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Giese L, Seeber F, Aebischer A, Kuhnert R, Schlaud M, Stark K, Wilking H. Toxoplasma gondii Infections and Associated Factors in Female Children and Adolescents, Germany. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:995-999. [PMID: 38666641 PMCID: PMC11060440 DOI: 10.3201/eid3005.231045] [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: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In a representative sample of female children and adolescents in Germany, Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence was 6.3% (95% CI 4.7%-8.0%). With each year of life, the chance of being seropositive increased by 1.2, indicating a strong force of infection. Social status and municipality size were found to be associated with seropositivity.
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Carranza-Rodríguez C, Bolaños-Rivero M, Pérez-Arellano JL. Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Humans: A Comprehensive Approach Involving the General Population, HIV-Infected Patients and Intermediate-Duration Fever in the Canary Islands, Spain. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:809. [PMID: 38667455 PMCID: PMC11049236 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080809] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A prior investigation in 1993 identified a high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis (63%) in the Canary Islands. This study aims to assess the current prevalence of the disease in diverse population groups. The study was based on a population-scale screening involving 273 residents utilizing T. gondii IgG ELISA and a 20 year retrospective study (1998-2018). This included AIDS/HIV outpatients (1357, of which 324 were residents), AIDS/HIV hospitalized patients (741) and patients with fever of intermediate duration (158). The seroprevalence in the resident population was 37%, with significant differences between islands. Among resident outpatients with AIDS/HIV, 14.2% had specific anti-T. gondii IgG, and three had anti-T. gondii IgM; however, IgG avidity testing indicated non-active infection. In patients hospitalized for AIDS/HIV, T. gondii causing encephalitis was detected in 2%. Among patients with fever of intermediate duration, 28.5% were positive for T. gondii IgG, and four also showed IgM positivity, although the infection was non-active. The study reveals a decrease in human toxoplasmosis over the past 30 years. However, the current seroprevalence, which stands at 37%, together with the substantial risk that T. gondii represents for immunocompromised individuals, highlights the need to implement preventive and control strategies to control the threat that this infection can pose to public health in the Canary Islands population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Carranza-Rodríguez
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain and Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
| | - Margarita Bolaños-Rivero
- Microbiology Division, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno Infantil, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
| | - José-Luis Pérez-Arellano
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain and Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
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Pandori WJ, Matsuno SY, Shin JH, Kim SC, Kao TH, Mallya S, Batarseh SN, Lodoen MB. Role for Caspase-8 in the Release of IL-1β and Active Caspase-1 from Viable Human Monocytes during Toxoplasma gondii Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1161-1171. [PMID: 38372637 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Monocytes are actively recruited to sites of infection and produce the potent proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β. We previously showed that IL-1β release during Toxoplasma gondii infection of primary human monocytes requires the NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1 but is independent of gasdermin D and pyroptosis. To investigate mechanisms of IL-1β release, we generated caspase-1, -4, -5, or -8 knockout (KO) THP-1 monocytic cells. Genetic ablation of caspase-1 or -8, but not caspase-4 or -5, decreased IL-1β release during T. gondii infection without affecting cell death. In contrast, TNF-α and IL-6 secretion were unperturbed in caspase-8 KO cells during T. gondii infection. Dual pharmacological inhibition of caspase-8 and RIPK1 in primary monocytes also decreased IL-1β release without affecting cell viability or parasite infection. Caspase-8 was also required for the release of active caspase-1 from T. gondii-infected cells and for IL-1β release during infection with the related apicomplexan parasite Neospora caninum. Surprisingly, caspase-8 deficiency did not impair synthesis or cleavage of pro-IL-1β, but resulted in the retention of mature IL-1β within cells. Generation of gasdermin E KO and ATG7 KO THP-1 cells revealed that the release of IL-1β was not dependent on gasdermin E or ATG7. Collectively, our data indicate that during T. gondii Infection of human monocytes, caspase-8 functions in a novel gasdermin-independent mechanism controlling IL-1β release from viable cells. This study expands on the molecular pathways that promote IL-1β in human immune cells and provides evidence of a role for caspase-8 in the mechanism of IL-1β release during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Pandori
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Stephanie Y Matsuno
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Ji-Hun Shin
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Samuel C Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Tiffany H Kao
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Sharmila Mallya
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Sarah N Batarseh
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Melissa B Lodoen
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA
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Dragomir A, Lupu MA, Maciuceanu CG, Chicea LM, Olariu TR. Risk Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases from Western Romania. Microorganisms 2024; 12:673. [PMID: 38674617 PMCID: PMC11052096 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040673] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data are available in the existing literature regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection among cardiovascular patients. We aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors among Romanian cardiovascular patients. METHODS Serologic testing was conducted in 1205 patients with cardiovascular diseases to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies. An avidity test was performed in patients with detectable IgG and IgM antibodies. A structured questionnaire was designed to identify the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii. Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 52.1%, with the highest value observed in patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (66.66%) and the lowest in patients with myopericarditis (30.0%). The 11 patients found with detectable IgM and IgG antibodies had a high avidity test result. A patient's area of residence, gender, educational level, owning dogs, owning any pet, and toxoplasmosis awareness were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity in multiple logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel and valuable insights into the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii among Romanian cardiovascular patients. Our findings reiterate the importance of toxoplasmosis awareness and health education for better control and prevention of infection with T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dragomir
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cosmin Gheorghe Maciuceanu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Liana Maria Chicea
- Department II Medical Clinic, “Victor Papilian” Faculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania;
- Internal Medicine Department, Academic Emergency Hospital, 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Moreira HM, Sgorlon G, Queiroz JAS, Roca TP, Ribeiro J, Teixeira KS, Passos-Silva AM, Araújo A, Gasparelo NWF, Dos Santos ADO, Lugtenburg CAB, Roque RA, Villalobos Salcedo JM, Pereira DB, Vieira D. Outbreak of Oropouche virus in frontier regions in western Amazon. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0162923. [PMID: 38323826 PMCID: PMC10913433 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01629-23] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Oropouche virus (OROV) is characterized as a re-emerging arbovirus of great concern for public health, being responsible for several outbreaks of acute fever identified in Latin American countries, registering more than half a million reported cases. The incidence of reports of this virus is intrinsically favored by environmental conditions, in which such characteristics are related to the increase and distribution of the vector population to areas of human traffic. Moreover, there is a problem regarding the lack of diagnosis in Brazil that aggregates the success of the etiologic agent. Thus, by means of molecular techniques, we identified 27 positive cases of the OROV circulating in border locations in western Amazon, with 44.44% (12/27) of the cohort characterized as infected individuals with reported symptoms, mainly ranging from fever, myalgia, and back pain. Among the positive samples, it was possible to obtain a total of 48.14% (13/27) samples to analyze the S and M segments of Oropouche, which showed similarities among the Brazilian sequences. Thus, it was possible to verify the circulation of the OROV in Rondonia and border areas, in which the tracking of neglected arboviruses is necessary for the genomic surveillance of emerging and re-emerging viruses.IMPORTANCEThe western Amazon region is known for outbreaks of acute febrile illnesses, to which the lack of specific diagnostics for different pathogens hinders the management of patients in healthcare units. The Oropouche virus has already been recorded in the region in the 1990s. However, this is the first study, after this record, to perform the detection of individuals with acute febrile illness using a screening test to exclude Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, confirmed by sequencing the circulation of the virus in the state of Rondonia and border areas. We emphasize the importance of including diagnostics for viruses such as Oropouche, which suffers underreporting for years and is related to seasonal periods in Western Amazon locations, a factor that has a direct influence on public health in the region. In addition, we emphasize the importance of genomic surveillance in the elucidation of outbreaks that affect the resident population of these locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillquias Monteiro Moreira
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondonia - UNIR, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Sgorlon
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondonia - UNIR, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | - Jackson A. S. Queiroz
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondonia - UNIR, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | - Tarcio P. Roca
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | - Jessiane Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | - Karolaine S. Teixeira
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | - Ana Maísa Passos-Silva
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondonia - UNIR, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | - Adrhyan Araújo
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | - Nadson Willian Felipe Gasparelo
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondonia - UNIR, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Dhelio B. Pereira
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
| | - Deusilene Vieira
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz Rondonia - FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Experimental, Universidade Federal de Rondonia - UNIR, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical, CEPEM, Porto Velho, Rondonia, Brazil
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6
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Protozoan agents and nematode agents (5th section). Transfusion 2024; 64 Suppl 1:S271-S287. [PMID: 38394043 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
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Baker TL, Wright DK, Uboldi AD, Tonkin CJ, Vo A, Wilson T, McDonald SJ, Mychasiuk R, Semple BD, Sun M, Shultz SR. A pre-existing Toxoplasma gondii infection exacerbates the pathophysiological response and extent of brain damage after traumatic brain injury in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:14. [PMID: 38195485 PMCID: PMC10775436 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03014-w] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a key contributor to global morbidity that lacks effective treatments. Microbial infections are common in TBI patients, and their presence could modify the physiological response to TBI. It is estimated that one-third of the human population is incurably infected with the feline-borne parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which can invade the central nervous system and result in chronic low-grade neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity-all of which are also important pathophysiological processes in TBI. Considering the large number of TBI patients that have a pre-existing T. gondii infection prior to injury, and the potential mechanistic synergies between the conditions, this study investigated how a pre-existing T. gondii infection modified TBI outcomes across acute, sub-acute and chronic recovery in male and female mice. Gene expression analysis of brain tissue found that neuroinflammation and immune cell markers were amplified in the combined T. gondii + TBI setting in both males and females as early as 2-h post-injury. Glutamatergic, neurotoxic, and oxidative stress markers were altered in a sex-specific manner in T. gondii + TBI mice. Structural MRI found that male, but not female, T. gondii + TBI mice had a significantly larger lesion size compared to their uninfected counterparts at 18-weeks post-injury. Similarly, diffusion MRI revealed that T. gondii + TBI mice had exacerbated white matter tract abnormalities, particularly in male mice. These novel findings indicate that a pre-existing T. gondii infection affects the pathophysiological aftermath of TBI in a sex-dependent manner, and may be an important modifier to consider in the care and prognostication of TBI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Alessandro D Uboldi
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immune Defense, , The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immune Defense, , The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Anh Vo
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Trevor Wilson
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
- Health Sciences, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada.
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Calero-Bernal R, Gennari SM, Cano S, Salas-Fajardo MY, Ríos A, Álvarez-García G, Ortega-Mora LM. Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in European Residents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Published between 2000 and 2020. Pathogens 2023; 12:1430. [PMID: 38133313 PMCID: PMC10745778 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121430] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis has a major impact on animal and public health. Information regarding the seroprevalence of human Toxoplasma gondii infections from a European perspective has not yet been compiled to date. Thus, the present review summarized available resident data from the period 2000-2020. The overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG was 32.1%, with great variability between countries (n = 30). The subgroup analysis identified different pooled prevalence data depending on the geographic area (p < 0.0001), target population (p = 0.0147), and serological diagnosis assays used (p = 0.0059). A high heterogeneity (I2 = 100%, p < 0.001; Q = 3.5e+05, d.f. = 135, p < 0.001) and degree of publication bias (Egger's test = 6.14, p < 0.001) were observed among the 134 studies considered. The occurrence of anti-T. gondii IgM, which was reported in 64.7% of studies, reached a pooled seroprevalence of 0.6%. In addition, among the eight main risk factors identified, "contact with soil", "consumption of undercooked beef", and "intake of unwashed vegetables" were the most significantly associated with infections. The fact that one-third of the European population has been exposed to T. gondii justifies extra efforts to harmonize surveillance systems and develop additional risk-factor analyses based on detailed source attribution assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
| | - Solange María Gennari
- PhD Program in One Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo 04829-300, SP, Brazil;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, SP, Brazil
| | - Santiago Cano
- Computing Services, Research Support Center, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Martha Ynés Salas-Fajardo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
| | - Arantxa Ríos
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.Y.S.-F.); (A.R.); (G.Á.-G.); (L.M.O.-M.)
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9
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Abd El-Latif NF, Salem AI, Sadek NA, Salah SAM, Shalaby DG, Elhadad H. Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in ß. thalassemia patients. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:778-786. [PMID: 38009154 PMCID: PMC10667183 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01624-4] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide opportunistic protozoan causing life-threatening infection in immunocompromised patients, while frequently asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals. The current study aimed to detect T. gondii; serologically and molecularly in ß. thalassemia patients and evaluate the association of infection with some hematological parameters in these patients. Blood samples were collected from 100 ß. thalassemia patients. Serological diagnosis of T. gondii using ELISA for IgG and IgM antibodies was performed. Molecular diagnosis by Real-Time (RE) PCR was performed using specifically designed primers amplifying 389 bp fragments of Toxoplasma genome. 45 patients (45%) had anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies with no detectable IgM antibodies while both anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies were noticed in 10 patients (10%). IgM only antibodies were discovered in two cases (2%). The total seropositivity rate among patients was 57%. RE PCR analysis revealed Toxoplasma DNA in 20% out of 100 patients. PCR and serological examination showed slight agreement. A statistically significant relation was observed between the results of IgG and IgM ELISA and PCR for the detection of T. gondii infection among patients with ß. thalassemia. None of the studied risk factors (age, gender, contact with cats, consumption of undercooked meat) or hematological parameters (ESR, anemia degree, ferritin level, type of blood transfusion, spleen status) showed statistically significant association with Toxoplasma infection. It can be concluded that patients with thalassemia have a high risk of infection with T. gondii. RE PCR should be used as a diagnostic method in association with serology especially in immunocompromised patients to increase sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aziza Ibrahim Salem
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nadia Aly Sadek
- Department of Haematology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sally A. M. Salah
- Department of Haematology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Heba Elhadad
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Seeber F. Past and present seroprevalence and disease burden estimates of Toxoplasma gondii infections in Germany: An appreciation of the role of serodiagnostics. Int J Med Microbiol 2023; 313:151592. [PMID: 38056090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2023.151592] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the major foodborne parasitic diseases in Germany, with 49% of its population chronically infected with its causative agent, Toxoplasma gondii. Although the acute disease is usually benign in immunocompetent individuals, it is a threat for immunocompromised patients as well as for fetuses of seronegative mothers. As a result of infection, congenital and ocular toxoplasmosis can have serious lifelong consequences. Here I will highlight the epidemiologic situation, from its past in the two separate parts of Germany, to its unification 30 years ago and up to the present day. The main identified risk factor for infection in Germany is thought to be the consumption of undercooked or raw meat or sausages. However, the relative impact of this risky eating habit as well as that of other risk factors are changing and are discussed and compared to the situation in the Netherlands. Finally, the importance of robust and efficient high-throughput serological assays for obtaining reliable epidemiological data, on which public health decisions can be made, is highlighted. The potential of bead-based multiplex assays, which allow the incorporation of multiple antigens with different analytical properties and thus yield additional information, are described in this context. It illustrates the interdependence of new analytic assay developments and sound epidemiology, a foundation that decades-old data from Germany did not have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Seeber
- FG 16 - Mycotic and parasitic agents and mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestrasse 10, D-13353 Berlin, Germany.
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11
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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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12
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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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13
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Wang W, Yang Y, Guo H, Li MH, Chen XQ, Wei XY, Chen Y, Elsheikha HM, Zhang XX. Unravelling Strain-Specific Modifications of Toxoplasma gondii tRNA and sncRNA Using LC-MS/MS. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0356422. [PMID: 37036375 PMCID: PMC10269570 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03564-22] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Many RNA modifications have been detected in rRNA, tRNA and small noncoding RNA (sncRNA) as well as in low-abundance RNA species such mRNA. Although RNA modifications play roles in many cellular and biological processes in various domains of life, knowledge about the diversity and role of RNA modifications in Toxoplasma gondii is limited. In this study, RNA modifications in three T. gondii strains (RH type I, PRU type II, and VEG type III) with distinct virulence abilities were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We compared the levels of modifications of four nucleotides in tRNA and sncRNA, characterized RNA modification patterns of different T. gondii strains, and determined the diversity of RNA modifications. We detected and quantified 22 modified nucleosides in both tRNA and sncRNA. Significant differences in the diversity of the modified nucleosides were found between the three T. gondii strains. RNA modifications were correlated with the expression of many T. gondii virulence proteins. Some of the identified modifications (e.g., 2'-O-methylinosine, pseudouridine) play a role in mediating the host-parasite interaction. These results provide novel insight into the global modifications in tRNA and sncRNA, and the diversity of RNA modifications between T. gondii strains with different virulence backgrounds. IMPORTANCE Although RNA modifications play roles in many cellular and developmental processes in various domains of life, knowledge about the patterns and functions of RNA modifications in T. gondii is limited. Here, a quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach was used to study global RNA modifications in T. gondii strains of distinct virulence backgrounds. We quantified 22 modified nucleosides in both tRNA and sncRNA. Significant T. gondii strain-specific differences in RNA modifications were detected. More tRNA modifications correlated with T. gondii virulence proteins than sncRNA modifications. RNA modifications were significantly correlated with virulence proteins. Our data provide the first comprehensive profiling of the modifications tRNA and sncRNA in T. gondii, expanding the diversity of RNA modifications in this parasite and suggesting new regulators for modulating its virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agriculture University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanping Guo
- Medical Center of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming-Han Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qing Chen
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yu Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agriculture University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agriculture University, Daqing, People’s Republic of 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
| | - Xiao-Xuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Kruszon-Moran D, Brody D, Pearce B. Association of infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara on cognitive function among US adults aged 60 and over, NHANES 2011-2014. J Epidemiol Community Health 2023; 77:315-321. [PMID: 36849240 PMCID: PMC10127138 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2022-219772] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara are common parasites that infect humans globally. Our aim was to examine the relationship between T. gondii and Toxocara infection and cognition. METHODS Multivariate logistic regression was used to test the association of T. gondii and Toxocara seropositivity on indices of cognitive function (a word list learning trial with delayed recall from the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease, an animal fluency test (AFT) and a digit symbol substitution test (DSST)) among 2643 adults aged 60 years and older in the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. RESULTS Seropositivity to T. gondii or Toxocara were both associated with lower scores in all three cognitive function measures examined in univariate analyses. Except for the DSST, these associations were not significant after adjustment for age, gender, race and Hispanic origin, poverty level, education, US birth status, depression and hypertension. On stratification to account for significant interactions, Toxocara seropositivity was associated with worse scores on the AFT among those born outside the USA, worse scores on the DSST among those aged 60-69 years, female, Hispanic and with a high school diploma or less. Lower DSST scores with Toxocara infection was greater for adults living below compared with at or above the poverty level. CONCLUSIONS Seropositivity to these parasites, particularly to Toxocara, may be associated with diminished cognitive performance in certain subgroups of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Kruszon-Moran
- National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Debra Brody
- National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Bradley Pearce
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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15
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Morrissette N, Abbaali I, Ramakrishnan C, Hehl AB. The Tubulin Superfamily in Apicomplexan Parasites. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030706. [PMID: 36985278 PMCID: PMC10056924 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules and specialized microtubule-containing structures are assembled from tubulins, an ancient superfamily of essential eukaryotic proteins. Here, we use bioinformatic approaches to analyze features of tubulins in organisms from the phylum Apicomplexa. Apicomplexans are protozoan parasites that cause a variety of human and animal infectious diseases. Individual species harbor one to four genes each for α- and β-tubulin isotypes. These may specify highly similar proteins, suggesting functional redundancy, or exhibit key differences, consistent with specialized roles. Some, but not all apicomplexans harbor genes for δ- and ε-tubulins, which are found in organisms that construct appendage-containing basal bodies. Critical roles for apicomplexan δ- and ε-tubulin are likely to be limited to microgametes, consistent with a restricted requirement for flagella in a single developmental stage. Sequence divergence or the loss of δ- and ε-tubulin genes in other apicomplexans appears to be associated with diminished requirements for centrioles, basal bodies, and axonemes. Finally, because spindle microtubules and flagellar structures have been proposed as targets for anti-parasitic therapies and transmission-blocking strategies, we discuss these ideas in the context of tubulin-based structures and tubulin superfamily properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Morrissette
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-949-824-9243
| | - Izra Abbaali
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Chandra Ramakrishnan
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Adrian B. Hehl
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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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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Cárdenas Sierra DM, Domínguez Julio GC, Blanco Oliveros MX, Soto JA, Tórres Morales E. Seroprevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a toxoplasmosis gestacional en el Nororiente Colombiano. REVISTA CUIDARTE 2022. [DOI: 10.15649/cuidarte.2287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Highlights:
La toxoplasmosis gestacional podría constituir una grave problemática en ascenso en la población atendida en zona fronteriza nororiental de Colombia.
La incrementada reactividad IgM específica a T.gondii en mujeres gestantes representa una alarma para la generación de estrategias de impacto en la prevención de esta problemática, como población priorizada.
La seronegatividad frente a T.gondii, aún predominante en población gestante evaluada en región nororiental de Colombia, constituye un factor de riesgo relevante de toxoplasmosis gestacional, reflejado en alta susceptibilidad.
La considerable exposición a factores de riesgo de toxoplasmosis en el embarazo implica una clara oportunidad de mejora de la calidad del control prenatal, mediante atención integral.
Introducción:La toxoplasmosis es una zoonosis prevalente en un tercio de la población mundial, que afecta negativamente la salud materno-fetal causando daños de grado variable al feto. Objetivo: Se propuso evaluar el estado serológico IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii y factores de riesgo relacionados, en mujeres gestantes de primer trimestre en Cúcuta, Colombia, en el año 2018. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal y correlacional en 111 mujeres participando voluntariamente, a quienes se testeó para IgM e IgG específicas por inmunoensayo LIA. Resultados: Se halló 19,8% y 35,1% de seropositividad total para IgM e IgG, respectivamente, 11,7% lo fue únicamente para IgM y 53,2% corresponde a la frecuencia de seronegatividad global para T.gondii; Se identificaron factores de riesgo (IC=95%) como consumo de carne mal cocida (54,1% de los casos, OR=1,8, p=0,120), de agua del grifo (48,6%, OR=1,4, p=0,421), de leche cruda de cabra o de vaca (39,6%, OR=0,78, p=0,553), además de convivencia con gatos (23,4%), éste último asociado significativamente a seropositividad al parásito (OR=2,8, p=0,025). Discusión y Conclusiones: Nuestros hallazgos revelan un posible riesgo de primo-infección en más de la mitad de la población gestante dada su seronegatividad frente al parásito, pero también una frecuencia considerable de casos con sospecha de infección muy reciente, lo que además de asociarse a un factor de riesgo previamente reconocido, deja entrever otros aspectos de riesgo en torno a la alimentación que deben impactarse mediante estrategias de prevención durante el control prenatal, sugiriendo la necesidad de fortalecer la vigilancia en torno al evento.
Como citar este artículo: Cárdenas Sierra Denny Miley, Domínguez Julio Camila, Blanco Oliveros María Ximena, Soto Javier Andrés, Tórres Morales Elizabeth. Seroprevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a toxoplasmosis gestacional en el Nororiente Colombiano. Revista Cuidarte. 2023;14(1):e2287. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.2287
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Sawers L, Wallon M, Mandelbrot L, Villena I, Stillwaggon E, Kieffer F. Prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis in France using prenatal screening: A decision-analytic economic model. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273781. [PMID: 36331943 PMCID: PMC9635746 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is one of the world’s most common parasites. Primary infection of the mother during pregnancy can lead to transmission to the fetus with risks of brain and eye lesions, which may cause lifelong disabilities. France instituted a national program based on monthly retesting of susceptible pregnant women to reduce the number of severe cases through prompt antenatal and postnatal treatment and follow-up. Objective To evaluate the ability of the French prenatal retesting program to reduce the lifetime costs of congenital toxoplasmosis. Methods We measured and then compared the costs and benefits of screening vs. not screening using decision-tree modelling. It included direct and indirect costs to society of treatment and care, and the lifetime lost earnings of children and caregivers. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis was carried out. Findings Total lifetime costs per live born child identified as congenitally infected were estimated to be €444 for those identified through prenatal screening vs €656 for those who were not screened. Estimates were robust to changes in all costs of diagnosis, treatment, and sequelae. Interpretation Screening for the prevention of the congenital T. gondii infection in France is cost saving at €212 per birth. Compared with no screening, screening every pregnant woman in France for toxoplasmosis in 2020 would have saved the country €148 million in addition to reducing or eliminating the devastating physical and emotional suffering caused by T. gondii. Our findings reinforce the conclusions of other decision-analytic modelling of prenatal toxoplasmosis screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry Sawers
- Department of Economics, American University, Washington, D.C., United States of America
| | - Martine Wallon
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Walking Team, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Laurent Mandelbrot
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Colombes, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM, IAME, UMR 1137, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Villena
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, National Reference Centre on Toxoplasmosis, Hôpital Reims, Reims, France
- Team EA 7510, SFR CAP-SANTE, University of Reims Champagne Ardenne, Reims, France
| | - Eileen Stillwaggon
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - François Kieffer
- Department of Neonatology, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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Screening for the Detection of Toxoplasma gondii IgG, IgM and IgA in Females of Reproductive Age from Western Romania. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12111771. [PMID: 36362926 PMCID: PMC9694844 DOI: 10.3390/life12111771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoan parasite, has the capacity to infect the fetus if the pregnant woman primarily acquires the infection during pregnancy. We evaluated the prevalence of T. gondii IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies in women of reproductive age residing in Western Romania. We also assessed the value of adding a T. gondii IgA test to the serologic panel for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, including the detection of a recently acquired infection. Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii IgG antibodies was conducted in 1317 females aged 15−45 years. T. gondii IgM and IgA antibody tests were performed in those with detectable IgG antibodies and IgG avidity test was performed if IgM and/or IgA screening test results were positive. T. gondii IgG were detected in 607 (46.09%; 95%CI: 43.41−48.79) of 1317 study participants and IgG seroprevalence tended to increase with age from 35.44% (95%CI: 29.89−41.30) in age group 15−24 years to 62.85% (95%CI: 56.57−68.82) in age group 35−45 years, showing a significant age-associated increase (p < 0.001). Of the 607 persons with detectable T. gondii IgG antibodies, T. gondii IgM antibodies were demonstrated in 8.90% (95%CI: 6.88−11.43), T. gondii IgA in 1.65% (95%CI: 0.90−3.01) and both T. gondii IgM and IgA in 0.99% (95%CI: 0.45−2.14). The prevalence of IgA antibodies tended to decrease with increasing avidity, from 75% (95%CI: 19.41−99.37) in samples with low avidity to 11.76% (95%CI: 4.44−23.87) in those with high avidity (p = 0.01). Of the study participants who were positive for both T. gondii IgM and IgA antibodies, 66.67% had low or equivocal IgG avidity test results compared to 6.25% who tested positive for IgM, were negative for IgA and in whom low or equivocal IgG avidity test results were noted (p = 0.001). This study indicates that in Western Romania, T. gondii IgG seroprevalence is high in females of reproductive age and T. gondii IgA antibodies may be rarely detected during a serologic screening. However, in individuals with demonstrable T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies, testing for T. gondii IgA may improve the rate for the detection of a recently acquired toxoplasmosis.
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Freitas AR, Delai RR, Kmetiuk LB, da Silva EC, Martini R, Brandão APD, Giuffrida R, de Barros-Filho IR, Costa da Silva R, Langoni H, Figueiredo FB, Pimpão CT, Dos Santos AP, Santarém VA, Biondo AW. Seropositivity of Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Owners and Their Dogs Living on Island and Mainland Seashore Areas of Southern Brazil. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:252. [PMID: 36287993 PMCID: PMC9611663 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although toxoplasmosis has been considered among the most neglected zoonoses worldwide, no study has focused on the frequency and associated risk factors of owners and their dogs living on an island and mainland seashore areas. Accordingly, anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were screened by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in owners and dogs from three oceanic islands and two nearby mainland harbor areas, with associated risk factors for toxoplasmosis assessed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Overall, anti-T. gondii seropositivity was observed in 59/328 (18.0%) owners and 66/283 (23.3%) dogs, with no statistical difference between owners (p = 0.360) and dogs (p = 0.655) from islands and mainland areas. Consumption of local water springs (p = 0.016; OR = 2.11) was an associated risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity, and owners with the habit of spring water intake were twice more likely seropositive (p = 0.014; OR = 2.14). Presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in dogs was associated with seropositive owners (p = 0.008; OR = 2.81), household consumption of beef meat (p = 0.042; OR = 1.7) and chicken (p = 0.026; OR = 2.9). Despite being lower than the worldwide prevalence, toxoplasmosis seropositivity in owners and their dogs in southern Brazil was influenced by the positive owner, water source, and meat consumption, and not by inhabiting islands or seashore mainland areas, presence of dogs, cats, or both. In addition, drinking water quality should always be considered a critical risk factor for toxoplasmosis on islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaronson Ramathan Freitas
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba 80035-050, PR, Brazil
| | - Ruana Renostro Delai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba 80035-050, PR, Brazil
| | - Louise Bach Kmetiuk
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Curitiba 81310-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Evelyn Cristine da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafaella Martini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba 80035-050, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Rogério Giuffrida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo, São Paulo 190019-70, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Costa da Silva
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo, São Paulo 190019-70, SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio Langoni
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-681, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Borges Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Curitiba 81310-020, PR, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Turra Pimpão
- Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba 80230-130, PR, Brazil
| | - Andrea Pires Dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Vamilton Alvares Santarém
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Western São Paulo, São Paulo 190019-70, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexander Welker Biondo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná State, Curitiba 80035-050, PR, Brazil
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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McCall J, Rothfeldt L, Giesbrecht K, Hunt A, Bauck L, Scheftel J, Birn R, Buss B, Schroeder B, Haupt TE, Klos R, Straily A. Public Health Surveillance and Reporting for Human Toxoplasmosis — Six States, 2021. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2022; 71:889-893. [PMID: 35834417 PMCID: PMC9290386 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7128a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Xiao J. Behavioral Changes Induced by Latent Toxoplasmosis Could Arise from CNS Inflammation and Neuropathogenesis. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 61:303-313. [PMID: 35676595 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a neurotropic parasite, has been linked to multiple behavioral changes in rodents and humans. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying these correlations are not known. I discuss here from animal studies the distribution of tissue cysts, the constant immune surveillance, the critical role of cyst burden, and the time-dependent consequences, which I believe are crucial to explaining the behavioral changes. In line with the brain-wide distribution of tissue cysts and chronic neuroinflammation, infected mice displayed a broad range of behavioral phenotypes. Many studies suggest that behavioral changes in mice are directly associated with tissue cyst presence or cyst burden and the host immune response. Cyst burden may not exert direct effects; however, the mechanisms causing behavioral and neuropathological changes are potentially the consequence of cyst burden over time, such as the neuroinflammation required to control the reactivation of tissue cysts. The reduction of neuroinflammation has proven that neuropathogenesis and behavioral abnormalities can be reversed, at least partially, in infected mice. Overall, Toxoplasma-induced behavioral changes are likely to be an indirect consequence of the host immune response in a parasite burden-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchun Xiao
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Segerstrom SC, Reed RG, Karr JE. Cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasma Gondii Serostatus Prospectively Correlated With Problems in Self-Regulation but not Executive Function Among Older Adults. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:603-611. [PMID: 35420585 PMCID: PMC9167754 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Toxoplasma gondii are organisms that may infect the brain and have cognitive and behavioral consequences. We hypothesized that these latent infections would be prospectively associated with poorer cognition and more problems in self-regulation among older adults. METHODS Older adults (n = 138, mean age = 75.5 years, 59% women) had CMV and T. gondii serostatus tested, crystallized intelligence estimated (North American Adult Reading Test), and executive function (EF; e.g., Trail Making Test) and self-regulation (Behavior Regulation Inventory of Executive Function-Adult) assessed in visits occurring every 6 months (mean visits = 16). RESULTS CMV+ people (79%) had significantly poorer self-regulation versus CMV- people (21%; behavioral regulation: γ = 0.108, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.009-0.206; metacognition: γ = 0.117, 95% CI = 0.005-0.229), but not intelligence or EF. T. gondii+ people (24%) were not significantly different from T. gondii- people (76%) on any outcome. However, T. gondii+ men had better self-regulation versus T. gondii- men, and the opposite was true of women (behavioral regulation interaction: γ = 0.267, 95% CI = 0.093-0.441). CONCLUSIONS CMV latent infection was associated with more problems in self-regulation, and the magnitude of this difference was clinically significant. T. gondii latent infection was associated with more problems, but only for women. Latent infection might associate with self-regulation but not EF because of factors influencing self-regulation but not neuropsychological test performance, such as values and emotion. Efforts to link latent infection with EFs might, in the future, include the application of those functions to self-regulation in daily life.
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Xiao J, Savonenko A, Yolken RH. Strain-specific pre-existing immunity: A key to understanding the role of chronic Toxoplasma infection in cognition and Alzheimer's diseases? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 137:104660. [PMID: 35405182 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma exposure can elicit cellular and humoral immune responses. In the case of chronic Toxoplasma infection, these immune responses are long-lasting. Some studies suggest that pre-existing immunity from Toxoplasma infection can shape immune responses and resistance to other pathogens and brain insults later in life. Much evidence has been generated suggesting Toxoplasma infection may contribute to cognitive impairment in the elderly. However, there have also been studies that disagree with the conclusion. Toxoplasma has many strain types, with virulence being the most notable difference. There is also considerable variation in the outcomes following Toxoplasma exposure ranging from resolved to persistent infection. Therefore, the brain microenvironment, particularly cellular constituents, differs based on the infecting strain (virulent versus hypovirulent) and infection stage (resolved versus persistent). Such difference might play a critical role in determining the outcome of the host on subsequent challengings to the brain. The ability of Toxoplasma strains to set up distinct stages for neurodegenerative pathology through varying degrees of virulence provides unique experimental tools for characterizing these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchun Xiao
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Alena Savonenko
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Ferreira LB, Furtado JM, Charng J, Franchina M, Matthews JM, Molan AAL, Hunter M, Mackey DA, Smith JR. Prevalence of Toxoplasmic Retinochoroiditis in an Australian Adult Population: a Community-Based Study. Ophthalmol Retina 2022; 6:963-968. [PMID: 35568370 DOI: 10.1016/j.oret.2022.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is the most common clinical manifestation of an infection with the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Up to 50% of the human population is estimated to be infected with T. gondii. However, the epidemiology of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is not widely reported. We sought to estimate the prevalence of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis in Australia using data collected as part of the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study. DESIGN Cross-sectional, community-based, prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS 5,020 Australian adults (2,264 men and 2,756 women; age range of 45-69 years and median age of 58 years). METHODS Retinal color photographs centered on the optic disc and macula were captured on a digital retinal camera following dilation of the pupils. Three uveitis-subspecialized ophthalmologists assessed each pigmented retinal lesion, and complete concordance of opinion was required to assign a toxoplasmic etiology. Serum T. gondii immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels were measured for those participants with retinal lesions judged to be toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. RESULTS Eight participants (0.16%) had retinal lesions that were considered to have the characteristic appearance of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis, plus detectable serum T. gondii IgG, consistent with the diagnosis of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. On the assumption that 23.81% of retinal lesions occur at the posterior pole, as reported in a community-based survey conducted in Brazil (Sci Rep. 2021;11:3420), the prevalence of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis was estimated at 0.67% or 1 per 149 persons. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is common in Australian adults. Efforts to quantify and address risk factors for human infection with T. gondii are justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisia B Ferreira
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - João M Furtado
- Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jason Charng
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Lions Eye Institute
| | - Maria Franchina
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Lions Eye Institute
| | - Janet M Matthews
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Aus A L Molan
- Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia; PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Perth, Australia
| | - Michael Hunter
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David A Mackey
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Lions Eye Institute
| | - Justine R Smith
- Flinders University College of Medicine and Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; Queensland Eye Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
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26
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Bouchard É, Sharma R, Hernández-Ortiz A, Buhler K, Al-Adhami B, Su C, Fenton H, G-Gouin G, Roth JD, Rodrigues CW, Pamak C, Simon A, Bachand N, Leighton P, Jenkins E. Are foxes (Vulpes spp.) good sentinel species for Toxoplasma gondii in northern Canada? Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:115. [PMID: 35365191 PMCID: PMC8972674 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In changing northern ecosystems, understanding the mechanisms of transmission of zoonotic pathogens, including the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is essential to protect the health of vulnerable animals and humans. As high-level predators and scavengers, foxes represent a potentially sensitive indicator of the circulation of T. gondii in environments where humans co-exist. The objectives of our research were to compare serological and molecular assays to detect T. gondii, generate baseline data on T. gondii antibody and tissue prevalence in foxes in northern Canada, and compare regional seroprevalence in foxes with that in people from recently published surveys across northern Canada. Methods Fox carcasses (Vulpes vulpes/Vulpes lagopus, n = 749) were collected by local trappers from the eastern (Labrador and Québec) and western Canadian Arctic (northern Manitoba, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories) during the winters of 2015–2019. Antibodies in heart fluid were detected using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in hearts and brains using a magnetic capture DNA extraction and real-time PCR assay. Results Antibodies against T. gondii and DNA were detected in 36% and 27% of foxes, respectively. Detection of antibodies was higher in older (64%) compared to younger foxes (22%). More males (36%) than females (31%) were positive for antibodies to T. gondii. Tissue prevalence in foxes from western Nunavik (51%) was higher than in eastern Nunavik (19%). At the Canadian scale, T. gondii exposure was lower in western Inuit regions (13%) compared to eastern Inuit regions (39%), possibly because of regional differences in fox diet and/or environment. Exposure to T. gondii decreased at higher latitude and in foxes having moderate to little fat. Higher mean infection intensity was observed in Arctic foxes compared to red foxes. Fox and human seroprevalence showed similar trends across Inuit regions of Canada, but were less correlated in the eastern sub-Arctic, which may reflect regional differences in human dietary preferences. Conclusions Our study sheds new light on the current status of T. gondii in foxes in northern Canada and shows that foxes serve as a good sentinel species for environmental circulation and, in some regions, human exposure to this parasite in the Arctic. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05229-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Émilie Bouchard
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. .,Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
| | - Rajnish Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Adrián Hernández-Ortiz
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Kayla Buhler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Batol Al-Adhami
- Centre for Food-Borne and Animal Parasitology, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Chunlei Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Heather Fenton
- Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | | | - James D Roth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Carla Pamak
- Nunatsiavut Research Centre, Nain, NL, Canada
| | - Audrey Simon
- Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas Bachand
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Patrick Leighton
- Research Group On Epidemiology of Zoonoses and Public Health (GREZOSP), Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Retrospective study of toxoplasmosis prevalence in pregnant women in Benin and its relation with malaria. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262018. [PMID: 34995295 PMCID: PMC8741053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Globally distributed with variable prevalence depending on geography, toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. This disease is usually benign but poses a risk for immunocompromised people and for newborns of mothers with a primary infection during pregnancy because of the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). CT can cause severe damage to fetuses-newborns. To our knowledge, no study has been conducted in sub-Saharan Africa on toxoplasmosis seroprevalence, seroconversion and CT in a large longitudinal cohort and furthermore, no observation has been made of potential relationships with malaria.
Methods
We performed a retrospective toxoplasmosis serological study using available samples from a large cohort of 1,037 pregnant women who were enrolled in a malaria follow-up during the 2008–2010 period in a rural area in Benin. We also used some existing data to investigate potential relationships between the maternal toxoplasmosis serological status and recorded malaria infections.
Results
Toxoplasmosis seroprevalence, seroconversion and CT rates were 52.6%, 3.4% and 0.2%, respectively, reflecting the population situation of toxoplasmosis, without targeted medical intervention. The education level influences the toxoplasmosis serological status of women, with women with little or no formal education have greater immunity than others. Surprisingly, toxoplasmosis seropositive pregnant women tended to present lower malaria infection during pregnancy (number) or at delivery (presence) and to have lower IgG levels to Plasmodium falciparum Apical Membrane Antigen 1, compared to toxoplasmosis seronegative women.
Conclusions
The high toxoplasmosis seroprevalence indicates that prevention against this parasite remains important to deploy and must be accessible and understandable to and for all individuals (educated and non-educated). A potential protective role against malaria conferred by a preexisting toxoplasmosis infection needs to be explored more precisely to examine the environmental, parasitic and/or immune aspects.
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Rapid detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in cat feces using colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays targeting RE and B1 genes. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 81:101745. [PMID: 35030533 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate protozoan parasite that can infect mammals and birds. Cats are the definitive host of T. gondii and have a very important role in transmission of toxoplasmosis due to the shedding of millions of unsporulated oocysts, that become infective in the environment. Since cats play a major key role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis, rapid and accurate diagnosis of infected cats has utmost importance. In this study, we developed a novel colorimetric loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay detecting T. gondii RE gene and modified a previously developed colorimetric LAMP assay targeting B1 gene to detect T. gondii DNA in cat feces for the first time. The analytical sensitivity of colorimetric LAMP assays was determined using plasmid controls. The clinical sensitivities of both colorimetric LAMPs were determined using cat fecal DNA samples that were confirmed to be positive by two different real-time PCRs in our previous study. According to the results, analytical sensitivities of both assays were 1 copy plasmid/reaction. Using real-time PCR as a reference method, sensitivities of colorimetric LAMP assays targeting RE and B1 genes were 100% and 97.56% whereas specificities of both assays were 100%. Overall, the colorimetric LAMP RE assay developed in this study brings an advantage in the diagnosis of T. gondii in cat fecal samples since it has higher sensitivity, does not need for experienced personnel, and can be applied in basic laboratories or in the field.
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Babekir A, Mostafa S, Obeng-Gyasi E. The Association of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Antibody and Chronic Kidney Disease Biomarkers. Microorganisms 2022; 10:115. [PMID: 35056564 PMCID: PMC8779693 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite that infects more than 40 million Americans and causes toxoplasmosis. Most cases of toxoplasmosis are asymptomatic; however, T. gondii is capable of invading organs like the kidney, causing chronic infections and cell destruction. METHODS This study focused on evaluating the association between T. gondii exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) using data from the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). T. gondii exposure was assessed using Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody status, and the status of CKD was assessed using the CKD biomarkers. The evaluation of risk rate and population prevalence was performed. In addition, multivariable regression models were used to further investigate this association after adjusting for sociodemographic, anthropometric, behavioral, and clinical covariates commonly associated with kidney dysfunction. RESULTS The positive T. gondii IgG antibody participants had significantly higher levels of CKD biomarkers, including second albumin-to-creatinine ratio (p = 0.0376), second albuminuria (p = 0.0005), and persistent albuminuria (p < 0.0001) compared to the negative participants. Furthermore, there were statistical associations between T. gondii exposure and the status of CKD (negative vs. positive) (p = 0.0001), and between T. gondii exposure and the CKD stage (negative, stage 1, …, stage 5) (p = 0.0004). Without adjusting for age, the positive T. gondii participants had a significantly higher risk (27% higher) of having CKD than the negative participants (RRcrude = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09-1.49). The age-adjusted prevalence of CKD was higher among Toxoplasma-positive participants compared to the Toxoplasma-negative participants (10.45 vs. 8.99). T. gondii infection was significantly associated with CKD (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.06-1.84, p = 0.00447) after adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and BMI. Age was positively associated with CKD (OR = 8.89, 95% CI = 6.31-12.51, p < 0.0001) with the participants 45+ years old being 8.89 times more likely to have CKD than those who are <45 years old, after adjusting for T. gondii infection, gender, race/ethnicity, and BMI. Moreover, positive T. gondii increased the odds of CKD progression (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.07-1.86, p = 0.0424). CONCLUSIONS Positive T. gondii IgG antibody is associated with CKD and the progression of CKD stages. This association is more apparent among older people. Further investigations are needed to examine these findings in different geographical locations and among differentially exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Babekir
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Sayed Mostafa
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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Fang EE, Nyasa RB, Ndi EM, Zofou D, Kwenti TE, Lepezeu EP, Titanji VPK, N. Ndip R. Investigating the risk factors for seroprevalence and the correlation between CD4+ T-cell count and humoral antibody responses to Toxoplasma gondii infection amongst HIV patients in the Bamenda Health District, Cameroon. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256947. [PMID: 34855762 PMCID: PMC8638881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular tissue protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii that infect humans and other warm-blooded animals. Transmission to humans is by eating raw or inadequately cooked infected meat or through ingestion of oocysts that cats have passed in faeces. Studies have shown life-threatening and substantial neurologic damage in immunocompromised patients; however, 80% of humans remain asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in HIV positive patients and the risk factors associated with the infection, and to investigate the correlation between CD4+ T-cell count and toxoplasma specific antibodies as possible predictors of each other amongst HIV patients in the Bamenda Health District of the North West Region of Cameroon. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted, in which 325 HIV patients were recruited for administration of questionnaire, serological diagnosis of T. gondii and measurement of CD4+ T-cell count. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with T. gondii infection while the linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between CD4+ T-cell count and antibody levels against T. gondii. RESULTS The findings showed that, majority (45.8%) of HIV patients suffered from chronic (IgG antibody) infection, and 6.5% from acute (IgM and IgM/IgG antibody) toxoplasma infection. The overall sero-prevalence of T. gondii infection amongst HIV patients was 50.5%. On the whole, 43 men (45.7%) and 127 women (55%) presented with anti- T. gondii antibodies; however, there was no significant difference amongst males and females who were positive to T. gondii infection (p = 0.131). Marital status (p = 0.0003), contact with garden soil (p = 0.0062), and garden ownership (p = 0.009), were factors that showed significant association with T. gondii infection. There was no significant difference (p = 0.909) between the mean CD4+ T-cell count of HIV patients negative for toxoplasma infection (502.7 cells/mL), chronically infected with T. gondii (517.7 cells/mL) and acutely infected with T. gondii (513.1 cells/mL). CD4+ T-cell count was neither a predictor of IgM antibody titer (r = 0.193, p = 0.401), nor IgG antibody titer (r = 0.149, p = 0.519) amongst HIV patients acutely infected with T. gondii. CONCLUSION The findings from this study underscore the need to implement preventive and control measures to fight against T. gondii infection amongst HIV patients in the Bamenda Health District.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Enah Fang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Raymond Babila Nyasa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Menang Ndi
- Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Denis Zofou
- Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Tebit Emmanuel Kwenti
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | | | - Vincent P. K. Titanji
- Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
- Cameroon Christian University, Bali, North West Region, Cameroon
| | - Roland N. Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
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Cuffey J, Lepczyk CA, Zhao S, Fountain-Jones NM. Cross-sectional association of Toxoplasma gondii exposure with BMI and diet in US adults. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009825. [PMID: 34597323 PMCID: PMC8513882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis gondii exposure has been linked to increased impulsivity and risky behaviors, which has implications for eating behavior. Impulsivity and risk tolerance is known to be related with worse diets and a higher chance of obesity. There is little known, however, about the independent link between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) exposure and diet-related outcomes. Using linear and quantile regression, we estimated the relationship between T. gondii exposure and BMI, total energy intake (kcal), and diet quality as measured by the Health Eating Index-2015 (HEI) among 9,853 adults from the 2009–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Previous studies have shown different behavioral responses to T. gondii infection among males and females, and socioeconomic factors are also likely to be important as both T. gondii and poor diet are more prevalent among U.S. populations in poverty. We therefore measured the associations between T. gondii and diet-related outcomes separately for men and women and for respondents in poverty. Among females <200% of the federal poverty level Toxoplasmosis gondii exposure was associated with a higher BMI by 2.0 units (95% CI [0.22, 3.83]) at median BMI and a lower HEI by 5.05 units (95% CI [-7.87, -2.24]) at the 25th percentile of HEI. Stronger associations were found at higher levels of BMI and worse diet quality among females. No associations were found among males. Through a detailed investigation of mechanisms, we were able to rule out T. gondii exposure from cat ownership, differing amounts of meat, and drinking water source as potential confounding factors; environmental exposure to T. gondii as well as changes in human behavior due to parasitic infection remain primary mechanisms. Toxoplasmosis gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite that infects over 10 percent of the US population. T. gondii infection can cause serious health problems for some people, but most infections remain undiagnosed and subclinical. When an individual is infected, T. gondii can chronically reside in muscle and central nervous system (including brain) tissue. Previous studies have found that individuals with prior exposure to T. gondii may engage in more risky and impulsive behaviors, and risk tolerance and impulsivity may be related with individual’s diet. Our study examines whether individuals with T. gondii exposure have higher body mass index (BMI) and worse diets. We further discuss and test for alternative explanations that prevent us from establishing a causal relationship between T. gondii and BMI/diet. Overall, our results show that T. gondii exposure is related with higher BMI and worse diets among lower-income females in the US. Our results uncover a novel correlate of BMI and diets, and suggest the importance of investigating the broader public health impacts of chronic T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Cuffey
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher A. Lepczyk
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Shuoli Zhao
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Villena I. Congenital toxoplasmosis in humans: an update of worldwide rate of congenital infections. Parasitology 2021; 148:1406-1416. [PMID: 34254575 PMCID: PMC11010219 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The morbidity due to congenital toxoplasmosis in humans is very high. Most of these infected children are likely to develop symptoms of clinical toxoplasmosis. Sequelae in fetus resulting from Toxoplasma gondii infections in women who become infected with this parasite during pregnancy can be devastating and enormous efforts are directed in some countries to prevent these consequences. Here, an update on congenital toxoplasmosis in humans, especially the rate of congenital infections in humans worldwide, is provided. Although several countries have surveillance programmes, most information on the rate of congenital transmission is from France and Brazil. Because of compulsory national screening programme in France to detect and treat women with recently acquired T. gondii infection with anti-toxoplasma therapy, the rate of congenital transmission and the severity of disease in children are declining. Infections by this parasite are widely prevalent in Brazil. The severity of clinical toxoplasmosis in Brazilian children is very high and may be associated with the genetic characteristics of T. gondii isolates prevailing in animals and humans in Brazil. Virtually little or no information is available on this topic from China, India and other countries in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
| | - F. H. A. Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
| | - C. K. Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
| | - O. C. H. Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Building 1001, Beltsville, MD20705-2350, USA
| | - I. Villena
- Parasitology, Mycology Laboratory, National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma Biological Resources Centre, CHU Reims and University Reims Champagne Ardenne ESCAPE EA7510, 51097, Reims, France
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Morais RDAPB, do Carmo EL, Costa WS, Marinho RR, Póvoa MM. T. gondii Infection in Urban and Rural Areas in the Amazon: Where Is the Risk for Toxoplasmosis? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168664. [PMID: 34444413 PMCID: PMC8393968 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is found worldwide, can affect human and animal health in different ways. This study aimed to estimate the infection prevalence in humans and to determine risk factors related to urban and rural areas in a municipality in the Brazilian Amazon where an outbreak had been registered. Blood samples for serological analysis were obtained, and interviews were performed to fill out an epidemiological questionnaire. A total of 1140 individuals were included, of which 70.6% (804/1140; 95% CI: 67.9–73.2%) were positive for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies. In rural areas, the prevalence was 62.6% (95% CI: 58.9–66.3%), while in urban areas, it was 81.9% (95% CI: 78.4–85.4%). The risk of becoming infected in urban areas was 2.7 times higher (95% CI = 2.0–3.6%) than that in rural areas. When comparing the prevalence in the age group from 1 to 10 years in both areas, the rate was 28.6% (42/147; 95% CI: 21.3–35.9%) for rural areas and 69.4% (61/88; CI 95%: 59.7–79.0%) for urban areas. Therefore, it is concluded that parasite exposure starts in the first years of life in urban areas and that disordered urban area expansion may cause an increase in exposure to the different strains of T. gondii present in the Amazon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela dos Anjos Pinheiro Bogoevich Morais
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-91-3214-2089
| | - Ediclei Lima do Carmo
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
| | - Wanda Silva Costa
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
| | - Rodrigo Rodrigues Marinho
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
| | - Marinete Marins Póvoa
- Curso de Pós-graduação em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasitários, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 67030-000, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (W.S.C.); (R.R.M.)
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Classification Criteria for Toxoplasmic Retinitis. Am J Ophthalmol 2021; 228:134-141. [PMID: 33845002 PMCID: PMC8594742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine classification criteria for toxoplasmic retinitis. DESIGN Machine learning of cases with toxoplasmic retinitis and 4 other infectious posterior uveitides / panuveitides. METHODS Cases of infectious posterior uveitides / panuveitides were collected in an informatics-designed preliminary database, and a final database was constructed of cases achieving supermajority agreement on diagnosis, using formal consensus techniques. Cases were split into a training set and a validation set. Machine learning using multinomial logistic regression was used on the training set to determine a parsimonious set of criteria that minimized the misclassification rate among the infectious posterior uveitides / panuveitides. The resulting criteria were evaluated on the validation set. RESULTS Eight hundred three cases of infectious posterior uveitides / panuveitides, including 174 cases of toxoplasmic retinitis, were evaluated by machine learning. Key criteria for toxoplasmic retinitis included focal or paucifocal necrotizing retinitis and either positive polymerase chain reaction assay for Toxoplasma gondii from an intraocular specimen or the characteristic clinical picture of a round or oval retinitis lesion proximal to a hyperpigmented and/or atrophic chorioretinal scar. Overall accuracy for infectious posterior uveitides / panuveitides was 92.1% in the training set and 93.3% (95% confidence interval 88.2, 96.3) in the validation set. The misclassification rates for toxoplasmic retinitis were 8.2% in the training set and 10% in the validation set. CONCLUSIONS The criteria for toxoplasmic retinitis had a low misclassification rate and seemed to perform sufficiently well for use in clinical and translational research.
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Krings A, Jacob J, Seeber F, Pleyer U, Walker J, Stark K, Wilking H. Estimates of Toxoplasmosis Incidence Based on Healthcare Claims Data, Germany, 2011-2016. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2097-2106. [PMID: 34286687 PMCID: PMC8314822 DOI: 10.3201/eid2708.203740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection contracted through Toxoplasma gondii–contaminated food, soil, or water. Seroprevalence in Germany is high, but estimates of disease incidence are scarce. We investigated incidences for various toxoplasmosis manifestations using anonymized healthcare claims data from Germany for 2011–2016. Patients with a toxoplasmosis diagnosis during the annual observational period were considered incident. The estimated incidence was adjusted to the general population age/sex distribution. We estimated an annual average of 8,047 toxoplasmosis patients in Germany. The average incidence of non–pregnancy-associated toxoplasmosis patients was 9.6/100,000 population. The incidence was highest in 2011, at 10.6 (95% CI 9.4–12.6)/100,000 population, and lowest in 2016, at 8.0 (95% CI 7.0–9.4)/100,000 population. The average incidence of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy was 40.3/100,000 pregnancies. We demonstrate a substantial toxoplasmosis disease burden in Germany. Public health and food safety authorities should implement toxoplasmosis-specific prevention programs.
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Boutzoukas AE, Kussman A, Bajwa RPS, Ouellette CP. Disseminated Toxoplasmosis in a Child Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2021; 10:698-701. [PMID: 33452804 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piaa163] [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: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A 23-month old female with hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome underwent allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), complicated by development of acute exotropia. Bilateral chorioretinal scars and a ring enhancing brain lesion were identified in further workup. Disseminated toxoplasmosis post-allogeneic HCT was subsequently confirmed by serologic and polymerase chain reaction testing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique E Boutzoukas
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashleigh Kussman
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rajinder P S Bajwa
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Christopher P Ouellette
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Host Defense Program, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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37
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The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Res Vet Sci 2021; 138:19-29. [PMID: 34090203 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which is widespread in warm-blooded animals and humans. Currently, many studies regarding T. gondii infection in sheep have been published worldwide. However, there is no meta-analysis of sheep infection in China. In this study, five databases were used to retrieve articles related to T. gondii in China. A total of 59 studies from 1987 to June 30, 2020, have been included. We estimated that the combined prevalence of T. gondii in the selected period was 8.5% (3197/28,099). In the analysis of publication year, the lowest positive rate after 2010 was 7.4% (1883/17,313). Geographically, the highest prevalence of T. gondii in sheep was recorded in Southwest China 19.2% (490/2080). Analysis according to age showed that the prevalence of infection in sheep older than 12 months was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in younger animals. The prevalence of T. gondii in sheep farmed by farmers was 7.2% (566/6336), which was higher than 5.3% (660/3121) of large-scale farming, suggesting a role for the feeding and husbandry. We also analyzed the impact of different geographic and climatic factors on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep. The results showed that the prevalence was higher in low altitude, warm, humid, and high rainfall areas. We suggest that appropriate control programs should be formulated according to the differences in reproduction patterns and geographical conditions in different regions to reduce the prevalence of T. gondii among sheep in China.
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Babekir A, Mostafa S, Obeng-Gyasi E. The Association of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and Cardiovascular Biomarkers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4908. [PMID: 34062965 PMCID: PMC8125424 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a protozoan parasite with high prevalence worldwide. More than 40 million individuals in the United States carry this parasite. T. gondii infection causes toxoplasmosis, which is the leading cause of death associated with foodborne diseases in the United States. T. gondii infects humans through different routes, and it is capable of invading a wide range of tissues in the human body following the infection. Methods: The main objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of T. gondii among adults in the United States and its association with cardiovascular health using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2009-2010). Considering the limitation of studies investigating the relationship between T. gondii and cardiovascular biomarkers, this study was focused on assessing the association of T. gondii to nine cardiovascular biomarkers. First, those biomarkers were investigated individually using several statistical tests and models. Second, we developed an overall cardiovascular biomarker index (OCBI) from eight critical biomarkers to better explain the T. gondii potential cumulative effect on the cardiovascular system. These analyses were adjusted for demographic, behavioral, and anthropometric factors. Results:T. gondii IgG antibody-positive participants had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.0022), triglycerides (p = 0.0399), C-reactive protein (p = 0.0422), gamma glutamyl transferase (p = 0.0400), and fasting glucose (p = 0.0213) than the negative participants. In addition, the positive participants had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.0431) than the negative participants. Adjusting for age, T. gondii positive had a significant negative association with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.0026) and a significant positive association with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.0179), triglycerides (p = 0.0154), and gamma glutamyl transferase (p = 0.0026). With the exception of the low-density lipoprotein, these associations remained statistically significant when adjusting for demographic, behavioral, and anthropometric factors. These results potentially indicate the role of T. gondii in driving cardiovascular-related biomarkers toward dysfunction. The analysis also revealed a significant difference in the OCBI among positive and negative participants (p = 0.0020), with the (cumulative) odds of positive participants having a higher level of OCBI being 0.71 times lower than the odds for negative participants (OR = 0.29). Conclusions: Positive T. gondii IgG antibody was significantly associated with adverse effects on cardiovascular-related biomarkers, including systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and gamma glutamyl transferase. T. gondii-positive individuals were more likely to have a lower cardiovascular biomarkers index than the negative individuals. Finally, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among U.S. adults was associated with demographic characteristics including age, ethnicity, country of birth, and occupation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Babekir
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Sayed Mostafa
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA;
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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Deka S, Kalita D, Gupta P, Mathuria YP. A contemporary insight into the sero-epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the foot-hills of Himalayas: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center in Northern India. Nepal J Epidemiol 2021; 11:937-948. [PMID: 33868740 PMCID: PMC8033644 DOI: 10.3126/nje.v11i1.34228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii infects 30-50% of the world's population with high diversity in the geo-epidemiology and seroprevalence. The burden of toxoplasmosis and its determinants from remote and vulnerable regions of India is unknown. Therefore, this study aim to evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasma antibodies and factors associated with seropositivity among individuals from Uttarakhand and adjoining areas. Methods Serum samples from 442 cases were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. Association of seropositivity of toxoplasmosis with age, gender, place of residence, dietary habits, and comorbidities were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. Results The overall Toxoplasma seropositivity was found to be 36.88% [95% Confidence Interval (CI)=30.40-39.28]. While anti-T. gondii IgG was present in 34.84% [95% CI=30.40-39.28], anti-IgM was detected in 6.33% [95% CI=4.06-8.61]. The overall and IgG seroprevalence increased with age in both the genders and there was a sharp increase in the seropositivity after the age of 40 years [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR)=2.98, p-value=0.030]. The seropositivity rate was significantly higher in individuals from Uttarakhand in both the hilly region (aOR=5.61; 95%CI:[2.14-14.68]) and plains (aOR=5.14; 95%CI:[2.2-12.02]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis also showed that being rural residents (aOR=3.23; 95%CI:[1.67-6.23]) and presence of comorbidities (aOR=8.64; 95%CI:[4.62-16.18]) were potential risk factors of Toxoplasmosis. On the other hand, consumption of vegetarian diet was found to have a protective effect (aOR=0.46; 95%CI:[0.28-0.75]). Conclusion Seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was relatively high in Uttarakhand, particularly in rural and hilly terrain, indicating a necessity for the implementation of integrated public health strategies to prevent and control toxoplasmosis in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeeta Deka
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.,Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital, Barpeta, Assam, India
| | - Deepjyoti Kalita
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pratima Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Yogendra Pratap Mathuria
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
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40
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Treatment Strategy in Human Ocular Toxoplasmosis: Why Antibiotics Have Failed. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10051090. [PMID: 33807871 PMCID: PMC7961948 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is currently no clear evidence of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in acute ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), but its effect as a secondary prophylaxis is undisputed. The majority of uveitis specialists advocate treatment. This meta-analytic review aims to critically analyze determinants of treatment success and to update current treatment strategies for OT in order to explain this discrepancy. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in NCBI/PubMed, Clinical Trials, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect to retrieve pro- and retrospective studies using the key terms “ocular toxoplasmosis” or “retinochoroiditis” and “immunocompetent” and “treatment” or “therapy” and “human.” Of these, larger case series and prospective clinical studies and cross references identified from meta-analyses were selected by a manual search, and primary and secondary outcome parameters were extracted. Results: Ten case series and clinical trials reported success parameters for treatment outcomes, and four additional for recurrence prophylaxis. Five treatment studies were randomized clinical trials, three comparative and two noncomparative case series. Though several outcome parameters were reported, five of them defined time to healing, four visual gain and one lesion size as primary and secondary outcome parameters, recurrence rate as a secondary outcome parameter was reported once. No conclusive evidence was found for an antibiotic treatment effect. Four prophylaxis studies addressed the prevention of recurrences after treatment. The primary outcome in all studies was the effect of treatment and prophylaxis on recurrences, and all four found a significant effect on the risk of and time to recurrences. Conclusions: Antibiotic treatment of OT aims at controlling parasite proliferation. The absence of an effect on visual acuity and time to healing is thus not surprising. The fact that time to and number of recurrences respond to recurrence of prophylaxis proves the antibiotic effect on parasite activity.
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Fung R, Manore AJW, Harper SL, Sargeant JM, Shirley J, Caughey A, Shapiro K. Clams and potential foodborne Toxoplasma gondii in Nunavut, Canada. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:277-283. [PMID: 33655709 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii exposure in Inuit living in Nunavut (20%) is twice that of the US (11%); however, routes of exposure for Inuit communities in North America are unclear. Exposure to T. gondii in humans has been linked with consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish that can accumulate environmentally resistant oocysts. Bivalve shellfish, such as clams, are an important, nutritious, affordable and accessible source of food in many Northern Communities. To date, presence of T. gondii in clams in Northern Canada has not been reported. In this study, we tested for T. gondii presence in clams (Mya truncata) that were harvested in Iqaluit, Nunavut over a 1-week period in September 2016. Of 390 clams, eight (2.1%) were confirmed to contain T. gondii DNA (≥99.7% identity), as determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence confirmation. Additionally, three clams (0.8%) were confirmed to contain Neospora caninum-like DNA (≥99.2% identity). While N. caninum is not known to be a zoonotic pathogen, its presence in shellfish indicates contamination of the nearshore with canid faeces, and the potential for marine mammal exposure through marine food webs. Notably, the PCR assay employed in this study does not discriminate between viable and non-viable parasites. These findings suggest a possible route for parasite exposure through shellfish in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Future research employing viability testing will further inform public health messaging on the infectious potential of T. gondii in shellfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Fung
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Anna J W Manore
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sherilee L Harper
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jan M Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jamal Shirley
- Nunavut Research Institute, Nunavut Arctic College, Iqaluit, NU, Canada
| | - Amy Caughey
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, One Health Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Toxoplasmosis Among 38,751 Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review of Disease Prevalence and a Compilation of Imaging and Autopsy Findings. Transplantation 2021; 105:e375-e386. [PMID: 33654004 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant-recipients (HSCT) can be life threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. METHODS We performed a systematic review (PubMed last search 03/29/2020) of toxoplasmosis among HSCT-recipients and calculated the toxoplasmosis prevalence across studies. We also created a compilation list of brain imaging, chest imaging and autopsy findings of toxoplasmosis among HSCT-recipients. RESULTS We identified 46 eligible studies (47 datasets) with 399 toxoplasmosis cases among 38751 HSCT-recipients. There was large heterogeneity in the reported toxoplasmosis prevalence across studies, thus formal meta-analysis was not attempted. The median toxoplasmosis prevalence among 38751 HSCT-recipients was 2.14% (range 0-66.67%). Data on toxoplasmosis among at-risk R+HSCT-recipients were more limited (25 studies; 2404 R+HSCT-recipients [6.2% of all HSCT-recipients]) although the median number of R+HSCT-recipients was 56.79% across all HSCT-recipients. Median toxoplasmosis prevalence across studies among 2404 R+HSCT was 7.51% (range 0-80%) vs 0% (range 0-1.23%) among 7438 R-HSCT. There were limited data to allow meaningful analyses of toxoplasmosis prevalence according to prophylaxis-status of R+HSCT-recipients. CONCLUSION Toxoplasmosis prevalence among HSCT-recipients is underestimated. The majority of studies report toxoplasmosis prevalence among all HSCT-recipients rather than only among the at-risk R+HSCT-recipients. In fact, the median toxoplasmosis prevalence among all R+/R- HSCT-recipients is 3.5-fold lower compared to the prevalence among only the at-risk R+HSCT-recipients and the median prevalence among R+HSCT-recipients is 7.51-fold higher than among R-HSCT-recipients. The imaging findings of toxoplasmosis among HSCT-recipients can be atypical. High-index of suspicion is needed in R+HSCT-recipients with fever, pneumonia or encephalitis.
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Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in people with alcohol consumption in Durango, Mexico. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245701. [PMID: 33507955 PMCID: PMC7842906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The seroepidemiology of infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in alcohol consumers is largely undeveloped. In light of this, we sought to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in alcohol consumers in Durango, Mexico, and the association of T. gondii seroprevalence with characteristics of the population studied. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were searched in sera of participants using commercially available enzyme immunoassays. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were then used to determine the association between T. gondii infection and the characteristics of the population studied. Of the 1544 people studied (mean age: 39.4±14.0 years), 173 (11.2%) tested positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. We were able to test 167 of the 173 anti-T. gondii IgG positive sera for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Fifty-five (32.9%) of these 167 serum samples were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Bivariate analysis showed that visual impairment, history of surgery, and hepatitis were negatively associated with T. gondii IgG seropositivity (P<0.05). In women, seropositivity to T. gondii was positively associated with a history of pregnancy (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that T. gondii seropositivity was associated with the variables consumption of armadillo meat (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.04–5.22; P = 0.03), and the use of latrines for elimination of excretes (OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.07–4.80; P = 0.03); and high (>150 IU/ml) anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were associated with consumption of both armadillo meat (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.01–5.02; P = 0.04) and crowding at home (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.02–2.61; P = 0.03). We found a distinct T. gondii seroprevalence in people with alcohol consumption from those previously found in population groups in the region. This is the first study that illustrates the association between high anti-T. gondii antibodies and crowding in Mexico, and the second study on the association between T. gondii infection and consumption of armadillo meat and the use of latrines in this country. We conclude that epidemiology of T. gondii infection in people with alcohol consumption deserves further investigation.
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Evaluating uncertainty and variability associated with Toxoplasma gondii survival during cooking and low temperature storage of fresh cut meats. Int J Food Microbiol 2021; 341:109031. [PMID: 33485138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.109031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. It has been reported as the fourth leading cause of hospitalization and second leading cause of death among 31 major foodborne pathogens in the United States. Humans are infected through consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing T. gondii tissue cysts or ingestion of food, soil, or water contaminated by T. gondii oocysts. People often lack knowledge about how to prevent T. gondii infection, especially the risks associated with eating or handling raw or undercooked meat. Current available data on cooking or low temperature storage for whole cuts of meat are not sufficient to validate inactivation of T. gondii. The objectives of the present study were to estimate the relationship of time and temperature with the survival rate of T. gondii during cooking and low temperature storage of fresh cut meats. We used different statistical sampling techniques such as bootstrap resampling and Gibbs sampling to establish those relationships. Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate the safe temperature for cooking and storing meats. The results showed no detection of T. gondii in fresh meats when the internal temperature reached above 64 °C (147.2 °F) and below -18 °C (0 °F). The tissue cysts can remain viable at least up to 30 days at 4 °C (39 °F) and about 3.3% cysts survived at 62.8 °C (145 °F). This study can provide helpful information in improving the risk models to further mitigate the public health burden of toxoplasmosis.
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Schwenk HT, Khan A, Kohlman K, Bertaina A, Cho S, Montoya JG, Contopoulos-Ioannidis DG. Toxoplasmosis in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients. Transplant Cell Ther 2020; 27:292-300. [PMID: 33840441 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Infection due to the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii can be life-threatening in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Most cases of toxoplasmosis in HSCT recipients result from reactivation of latent infection in individuals who were Toxoplasma-seropositive before transplantation and did not receive appropriate prophylaxis. Pretransplantation screening with Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies is suggested for all allogeneic HSCT recipients and their donors and all autologous HSCT recipients. Prevention of toxoplasmosis in T. gondii-seropositive HSCT recipients requires primary prophylaxis, preemptive screening, or both. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the preferred agent for Toxoplasma prophylaxis and should be continued for 6 months or until the patient is no longer receiving immunosuppression, whichever is longer, assuming that immune reconstitution has occurred. Preemptive weekly screening with whole blood Toxoplasma PCR should be considered for seropositive HSCT recipients if prophylaxis cannot be given or if prophylaxis other than TMP-SMX is used. The signs, symptoms, and radiographic findings of toxoplasmosis in HSCT recipients can be nonspecific, and the diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion. Common presentations include fever, encephalopathy with mental status changes or seizures, and pneumonia. A Toxoplasma PCR analysis from whole blood (and other body fluids/tissues according to clinical symptoms) should be obtained in patients in whom there is a concern for toxoplasmosis. Treatment with oral pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and leucovorin for at least 6 weeks is the first-line therapy and should be followed by secondary prophylaxis. In this article, we review the published literature regarding the epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and prevention of toxoplasmosis in HSCT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden T Schwenk
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | - Aslam Khan
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Krystal Kohlman
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California; Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Stephanie Cho
- Community Health and Prevention Research Master's Graduate Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jose G Montoya
- Dr Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, California
| | - Despina G Contopoulos-Ioannidis
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Dr Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, California
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Velasco-Velásquez S, Celis-Giraldo D, Botero Hincapié A, Alejandro Hincapie Erira D, Sofia Cordero López S, Marulanda Orozco N, Enrique Gómez-Marín J. Clinical, Socio-economic and Environmental Factors Related with Recurrences in Ocular Toxoplasmosis in Quindío, Colombia. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2020; 28:258-264. [PMID: 33115293 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2020.1839509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and environmental factors associated with recurrences in ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). METHODS Retrospective analysis of clinical records of patients who consulted in the Health Centre at Universidad del Quindío between 2004 and 2017. Patients with retinochoroiditis due to Toxoplasma gondii infection and follow up >12 months were included. Comparisons were made with a recurrence index adjusted for months of follow up. For the statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed in Epi Info 7.2 and SPSS 14.0. A statistical significance is shown if p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS A total of 58 patients were included, with median age of 28 years (range 1-61) and 55.1% were women. The median of recurrences was 1.4 (range 0.6-16.6). High recurrence index was present in 43.1% of the patients. A higher size of lesions was observed in low socioeconomic groups (p = .016) and patients with congenital infection had more bilateral compromise (p = .002). Intake of boiled water was related to a lower recurrence index (p = .04). CONCLUSIONS Low socioeconomic level was associated with bigger lesions and congenital infection was related with higher frequency of bilateral OT. Finally, intake of boiled water is related to a lower recurrence index of OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefany Velasco-Velásquez
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Daniel Celis-Giraldo
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Andrea Botero Hincapié
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Diego Alejandro Hincapie Erira
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Sara Sofia Cordero López
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Nathalia Marulanda Orozco
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Jorge Enrique Gómez-Marín
- Group of Studies on Molecular Parasitology (GEPAMOL), Center of Biomedical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
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Zwicker JD, Smith D, Guerra AJ, Hitchens JR, Haug N, Vander Roest S, Lee P, Wen B, Sun D, Wang L, Keep RF, Xiang J, Carruthers VB, Larsen SD. Discovery and Optimization of Triazine Nitrile Inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii Cathepsin L for the Potential Treatment of Chronic Toxoplasmosis in the CNS. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2450-2463. [PMID: 32027110 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
With roughly 2 billion people infected, the neurotropic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii remains one of the most pervasive and infectious parasites. Toxoplasma infection is the second leading cause of death due to foodborne illness in the United States, causes severe disease in immunocompromised patients, and is correlated with several cognitive and neurological disorders. Currently, no therapies exist that are capable of eliminating the persistent infection in the central nervous system (CNS). In this study we report the identification of triazine nitrile inhibitors of Toxoplasma cathepsin L (TgCPL) from a high throughput screen and their subsequent optimization. Through rational design, we improved inhibitor potency to as low as 5 nM, identified pharmacophore features that can be exploited for isoform selectivity (up to 7-fold for TgCPL versus human isoform), and improved metabolic stability (t1/2 > 60 min in mouse liver microsomes) guided by a metabolite ID study. We demonstrated that this class of compounds is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier in mice (1:1 brain/plasma at 2 h). Importantly, we also show for the first time that treatment of T. gondii bradyzoite cysts in vitro with triazine nitrile inhibitors reduces parasite viability with efficacy equivalent to a TgCPL genetic knockout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery D. Zwicker
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - David Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Alfredo J. Guerra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jacob R. Hitchens
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nicole Haug
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Steve Vander Roest
- Center for Chemical Genomics, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Pil Lee
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Pharmacokinetics Core, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Pharmacokinetics Core, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- Pharmacokinetics Core, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Richard F. Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jianming Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Vern B. Carruthers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Scott D. Larsen
- Vahlteich Medicinal Chemistry Core, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Cortés JA, Roncancio Á, Uribe LG, Cortés-Luna CF, Montoya JG. Approach to ocular toxoplasmosis including pregnant women. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2020; 32:426-434. [PMID: 31313714 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss available information on the effectiveness of anti-toxoplasma therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis and to provide clinicians with a practical approach to the disease. RECENT FINDINGS Only eleven randomized studies were identified. In the three studies for acute retinitis, there was a clear trend in favor of treatment. In the two studies for the prevention of recurrences, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis was superior to placebo. In the six studies comparing different regimens, there was no statistically significant difference between the regimens. In the setting of acute posterior uveitis suspected to be caused by toxoplasma, serological testing should always be obtained, and anti-toxoplasma drug treatment, and corticosteroids should be instituted for at least 6 weeks. Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis during pregnancy represents a particular challenge. SUMMARY Treatment with at least two drugs and corticosteroids should be offered to patients with active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. Pregnant women with confirmed acute infection and concomitant acute retinitis should be treated for the ocular lesion(s) and to prevent vertical transmission. Pregnant women with chronic Toxoplasma infection acquired prior to gestation and concomitant retinitis by reactivation should be treated for the retinitis and monitored for vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luis Guillermo Uribe
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | | | - José G Montoya
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Baker TL, Sun M, Semple BD, Tyebji S, Tonkin CJ, Mychasiuk R, Shultz SR. Catastrophic consequences: can the feline parasite Toxoplasma gondii prompt the purrfect neuroinflammatory storm following traumatic brain injury? J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:222. [PMID: 32711529 PMCID: PMC7382044 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01885-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, treatment development is hindered by the heterogenous nature of TBI presentation and pathophysiology. In particular, the degree of neuroinflammation after TBI varies between individuals and may be modified by other factors such as infection. Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that infects approximately one-third of the world’s population, has a tropism for brain tissue and can persist as a life-long infection. Importantly, there is notable overlap in the pathophysiology between TBI and T. gondii infection, including neuroinflammation. This paper will review current understandings of the clinical problems, pathophysiological mechanisms, and functional outcomes of TBI and T. gondii, before considering the potential synergy between the two conditions. In particular, the discussion will focus on neuroinflammatory processes such as microglial activation, inflammatory cytokines, and peripheral immune cell recruitment that occur during T. gondii infection and after TBI. We will present the notion that these overlapping pathologies in TBI individuals with a chronic T. gondii infection have the strong potential to exacerbate neuroinflammation and related brain damage, leading to amplified functional deficits. The impact of chronic T. gondii infection on TBI should therefore be investigated in both preclinical and clinical studies as the possible interplay could influence treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shiraz Tyebji
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Defence, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Lathe R, St Clair D. From conifers to cognition: Microbes, brain and behavior. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12680. [PMID: 32515128 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A diversity of bacteria, protozoans and viruses ("endozoites") were recently uncovered within healthy tissues including the human brain. By contrast, it was already recognized a century ago that healthy plants tissues contain abundant endogenous microbes ("endophytes"). Taking endophytes as an informative precedent, we overview the nature, prevalence, and role of endozoites in mammalian tissues, centrally focusing on the brain, concluding that endozoites are ubiquitous in diverse tissues. These passengers often remain subclinical, but they are not silent. We address their routes of entry, mechanisms of persistence, tissue specificity, and potential to cause long-term behavioral changes and/or immunosuppression in mammals, where rabies virus is the exemplar. We extend the discussion to Herpesviridae, Coronaviridae, and Toxoplasma, as well as to diverse bacteria and yeasts, and debate the advantages and disadvantages that endozoite infection might afford to the host and to the ecosystem. We provide a clinical perspective in which endozoites are implicated in neurodegenerative disease, anxiety/depression, and schizophrenia. We conclude that endozoites are instrumental in the delicate balance between health and disease, including age-related brain disease, and that endozoites have played an important role in the evolution of brain function and human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lathe
- Division of Infection Medicine, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David St Clair
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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