 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2018.56.5.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pork on the market in Korea, an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for tissue fluid (CAU-tf-ELISA) was developed using a soluble extract of T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites. As the standard positive controls, the piglets were experimentally infected with T. gondii: Group A (1,000 cysts-containing bradyzoites), Group B (500 cysts-containing bradyzoites) and Group C (1.0×103 or 1.0×104 tachyzoites). The CAU-tf-ELISA demonstrated infection intensity-dependent positivity toward tissue fluids with average cut-off value 0.15: 100% for Group A, 93.8% for Group B and 40.6% for Group C. When tissue-specific cut-off values 0.066-0.199 were applied, CAU-tf-ELISA showed 96.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive and 90.0% negative predictive values. When compared with the same tissue fluids, performance of CAU-tf-ELISA was better than that of a commercial ELISA kit. Of the 583 Korea domestic pork samples tested, anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected from 9.1% of whole samples and 37.9% from skirt meat highest among pork parts. In the 386 imported frozen pork samples, 1.8% (skirt meat and shoulder blade) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies. In Korea, prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the pork on retail markets appeared high, suggesting that regulations on pig farming and facilities are necessary to supply safe pork on the tables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Gi Yoo
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Sun-Min Kim
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Won
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Korea
| | - Ji-Yun Lee
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea.,KoreaBioGroup Co., Incheon 22013, Korea
| | - Fuhong Dai
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea.,Department of Parasitology, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, P. R. China
| | - Ho Choon Woo
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Catholic University, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Tae Im Kim
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea.,Division of Planning and Management, Nakdong-gang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju 37242, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hee Han
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Kyungpook National University College of Veterinary Sciences, Daegu 41566, Korea
| | - Yun Sang Cho
- Parasitic and Insect Disease Laboratory, Bacterial and Parasitic Disease Division, Department of Animal and Plant Health Research, Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Gimcheon 39660, Korea
| | - Seung-Won Kang
- VexPert Co., Suwon 16614, Korea; 11KoreaBioGroup Co., Incheon 22013, Korea
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22333, Korea
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu 730046, P. R. China
| | - Chunren Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, P. R. China
| | - Heejeong Youn
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sung-Jong Hong
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
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Chung MH, Shin CO, Lee J. TORCH (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus) screening of small for gestational age and intrauterine growth restricted neonates: efficacy study in a single institute in Korea. KOREAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS 2018; 61:114-120. [PMID: 29713357 PMCID: PMC5924842 DOI: 10.3345/kjp.2018.61.4.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Routine screening for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (TORCH) in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) neonates has become a common practice. However, the incidence of TORCH varies across countries, and the cost of TORCH testing may be disadvantageous compared to disease-specific screening. To evaluate the efficacy of TORCH screening, the medical charts of IUGR or SGA neonates born in a single institution in Bucheon, Korea from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Methods The clinical data of the 126 IUGR or SGA neonates were gathered, including gestational age, Apgar scores, neonatal sonographic findings, chromosome study, morbidities, developmental follow-up, and growth catch-up. Maternal factors including underlying maternal disease and fetal sonography were collected, and placental findings were recorded when available. TORCH screening was done using serum IgM, CMV urine culture, quantification of CMV DNA with real-time polymerase chain reaction, and rapid plasma reagin qualitative test for syphilis. Tests were repeated only for those with positive results. Results Of the 119 TORCH screenings, only one was positive for toxoplasmosis IgM. This result was deemed false positive due to negative IgM on repeated testing and the absence of clinical symptoms. Conclusion Considering the incidence and risk of TORCH in Korea, the financial burden of TORCH screening, and the single positive TORCH finding in our study, we suggest disease-specific screening based on maternal history and the clinical symptoms of the neonate. Regarding CMV, which may present asymptomatically, universal screening may be appropriate upon cost-benefit analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Hae Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Ok Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Juyoung Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Kim YH, Lee J, Kim YE, Ahn S, Kim TS, Hong SJ, Chong CK, Ahn HJ, Nam HW. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Detected by RDT in Residents near the DMZ (demilitarized zone) of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:385-389. [PMID: 28877569 PMCID: PMC5594721 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.4.385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among the residents of Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea, which partly includes the demilitarized zone (DMZ), were surveyed for 4 years and evaluated by RDT using recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1A). Sera from 1336, 583, 526, and 583 adult residents were collected on a yearly basis from 2010 to 2013, respectively. The total positive seroprevalence was 19.3, 21.9, 23.4, and 26.8% from 2010 to 2013, respectively. The positive seroprevalence in men (23.6, 27.5, 29.5, 34.6%) was far higher than women (14.1, 18.3, 19.4, 21.4%), from 2010 to 2013, respectively. This high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Cheorwon-gun may have been influenced in part by its geographical locality of the area as it includes the DMZ, where civilian access is strictly limited, thus creating a relatively isolated area that is a well-preserved habitat. Further research is necessary to study the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Hoon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | | | | | - Seongkyu Ahn
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22333, Korea
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22333, Korea
| | - Sung-Jong Hong
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | | | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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8
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Kim YH, Lee JH, Ahn SK, Kim TS, Hong SJ, Chong CK, Ahn HJ, Nam HW. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis with ELISA and Rapid Diagnostic Test among Residents in Gyodong-do, Inchon city, Korea: A Four-Year Follow-up. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:247-254. [PMID: 28719949 PMCID: PMC5523892 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.3.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ELISA has been used for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, but it is being gradually replaced by a rapid diagnostic test (RDT). We compared and analyzed ELISA and RDT results using the sera collected during 4 consecutive years from residents of Gyodong-do (Island), Incheon-city, Korea. Sera from 921, 993, 940, and 838 adult residents were collected on a yearly basis (2010-2013). ELISA was performed by using a crude extract of T. gondii RH strain antigen and IgG/IgM RDT mounted with recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1), GST-linker-SAG1A, were applied to the sera. Comparison between groups was analyzed by the Student's t-test. The positive seroprevalence surged from 14.7% (135/921, 2010), 23.1% (231/993, 2011), 23.6% (222/940, 2012), and 32.1% (269/838, 2013) by ELISA. In contrast, RDT showed a more moderate increasing trend from 21.7% (200/921, 2010), 25.5% (253/993, 2011), 28.9% (272/940, 2012) and 33.1% (277/838, 2013). Discrepancies between ELISA and RDT were noted near the cut-off value. At the OD 0.15-0.24 range, RDT could detect 16.1% (169/1051) more positives, which suggests an early or acute toxoplasmosis, but at the OD 0.25-0.34 range, ELISA could detect 35.9% (92/256) more positives of possible chronic infections. Over the OD > 0.35 ELISA and RDT agreed in the majority of the cases. This surge in seroprevalence may be caused by the organic agriculture in addition to eating behavior or increase in pets among Koreans. These facts may be applied on a full-scale national survey using RDT to supplement ELISA to define the characteristics of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Hoon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | | | - Seong Kyu Ahn
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22333, Korea
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22333, Korea
| | - Sung-Jong Hong
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | | | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Kim YH, Lee J, Ahn S, Kim TS, Hong SJ, Chong CK, Ahn HJ, Nam HW. High Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis Detected by RDT among the Residents of Seokmo-do (Island) in Ganghwa-Gun, Incheon City, Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:9-13. [PMID: 28285501 PMCID: PMC5365263 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among the residents of Seokmo-do (Island) in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, Korea was surveyed for 4 years by a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) using recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1), GST-linker-SAG1A. Sera from 312, 343, 390, and 362 adult residents were collected on a yearly basis from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Total positive seroprevalence regardless of gender was 29.2, 35.3, 38.7, and 45.3% from 2010 to 2013, respectively. Positive seroprevalence in male adults was 43.9, 48.2, 45.4, and 55.3%, which was far higher than that of the corresponding female adults which was 20.7, 29.2, 33.9, and 38.9%, from 2010 to 2013, respectively. This high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Seokmo-do may have been caused in part by peculiar changes in the toxoplasmic environment of the island as it is a relatively isolated area preserving its natural habitat while also being connected by a bridge to the mainland. Further study is necessary to find out symptomatic patients and to confirm the risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Hoon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | | | - Seongkyu Ahn
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22333, Korea
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22333, Korea
| | - Sung-Jong Hong
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | | | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Yang Z, Ahn HJ, Nam HW. Chronic Toxoplasmosis Modulates the Induction of Contact Hypersensitivity by TNCB in Mouse Model. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 53:755-7. [PMID: 26797445 PMCID: PMC4725234 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.6.755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models of chronic toxoplasmosis and atopic dermatitis (AD) were combined to clarify the effect of opportunistic Toxoplasma gondii infection on the development of AD. AD was induced as a chronic contact hypersensitivity (CHS) with repeated challenge of 2,4,6-trinitro-1-chlorobenzene (TNCB) on the dorsal skin of mice. TNCB induced skin thickness increases in both normal and toxoplasmic mice. The changing patterns were different from the sigmoidal which saturated at 20 days in normal mice to the convex saturated at 12 days in toxoplasmic mice with the crossing at 18 days. Compared to normal mice, toxoplasmic mice presented CHS more severely in earlier times and then moderately in later times. These data suggest that host immune modification by T. gondii infection enhances CHS in early times of atopic stimulation but soothes the reaction of CHS in later times in mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoshou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Jeong WK, Joo BE, Seo JH, Mun JK, Kim J, Seo DW. Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Congenital Toxoplasmosis: A Case Report. J Epilepsy Res 2015; 5:25-8. [PMID: 26157672 PMCID: PMC4494993 DOI: 10.14581/jer.15007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a rare disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Though most patients with toxoplasmosis are asymptomatic, congenital toxoplasmosis in the fetus can cause ocular involvement such as chorioretinitis and central nervous system disease including intracerebral calcification, nystagmus, hydrocephalus and microcephaly. Also, these brain lesions can cause seizure secondarily. Our patient was diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis, based on toxoplasma-specific serologic test with typical clinical symptoms, including chorioretinitis, nystagmus, hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy. Her brain imaging findings revealed not only the multifocal encephalomalacia, but also multifocal cerebral calcification including intracerebral calcification in left perihippocampal region. Her epileptogenic zone was defined as mesial temporal lobe including hippocampus on left side by seizure semiology, electroencephalogram and neuroimaging including single photon emission computed tomography and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography. Her seizures were refractory to multiple anti-epileptic drugs. We report a patient with congenital toxoplasmosis who showed intractable mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Kyo Jeong
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Euk Joo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ; Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Seo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ; Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Kyu Mun
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Juhyeon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae-Won Seo
- Department of Neurology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea ; Neuroscience Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Cong W, Huang SY, Zhou DH, Zhang XX, Zhang NZ, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ. Prevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Lanzhou, China. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2013; 51:363-7. [PMID: 23864750 PMCID: PMC3712113 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2013.51.3.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 03/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in birds has epidemiological significance because birds are indeed considered as a good indicator of environmental contamination by T. gondii oocysts. In this study, the prevalence of T. gondii in 313 house sparrows in Lanzhou, northwestern China was assayed by the modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies to T. gondii were positive in 39 (12.46%) of 313 samples (MAT titer ≥ 1:5). Tissues of heart, brain, and lung from the 39 seropositive house sparrows were tested for T. gondii DNA, 11 of which were found to be positive for the T. gondii B1 gene by PCR amplification. These positive DNA samples were typed at 9 genetic markers, including 8 nuclear loci, i.e., SAG1, 5'- and 3'-SAG2, alternative SAG2, SAG3, GRA6, L358, PK1, c22-8 and an apicoplast locus Apico. Of them, 4 isolates were genotyped with complete data for all loci, and 2 genotypes (Type II variants; ToxoDB #3 and a new genotype) were identified. These results showed that there is a potential risk for human infection with T. gondii in this region. To our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in house sparrows in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
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Lim H, Lee SE, Jung BK, Kim MK, Lee MY, Nam HW, Shin JG, Yun CH, Cho HI, Shin EH, Chai JY. Serologic survey of toxoplasmosis in Seoul and Jeju-do, and a brief review of its seroprevalence in Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2012; 50:287-93. [PMID: 23230325 PMCID: PMC3514419 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2012.50.4.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the prevalence of human Toxoplasma gondii infection is required in the Republic of Korea. In this study, we surveyed the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and analyzed the risk factors associated with seropositivity among residents in 2 administrative districts; Seoul and the island of Jeju-do, which have contrasting epidemiologic characteristics. Sera and blood collected from 2,150 residents (1,114 in Seoul and 1,036 in Jeju-do) were checked for IgG antibody titers using ELISA and for the T. gondii B1 gene using PCR. In addition, participants completed a questionnaire that solicited information on gender, age, occupation, eating habits, history of contact with animals, and travel abroad. The T. gondii B1 gene was not detected in all residents examined. However, ELISA showed 8.0% (89 of 1,114 sera) positive for IgG antibodies against T. gondii in Seoul and 11.3% (117 of 1,036 sera) in Jeju-do. In both districts, the positive rates were higher in males than in females, and those 40-79 years of age showed higher rates than other ages. In Seoul, residents older than 70 years of age showed the highest positive rate, 14.9%, whereas in Jeju-do the highest prevalence, 15.6%, was in those in their sixties. The higher seropositive rate in Jeju-do than in Seoul may be related to eating habits and occupations. The present results and a review of related literature are indicative of an increased seroprevalence of T. gondii in Korea in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyemi Lim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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