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Lakhmawar P, Kelgaonkar A, Patel A, Khalsa A, Basu S. Role of IgG avidity in eyes with active Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis. Indian J Ophthalmol 2024; 72:S601-S605. [PMID: 38324620 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_3000_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the role of Toxoplasma IgG avidity in evaluating the stage of systemic infection during manifestation as toxoplasma retinochoroiditis and its clinical implications in eastern India. METHODS Retrospective chart review of Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis cases with Toxoplasma serology for IgG, IgM, and IgG avidity. RESULTS Included in this study were 17 eyes of 17 patients who had active retinitis located in the macula (14), mid-periphery (2), or periphery (1). They were either primary lesions (12) or reactivations (5). All the cases had Toxoplasma IgG positive; one case had IgM positivity, while all the cases had high IgG avidity values. IgG avidity had a positive correlation with the duration of symptoms. CONCLUSION We observed high IgG avidity values in active retinochoroiditis in both primary ocular Toxoplasmosis and reactivation subgroups. These results indicate a late ocular manifestation after initial systemic infection with a possible incubation period ranging from 5 weeks to 5 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratik Lakhmawar
- L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Anup Kelgaonkar
- L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Mithu Tulsi Chanrai Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Anamika Patel
- L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, GMR Varalaxmi Campus, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Ashish Khalsa
- Uveitis, Vitreous and Retina Services, C. L. Gupta Eye Institute, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Soumyava Basu
- Uveitis, Vitreous and Retina Services, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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Sebaa S, Behnke JM, Labed A, Abu-Madi MA. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Algeria. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:1137-1144. [PMID: 38688274 PMCID: PMC11154063 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite affecting all warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. Infections in humans can lead to severe clinical manifestations in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. The aim of the present study was to assess seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and to identify the associated risk factors among pregnant women from southern Algeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to May 2022 among 1,345 pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on risk factors associated with infection. Participants were screened for anti T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using the enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. The overall IgG and IgM seroprevalence was 13.6% and 0.89%, respectively. A significant association was found between seroprevalence of anti T. gondii IgG and history of spontaneous abortion (P = 0.016). Moreover, an increasing trend of seroprevalence was detected in the autumnal season (P = 0.030), and eating raw or undercooked meat was found to be significantly associated with anti-T. gondii IgM seropositivity (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that women who had experienced spontaneous abortion, regularly ate undercooked meat, and used bottled water in summer were more likely to contract infection with T. gondii. The majority (86.4%) of the studied pregnant women were serologically negative for toxoplasmosis and hence were susceptible to primary acute infection during pregnancy and possible fetal anomalies. Therefore, health education and awareness of the disease and its transmission to women, especially during pregnancy, is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumia Sebaa
- Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, Faculty SNV, University of Ziane Achour, Djelfa, Algeria
| | - Jerzy M. Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amina Labed
- Department of Ecology and Environment, University Batna 2, Batna, Algeria
| | - Marawan A. Abu-Madi
- Department of Biomedical Science, Biomedical Research Centre, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Lynn MK, Rodriguez Aquino MS, Cornejo Rivas PM, Miranda X, Torres-Romero DF, Cowan H, Meyer MM, Castro-Godoy WD, Kanyangarara M, Self SCW, Campbell BA, Nolan MS. Employing digital PCR for enhanced detection of perinatal Toxoplasma gondii infection: A cross-sectional surveillance and maternal-infant outcomes study in El Salvador. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012153. [PMID: 38768194 PMCID: PMC11142657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted in utero, resulting in fetal chorioretinitis and other long-term neurological outcomes. If diagnosed early, pregnancy-safe chemotherapeutics can prevent vertical transmission. Unfortunately, diagnosis of acute, primary infection among pregnant women remains neglected, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. Clinically actionable diagnosis is complex due to the commonality of infection during childhood and early adulthood which spawn long-last antibody titers and historically unreliable direct molecular diagnostics. The current study employed a cross-sectional T. gondii perinatal surveillance study using digital PCR, a next generation molecular diagnostic platform, and a maternal-fetal outcomes survey to ascertain the risk of vertical toxoplasmosis transmission in the Western Region of El Salvador. Of 198 enrolled mothers at the time of childbirth, 6.6% had evidence of recent T. gondii infection-85% of these cases were identified using digital PCR. Neonates born to these acutely infected mothers were significantly more likely to meconium aspiration syndrome and mothers were more likely to experience labor and delivery complications. Multivariable logistic regression found higher maternal T. gondii infection odds were associated with the presence of pet cats, the definitive T. gondii host. In closing, this study provides evidence of maternal T. gondii infection, vertical transmission and deleterious fetal outcomes in a vulnerable population near the El Salvador-Guatemala border. Further, this is the first published study to show clinical utility potential of digital PCR for accurate diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K. Lynn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Xiomara Miranda
- Hospital Nacional “Dr Jorge Mazzini Villacorta”, Ministerio de Salud, Sonsonate, El Salvador
| | - David F. Torres-Romero
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Hanson Cowan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Madeleine M. Meyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Willber D. Castro-Godoy
- Health Research and Development Center (CENSALUD), University of El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Mufaro Kanyangarara
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stella C. W. Self
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Berry A. Campbell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Melissa S. Nolan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, United States of America
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Franco PS, Scussel ACMO, Silva RJ, Araújo TE, Gonzaga HT, Marcon CF, Brito-de-Sousa JP, Diniz ALD, Paschoini MC, Barbosa BF, Martins-Filho OA, Mineo JR, Ferro EAV, Gomes AO. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis Diagnosis: Advances and Challenges. J Trop Med 2024; 2024:1514178. [PMID: 38419946 PMCID: PMC10901580 DOI: 10.1155/2024/1514178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To understand how congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) diagnosis has evolved over the years, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the kind of analysis that has been employed for CT diagnosis. Methods PubMed and Lilacs databases were used in order to access the kind of analysis that has been employed for CT diagnosis in several samples. Our search combined the following combining terms: "congenital toxoplasmosis" or "gestational toxoplasmosis" and "diagnosis" and "blood," "serum," "amniotic fluid," "placenta," or "colostrum." We extracted data on true positive, true negative, false positive, and false negative to generate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Random-effects models using MetaDTA were used for analysis. Results Sixty-five articles were included in the study aiming for comparisons (75.4%), diagnosis performance (52.3%), diagnosis improvement (32.3%), or to distinguish acute/chronic infection phases (36.9%). Amniotic fluid (AF) and placenta were used in 36.9% and 10.8% of articles, respectively, targeting parasites and/or T. gondii DNA. Blood was used in 86% of articles for enzymatic assays. Colostrum was used in one article to search for antibodies. In meta-analysis, PCR in AF showed the best performance for CT diagnosis based on the highest summary sensitivity (85.1%) and specificity (99.7%) added to lower magnitude heterogeneity. Conclusion Most of the assays being researched to diagnose CT are basically the same traditional approaches available for clinical purposes. The range in diagnostic performance and the challenges imposed by CT diagnosis indicate the need to better explore pregnancy samples in search of new possibilities for diagnostic tools. Exploring immunological markers and using bioinformatics tools and T. gondii recombinant antigens should address the research needed for a new generation of diagnostic tools to face these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Silva Franco
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Rafaela José Silva
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Thadia Evelyn Araújo
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Henrique Tomaz Gonzaga
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Camila Ferreira Marcon
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino, 30, Nossa Sra. da Abadia 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Joaquim Pedro Brito-de-Sousa
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Angélica Lemos Debs Diniz
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Carvalho Paschoini
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino, 30, Nossa Sra. da Abadia 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Avenida Augusto de Lima, 1715, Barro Preto 30190-002, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida João Naves de Ávila 2121, Uberlândia, Santa Mônica 38408-100, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Rua Frei Paulino, 30, Nossa Sra. da Abadia 38025-180, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
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Gouda MA, AboShabaan HS, Abdelgawad AS, Abdel Wahed AS, A Abd El-Razik K, Elsaadawy Y, Abdel-Wahab AA, Hawash Y. Association between breakthrough infection with COVID-19 and Toxoplasma gondii: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17636. [PMID: 37848511 PMCID: PMC10582182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44616-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The breakthrough infection following COVID-19 vaccination has been a subject of concern recently. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccine efficacy diminishes over time due to multiple factors related to the host, and vaccine. Coinfection with other pathogens was claimed earlier as a contributing cause for this phenomenon. Hence, we aimed to stratify the association of post-COVID-19 vaccination breakthrough coinfection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and its impact on disease severity. This cross-sectional study included 330 COVID-19-vaccinated patients confirmed by RT-PCR. They were also screened for anti- T. gondii antibodies using ELISA. Toxoplasma seropositive cases' whole blood was screened for DNA using PCR to correlate results with COVID-19 severity. Out of 330 COVID-19 vaccinated patients with breakthrough infection, 34.5% (114 patients) showed positivity for Toxoplasma IgG by ELISA, and none of the cases was IgM positive. Eleven patients (9.6%) of the IgG-positive cases were positive by PCR. Positive PCR cases correlated positively with the Toxoplasma IgG titer (P < 0.001), and the Cutoff point was 191.5. Molecular analysis of Toxoplasma and COVID-19 severity showed that 8 (72.7%), 1 (9.1%), and 2 cases (18.2%) had mild, moderate, and severe courses of the disease, respectively, with no significant correlation. Our study reported a heightened prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis among mild cases of COVID-19 breakthrough infection. Nevertheless, a discernible correlation between latent toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 severity is lacking. Hence, implementing studies on a larger scale could provide a more comprehensive comprehension of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa A Gouda
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Hind S AboShabaan
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Abdelgawad
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Aliaa Sabry Abdel Wahed
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Khaled A Abd El-Razik
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yara Elsaadawy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Yousry Hawash
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
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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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Maisarah A, Mohamad S, Husain M, Abdullah S, Noordin R. Association between infection with Toxoplasma gondii and psychiatric disorders. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2022; 69. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2022.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Trotta M, Trotta A, Spataro E, Giache S, Borchi B, Zammarchi L, Campolmi I, Galli L, Pasquini L. Primary toxoplasmosis acquired during early pregnancy: Is it currently overestimated? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 267:285-289. [PMID: 34839251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.11.019] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Toxoplasmosis acquired in early pregnancy is a potentially severe complication for the fetus. Evaluating the risk of transplacental infection in pregnant women accessing the Tuscany Reference Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy during the last 20 years with suspected or confirmed toxoplasmosis acquired in early pregnancy was the aim of the study. STUDY DESIGN We retrospectively enrolled all pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis for toxoplasmosis acquired in the first 16 gestational weeks in the period 1999-2019, comparing patients with certain acute infection (seroconversion occurred in pregnancy, CAIP) with those with suspected acute infection (IgG positive with low/intermediate IgG avidity index, SAIP). RESULTS 237 patients were enrolled, 187 (78.9%) with SAIP and 50 (21.1%) with CAIP. Specific IgM was detected in 47.5% and 76.7% (p-value 0.001), and the mean IgG avidity index was 22.7% and 7.1% (p-value < 0.001) in the SAIP and in the CAIP group, respectively. The mean delay from diagnosis to antibiotic initiation was 14.6 in SAIP and 11 days in CAIP group. Toxoplasma DNA was detected in the amniotic fluid in one case in a patient with CAIP. Excluding 24 newborns with not available data, prevalence of congenital infection was 0.47% [1/213 (95% CI 0.08%-2.61%)], 0% [0/178 (95% CI 0%-2.11%)] in SAIP and 2.8% [1/35 (95% CI 0.51%-14.53%)] in CAIP group. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasmosis acquired in early pregnancy has a low risk of fetal infection. Actively discussing case-by-case amniocentesis indication with patients, especially when a recent toxoplasmosis is not properly confirmed, is desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Trotta
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Florence, Italy; Referral Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy of Tuscany, Florence, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Trotta
- School of Human Health Sciences, Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Spataro
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department for Women and Children Health, Careggi University and Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Susanna Giache
- Referral Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy of Tuscany, Florence, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Borchi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Florence, Italy; Referral Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy of Tuscany, Florence, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Zammarchi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Florence, Italy; Referral Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy of Tuscany, Florence, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Irene Campolmi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Careggi University and Hospital, Florence, Italy; Referral Center for Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy of Tuscany, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Galli
- Department of Health Sciences University of Florence, Paediatric Infectious Diseases Division, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Lucia Pasquini
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department for Women and Children Health, Careggi University and Hospital, Florence, Italy.
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Abdallah MC, Kamel M, Karima B, Samir A, Mohammed Hocine B, Djamel K, Rachid K, Khatima AO. First report of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) population in south East Algeria. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100475. [PMID: 33308754 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of toxoplasmosis due to T. gondii in dromedaries by the ELISA test and to identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was performed on 320 dromedaries (Camelus dromedaries) from January to March 2018 in four provinces of southeastern Algeria (Biskra, El- Oued, Ouargla, and Ghardaia). A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on individual characteristics, husbandry management and health conditions. The ELISA test revealed an overall seroprevalence of 15% (CI95%: 11.5-19.33). Possible factors associated with T. gondii infection were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Age, husbandry system, and study area were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Increased seropositivity was observed in old animals older than 10 years (OR = 2.81; CI: 1.51-3.87; p = 0.003), two times higher in animals living in the intensive husbandry system (OR = 2.42; CI: 1.3-3.07; p = 0.003), and four times higher in animals living in Biskra (OR = 4.2; CI: 1.21-9.85; p = 0.0001) than other provinces. The identification of the risk factors determines the type of measures and strategies to be applied to reduce, control and prevent T. gondii infection in dromedaries and thereby reducing human infection risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Cherif Abdallah
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. BP 161. Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Alger, Algeria
| | - Miroud Kamel
- Laboratoire « Epidémio-surveillance, santé, productions et reproduction, expérimentation et thérapie cellulaire des animaux domestiques et sauvages (ESSPRETCADS) », Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Chadli Bendjedid El-Tarf, Algeria
| | - Benfodil Karima
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. BP 161. Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Alger, Algeria
| | - Ansel Samir
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. BP 161. Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Alger, Algeria
| | - Benaissa Mohammed Hocine
- Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique sur les Régions Arides (CRSTRA), Touggourt, Algeria
| | - Khelef Djamel
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. BP 161. Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Alger, Algeria
| | - Kaidi Rachid
- Laboratoire des Biotechnologie et Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Blida, Algeria
| | - Ait-Oudhia Khatima
- Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. BP 161. Issad Abbes, Oued Smar, Alger, Algeria; Laboratoire des Biotechnologie et Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Blida, Algeria.
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Role of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Avidity Testing in Discriminating between Acute and Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.00505-20. [PMID: 32321784 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00505-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk of mother-to-child transmission of Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy is much greater in women who are exposed to primary T. gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) after conception compared to those who were exposed to the infection before conception. Therefore, laboratory tests that help classify recent primary toxoplasmosis are important tools for the management of pregnant women suspected to have T. gondii exposure. Detection of Toxoplasma IgM (Toxo IgM) is a sensitive indicator of primary toxoplasmosis, but the indicator specificity is low because sometimes natural IgM antibodies react with Toxoplasma antigens in the absence of the infection. Furthermore, Toxo IgM sometimes persists in blood serum for several months or years following the primary infection. In recent decades, Toxo IgG avidity assay has been used as a standard diagnostic technique for a better estimation of the infection acquisition time and identification of the primary T. gondii infection during pregnancy. Avidity is described as the aggregate strength; by which, a mixture of polyclonal IgG molecules reacts with multiple epitopes of the proteins. This parameter matures gradually within 6 months of the primary infection. A high Toxo IgG avidity index allows a recent infection (less than 4 months) to be excluded, whereas a low Toxo IgG avidity index indicates a probable recent infection with no exclusions of the older infections. This minireview is based on various aspects of T. gondii IgG avidity testing, including (i) description of avidity and basic methods used in primary studies on T. gondii IgG avidity and primary infections; (ii) importance of IgG avidity testing in pregnancy; (iii) result summary of the major studies on the use of T. gondii IgG avidity assay in pregnancy; (iv) brief explanation of the T. gondii IgG avidity values in newborns; (v) result summary of the major studies on T. gondii IgG avidity and PCR; (vi) discussion of commercially available T. gondii IgG avidity assays, including newer automated assays; and (vii) current issues and controversies in diagnosis of primary T. gondii infections in pregnancy.
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How to estimate time of infection with Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women. Use of specific IgG and IgM kinetics by 7 techniques on 691 sera. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 96:114987. [PMID: 32005405 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2020.114987] [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] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A difficulty when detecting both anti-Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG and IgM in pregnant women is estimating the date of infection. The aim of this study was to compare the anti-Toxoplasma-specific immunoglobulin kinetics of 7 serological techniques to date the infection and to draw kinetic curves that are easy to use on a daily basis. IgG and IgM antibodies were measured on 691 sera samples. IgM appeared a few days, less than 1 week, after the beginning of the infection. Then, the levels of IgM reached a peak at approximately 3, 4, and 5 weeks with Toxo-ISAGA® IgM, IgM homemade indirect immunofluorescence assays, and Vidas Toxo® IgM, respectively. Furthermore, the Architect Toxo® IgG titers were higher than those of the Vidas Toxo® IgG results in recent infection (less than 6 months). This study provides new average IgM and IgG curves that can help to determine the approximate date of infection.
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Abdallah MC, Kamel M, Karima B, Samir A, Djamel K, Rachid K, Khatima AO. Cross-Sectional Survey on Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Algeria: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors. Vet Sci 2019; 6:vetsci6030063. [PMID: 31295942 PMCID: PMC6789635 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6030063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the seroprevalence and identifying the risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in eight provinces located in two main Algerian agro-ecological zones was carried out from October 2015 to March 2018. Blood sera from 4074 animals of both sexes were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, using the indirect, enzyme-linked, immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). Moreover, to identify the potential risk factors of T. gondii infection, a survey through a breeders' questionnaires was conducted. Nearly one-fourth of the total number of animals tested (1024/4074)-i.e., 25.1%--were seropositive. The seroprevalence in cattle, sheep, and goats was 28.7%, 25.6%, and 11.9%, respectively. The area, sex, age, and herd size were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Higher seropositivity rates were recorded in cows and goats (odds ratio (OR) = 1.63 and 6.4), in old animals (cattle, OR = 2.1; sheep, OR = 1.9; and goat, OR = 3.9), and in small size herds (cattle, OR = 2.5; sheep, OR = 1.9; goat, OR = 2.2). In conclusion, there is widespread T. gondii infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in these two strategic agricultural areas. The identification of the risk factors determines the type of measures and strategies to be undertaken to reduce, control, and prevent T. gondii infection in domestic animals, and thereby reduce human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Cherif Abdallah
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Miroud Kamel
- Laboratoire Epidémio-surveillance, santé, productions et reproduction, expérimentation et thérapie cellulaire des animaux domestiques et sauvages (ESSPRETCADS), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Chadli Bendjedid El-Tarf, ElTarf 36000, Algeria
| | - Benfodil Karima
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Ansel Samir
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Khelef Djamel
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Kaidi Rachid
- Laboratoire Biotechnologie et Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Blida, Ouled Yaïch, Algeria
| | - Ait-Oudhia Khatima
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria.
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Abdallah MC, Kamel M, Karima B, Samir A, Djamel K, Rachid K, Khatima AO. Cross-Sectional Survey on Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Algeria: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors. Vet Sci 2019. [PMID: 31295942 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6030063.pmid:31295942;pmcid:pmc6789635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the seroprevalence and identifying the risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in eight provinces located in two main Algerian agro-ecological zones was carried out from October 2015 to March 2018. Blood sera from 4074 animals of both sexes were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, using the indirect, enzyme-linked, immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). Moreover, to identify the potential risk factors of T. gondii infection, a survey through a breeders' questionnaires was conducted. Nearly one-fourth of the total number of animals tested (1024/4074)-i.e., 25.1%--were seropositive. The seroprevalence in cattle, sheep, and goats was 28.7%, 25.6%, and 11.9%, respectively. The area, sex, age, and herd size were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Higher seropositivity rates were recorded in cows and goats (odds ratio (OR) = 1.63 and 6.4), in old animals (cattle, OR = 2.1; sheep, OR = 1.9; and goat, OR = 3.9), and in small size herds (cattle, OR = 2.5; sheep, OR = 1.9; goat, OR = 2.2). In conclusion, there is widespread T. gondii infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in these two strategic agricultural areas. The identification of the risk factors determines the type of measures and strategies to be undertaken to reduce, control, and prevent T. gondii infection in domestic animals, and thereby reduce human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Cherif Abdallah
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Miroud Kamel
- Laboratoire Epidémio-surveillance, santé, productions et reproduction, expérimentation et thérapie cellulaire des animaux domestiques et sauvages (ESSPRETCADS), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Chadli Bendjedid El-Tarf, ElTarf 36000, Algeria
| | - Benfodil Karima
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Ansel Samir
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Khelef Djamel
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Kaidi Rachid
- Laboratoire Biotechnologie et Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Blida, Ouled Yaïch, Algeria
| | - Ait-Oudhia Khatima
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria.
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Botein EF, Darwish A, El-Tantawy NL, El-Baz R, Eid MI, Shaltot AM. Serological and molecular screening of umbilical cord blood for Toxoplasma gondii infection. Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 21:e13117. [PMID: 31102567 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human umbilical cord blood has proven to be a successful alternate source of hematopoietic stem cells for pediatric patients with major hematologic disorders. Toxoplasma gondii is a global opportunistic protozoan which cause fatal complications in immunocompromised individuals. AIM Our goal is to study the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in umbilical cord blood (UCB) and to assess the sensitivity of ELISA and PCR for Toxoplasma infection screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred cord blood samples were collected immediately after delivery. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were determined using ELISA method; Toxoplasma DNA was detected using nested PCR technique. Total nucleated cells (TNC) and HB were also determined. Demographic data and risk factors data related to the transmission of toxoplasmosis, were collected from mothers. RESULTS Among 100 cord blood samples, 36 (36%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and 6 (6%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. The nested PCR showed 11 (11%) samples containing Toxoplasma DNA from which, 6 (55%) samples were IgM positive. There was no significant association between the risk of Toxoplasma transmission and cord blood positivity for toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSION Owing to the prevalence of toxoplasmosis, its rapid progression and its fatal outcome in immunocompromised patients, cord blood screening for toxoplasmosis with nested PCR should be incorporated into cord blood bank screening protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman F Botein
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Unit, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Darwish
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Unit, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nora L El-Tantawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Rizk El-Baz
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Genetics Unit, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed I Eid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ali M Shaltot
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Genetics Unit, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Rouatbi M, Amairia S, Amdouni Y, Boussaadoun MA, Ayadi O, Al-Hosary AAT, Rekik M, Ben Abdallah R, Aoun K, Darghouth MA, Wieland B, Gharbi M. Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in North Africa: a review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:6. [PMID: 30767889 PMCID: PMC6376878 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. The disease is distributed worldwide and can affect all warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. The present review aimed to collect, compile and summarize the data on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in humans and animals in the five North African countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt). Published data from national and international databases were used. Distribution patterns and risk factors for T. gondii infection are discussed, focusing on biotic and abiotic factors. This review is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of T. gondii infection in North Africa and will therefore be a useful tool for researchers. It can also be used to propose or enhance appropriate national toxoplasmosis control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem Rouatbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Safa Amairia
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Anis Boussaadoun
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Ouarda Ayadi
- Université des Frères Mentouri, Constantine 1, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Route de Batna, El Khroub 25100, Constantine, Algérie
| | - Amira Adel Taha Al-Hosary
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 71526 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box, 950764 Amman 11195, Jordan
| | - Rym Ben Abdallah
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, BPO 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Karim Aoun
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, BPO 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Barbara Wieland
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Tumwine JK. Sexuality, mother-child health and infectious diseases. Afr Health Sci 2017; 17:i-iii. [PMID: 29085424 PMCID: PMC5656189 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v17i3.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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