anti-Toxoplasma Antibodies Research Articles

Dissemination of 14bp deletion/insertion gene polymorphism of Human Leukocyte Antigen class I (G) with recurrent Spontaneous abortion in Baghdad

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a surprisingly common occurrence in various populations, risk factors associated with pregnancy losses are largely variable and often changes among different communities. This study was designed to determine the possible association between HLA-G 14bp insertion/deletion gene polymorphism with recurrent spontaneous abortion. Peripheral blood was collected from 210 women (180 women with recurrent abortion three or more abortions and 30 women with normal pregnancy to three or more birth and without any previous abortion) in the first trimester. Based on clinical examination and diagnostic laboratory findings of ELISA for TORCH test were selected ninety from 180 women with recurrent abortion in the current study were divided into three groups: group one included 30 women with recurrent abortion with sero-negative for TORCH test, group two also 30 women with recurrent abortion with ser-positive for anti-toxoplasma antibodies, while control group included 30 women with a healthy pregnancy. In the current study not found any significant alteration between heterozygous and homozygous amongst three groups, also not found any implication between recurrent abortion and healthy pregnant in the field of alleles (+14bp insertion or -14bp deletion). The genotyping and alleles of HLA-G 14bp (insertion/deletion) were not give in to the hypothesis of connotation between HLA-G and recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Molecular genotyping and serological evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii in mothers and their spontaneous aborted fetuses in Southwest of Iran

BackgroundGiven the lack of routine screening and the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Iran, the current study aimed to find out the rate and features of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the spontaneously aborted human fetuses in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwestern Iran. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 100 spontaneously aborted fetuses’ tissues and their mother blood samples. The mothers’ sera were evaluated for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies while their buffy coat and aborted fetuses tissues were evaluated for Toxoplasma DNA. PCR product at GRA6 locus was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was done. Likewise, quantitative Real-Time PCR was performed to find out the parasite burdens in mothers buffy coat and fetuses tissues. ResultsUsing serological method, anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 7 (7%) and 3 (3%) out of 100 sera from women with spontaneous abortion. Real-time PCR method detected T. gondii DNA in the buffy coat of one seronegative and 2 (out of 3) IgM seropositive cases. None of the samples from aborted fetuses were infected with T. gondii. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequenced isolates belonged to type I of T. gondii and two identified T. gondii isolates were taxonomically grouped into one clade. ConclusionOur findings revealed type I genotype of T. gondii in two mothers with spontaneous abortion, without fetus involvement. It is necessary to examine more aborted fetuses’ samples from different geographical areas to determine the association between Toxoplasma genotype and abortion.

Sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors among psychiatric outpatients attending University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundToxoplasmosis is caused by an obligatory intracellular coccidian protozoan organism, Toxoplasma gondii. It has a worldwide distribution, affecting one-third of the world population. Psychiatric patients have a higher risk of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii infection due to lack of good personal hygiene. The burden of toxoplasmosis among psychiatric patients in Ethiopia has not been studied extensively. Thus, the study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors among psychiatric outpatients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital Psychiatric clinic.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital from February to May 2018. Venous blood was collected from 304 study participants (152 psychiatric outpatients and 152 control groups). Anti-toxoplasma antibodies were determined using Onsite Toxo immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) Rapid Test. A Chi-square test was carried out to compare the two groups and a logistic regression analysis was conducted to check the association between variables. P-value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.ResultsThe seroprevalence rate of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies was 33.6, and 16.4% in the psychiatric outpatients and the control samples, respectively. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM sero-prevalence was 1.3% in the former patients and 3.9% in the latter group. Owing cat (AOR = 2.862 95% CI = 1.445–5.666 P = 0.003), cleaning cat excreta (AOR = 2.966 95% CI = 1.317–2.652 P = 0.007), and farming (AOR = 2.058 95% CI = 1.018–4.163 P = 0.045) were found to be significantly associated with the sero-prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody.ConclusionsThis study highlighted that, the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies was significantly higher in psychiatric outpatients than the control group (p = 0.001). Cat ownership, cleaning of cat excreta, and farming were found to be statistically significantly associated with the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis at a Tertiary Care Centre in North India from 2004 to 2014

AbstractPurpose: This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in different groups of patients at a tertiary care hospital in North India. Materials and Methods: Clinical and demographic data such as age and gender of patients who had undergone testing for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies between January 2004 and October 2014 were retrospectively analysed. Results: Amongst the 8397 serum samples, an overall seropositivity of 21% (n = 1763) and IgG and IgM seropositivity of 5.7% (n = 481) and 15.3% (n = 1282) were respectively observed. Compared to the period of 2004–2012 (median seroprevalence: 23.6%), a decline in seropositivity to 9.7% in 2013 and 8.1% in 2014 was noted. A rising seroprevalence with age and a higher seroprevalence in females versus males (29.5%, n = 1179 vs. 13.3%, n = 584) were recorded. The highest seroprevalence was observed in suspected ocular toxoplasmosis (47.2%, n = 47), followed by neurological (26.8%, n = 77), human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (18.9%, n = 267), post-transplant (17.1%, n = 12) and congenital (7.2%, n = 144) toxoplasmosis. In patients screened for Toxoplasma exposure, the seropositivity was 47.8% (n = 11) in transplant screening and 44.9% (n = 781) in antenatal screening. Conclusion:Toxoplasma infection is highly prevalent in the population of North India across various clinical categories of patients. Future studies focusing on continuous monitoring of seroprevalence trends and elucidation of the risk factors associated with seropositivity in more defined groups of patients are needed.

Anti-Toxoplasma, Anti-rubella, and Anti-cytomegalovirus Antibodies in Dumpsite Workers of Erbil Governorate

The present study aimed to detect the presence of anti-Toxoplasma, anti-rubella, and anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies in the sera of dumpsite workers of Erbil Governorate. Eighty nine male dumpsite (Kany Qrzhala, Erbil Governorate) workers were included in this study. Serum was obtained for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma, anti-rubella, and anti-CMV antibodies using an automated cobas e411 immunoassay analyzer. No anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies were detected in any of the workers’ sera, while (25.84%) showed a positive result for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. All workers’ sera had no anti-rubella IgM and IgG2 antibodies, while (62.92%) of them revealed the presence of IgG1 in their sera. Anti-CMV IgM was found in (2.25%) of the sera, while (13.50%) of the sera revealed the presence of anti-CMV IgG antibodies.

The first study on the usefulness of recombinant tetravalent chimeric proteins containing fragments of SAG2, GRA1, ROP1 and AMA1 antigens in the detection of specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in mouse and human sera.

This study presents an evaluation of four tetravalent recombinant chimeric proteins containing fragments of the Toxoplasma gondii antigens, SAG2, GRA1, ROP1 and AMA1, as potential replacements of a the soluble, whole-cell tachyzoite lysate (TLA) used in serological assays. Recombinant chimeric proteins (SAG2-GRA1-ROP1-AMA1N, AMA1N-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1, AMA1C-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1, and AMA1-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1) obtained by genetic engineering were tested for their reactivity with specific IgM and IgG antibodies from sera of experimentally infected mice and humans with T. gondii infection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In total 192 serum samples from patients with acquired T. gondii infection and 137 sera from seronegative individuals were examined. The reactivity of chimeric antigens with antibodies generated during T. gondii invasion was measured and compared to the results obtained in assays based on whole-cell Toxoplasma antigen. Chimeric proteins proved effective in differentiation between T. gondii-infected and uninfected individuals (100% sensitivity and specificity in the IgG ELISAs) which shows their potential usefulness as a replacements for TLA in standardized commercial tests for the serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis. In addition, the chimeric proteins were tested for use in avidity determination. Obtained results were comparable to those of the corresponding commercial assays, suggesting the utility of these proteins for avidity assessment. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that the AMA1-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1 chimeric protein has the potential to distinguish specific antibodies from serum samples of individuals with the early and chronic phase of T. gondii infection.

Serological and molecular screening of umbilical cord blood for Toxoplasma gondii infection.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Serological survey for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sheep of northeastern Algeria

Although T. gondii is of considerable both public and veterinary importance worldwide, studies on its existence in sheep in Algeria, either through serology and or parasitology is scarce. To this end, a cross-sectional study was carried out in Tébessa, an Algerian eastern province, to, firstly, investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep and, secondly, determine the potential risk factors that may be associated with seropositivity. A total of 376 serum samples from 39 flocks, collected between September 2015 and October 2017, were tested for anti-T.gondii antibodies via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). A T. gondii seroprevalence of 35.37% (95% CI 30.54-40.21%) was recorded, and 84.61% (95% CI 73.29-95.94%) of the flocks sampled had, at least, one seropositive animal. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that abortion during the latest pregnancy (OR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.02-2.44; p =0.05), presence of goats in sheep flocks (OR = 1.76; 95% CI 1.04-2.98; p =0.037), and the sampling period were the variables significantly associated with seropositivity. The present study reports, for the first time in this part of Algeria, the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and bears out the highly dissemination capacity of the parasite. This is of a great importance for veterinarians in charge of veterinary public health, veterinary practitioners, and breeders in order to improve the control and prophylactic measures of toxoplasmosis. Nevertheless, further study should be conducted to explore the impact of the parasite on public and animal health.

Socio-demographic and Obstetric Variations of T. gondii and HIV-1 Co-infection among Pregnant Women in Cameroon

Aim: This study, aimed to identify the seroprevalence of T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection in pregnant women in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.
 Study Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 606 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in the Northwest region of Cameroon.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Bamenda Regional Hospital from May 2017 to December 2017.
 Methodology: Venous blood samples were collected for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using rapid test kits while HIV was determine using Alere Determine™HIV-1/2 test kit and OraQuick HIV 1/2 Rapid Antibody Test kit for confirmation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 statistical package. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
 Results: The mean (SD) age was 27.3 (5.3) years. The prevalence of T. gondii and HIV-1 was 139 (22.9%) and 70(11.6%) respectively, while that of T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection was 31(5.1%). With the exception of age group and gestational age that was significant (p<0.05) for HIV, socio-demographic and obstetrical characteristics of T. gondii, HIV-1 and T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection prevalence did not show any significant differences (p>0.05).
 Conclusions: The high prevalence of T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection seen in this study demonstrates the need for routine antenatal screening for both infections. In addition, data from this study will be useful in designing control and prevention strategies against these diseases. Furthermore, the result will also be used as baseline data for further research on T. gondii and HIV-1 co-infection.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis and associated risk factors in pregnant women at the Protestant Hospital, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a common worldwide infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii . In Cameroon, several recent studies have reported high seroprevalence of this parasitosis in various hospitals (Douala, Limbe, Njinikom and Yaounde). The aim of this study was to determine whether this high prevalence of toxoplasmosis might occur in other regions of the country. Methodology: Serological tests by the indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for IgG and IgM were carried out on 200 pregnant women (36 HIV-positive and 164 HIV-negative) at the Protestant Hospital of Mbouo-Bandjoun in western Cameroon to determine the presence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and to identify the risk factors associated with seropositivity of the subjects. Results: The overall seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies was 45.5%. The prevalence rate was 80.5% in the HIV-positive group (47.2% IgG, 22.2% IgM and 11.1% IgG + IgM) and 37.8% in the HIV-negative group (25.6%, 9.7% and 2.4% respectively). Using a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the secondary level of educational, presence of HIV infection, and frequency of close contacts with cats were significantly associated with the prevalence of IgG and/or IgM antibodies. Conclusion: Compared with previous reports of human toxoplasmosis in Cameroon, the prevalence in our study showed a decrease in the disease occurrence. Further studies are needed to determine whether this decrease is localised to our study or a general phenomenon currently affecting the country. Keywords: Cameroon, IgG, IgM, pregnant women, seroprevalence, Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Relation to Pregnancy Characteristics and Bad Obstetric History among Pregnant Women Seeking Healthcare in Sana’a City, Yemen

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women seeking healthcare in Sana’a city in relation to pregnancy characteristics and bad obstetric history (BOH).
 Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 pregnant women seeking healthcare in Sana’a city. Data on socioeconomic and pregnancy characteristics, BOH and possible risk factors associated with T. gondii infection were collected using a structured, pre-designed questionnaire. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were detected using OnSiteTM Combo tests. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics using appropriate statistical tests, and a bivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the risk factors possibly associated with T. gondii infection among pregnant women. Differences or associations between categorical variables were considered statistically significant at P values <0.05.
 Results: T. gondii infection was seroprevalent among 18.7% of pregnant women seeking healthcare in Sana’a. Educational status and household size were the sociodemographic factors significantly associated with anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity. Illiterate women were at fourfold higher risk of infection compared to those with higher education (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.69–9.25; P = 0.002). Although those with school education were twice more likely to be infected with T. gondii compared to those with higher education, the association was on the borderline (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 0.98–4.06; P = 0.055). On the other hand, pregnant women living in households of ≥5 members were 1.7 times more likely to be infected (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.03–2.95; P = 0.026). Regarding the BOH among pregnant women, past exposure to infection was significantly associated with premature delivery (P = 0.004) and history of fetal deaths (P = 0.004). Drinking unboiled water (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.55–8.07; P = 0.192) and frequent blood transfusion (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.50–6.1; P = 0.288) increased the odds of exposure of pregnant women to infection, but the associations were not statistically significant. On the other hand, other studied factors were not significantly associated with past exposure to infection.
 Conclusions: The majority (>80.0%) of pregnant women seeking healthcare in Sana’a city are non-immune to primary infection with T. gondii during pregnancy as evidenced by their seronegative status, where only 18.7% of them were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. Higher infection rates were significantly associated with being illiterate and living within households of ≥5 members. With respect to self-reported BOH, T. gondii infection was significantly associated with premature delivery and history of fetal deaths. Drinking unboiled water and frequent blood transfusions increased the odds of exposure of pregnant women to infection, though not reaching statistical significance. Further large-scale community-based studies are recommended to determine the risk factors associated with pregnancy characteristics and BOH among pregnant women in the country.

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Relation to Pregnancy Characteristics and Bad Obstetric History among Pregnant Women Seeking Healthcare in Sana’a City, Yemen

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women seeking healthcare in Sana’a city in relation to pregnancy characteristics and bad obstetric history (BOH).
 Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 pregnant women seeking healthcare in Sana’a city. Data on socioeconomic and pregnancy characteristics, BOH and possible risk factors associated with T. gondii infection were collected using a structured, pre-designed questionnaire. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were detected using OnSiteTM Combo tests. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics using appropriate statistical tests, and a bivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the risk factors possibly associated with T. gondii infection among pregnant women. Differences or associations between categorical variables were considered statistically significant at P values <0.05.
 Results: T. gondii infection was seroprevalent among 18.7% of pregnant women seeking healthcare in Sana’a. Educational status and household size were the sociodemographic factors significantly associated with anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity. Illiterate women were at fourfold higher risk of infection compared to those with higher education (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.69–9.25; P = 0.002). Although those with school education were twice more likely to be infected with T. gondii compared to those with higher education, the association was on the borderline (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 0.98–4.06; P = 0.055). On the other hand, pregnant women living in households of ≥5 members were 1.7 times more likely to be infected (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.03–2.95; P = 0.026). Regarding the BOH among pregnant women, past exposure to infection was significantly associated with premature delivery (P = 0.004) and history of fetal deaths (P = 0.004). Drinking unboiled water (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 0.55–8.07; P = 0.192) and frequent blood transfusion (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 0.50–6.1; P = 0.288) increased the odds of exposure of pregnant women to infection, but the associations were not statistically significant. On the other hand, other studied factors were not significantly associated with past exposure to infection.
 Conclusions: The majority (>80.0%) of pregnant women seeking healthcare in Sana’a city are non-immune to primary infection with T. gondii during pregnancy as evidenced by their seronegative status, where only 18.7% of them were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. Higher infection rates were significantly associated with being illiterate and living within households of ≥5 members. With respect to self-reported BOH, T. gondii infection was significantly associated with premature delivery and history of fetal deaths. Drinking unboiled water and frequent blood transfusions increased the odds of exposure of pregnant women to infection, though not reaching statistical significance. Further large-scale community-based studies are recommended to determine the risk factors associated with pregnancy characteristics and BOH among pregnant women in the country.

Serological and Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Thalassemia Patients

This study aimed to the serological and molecular diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infections and related risk factors in patients with thalassemia major and healthy controls. This case-control study was performed in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, west of Iran from Jan 2014 to Jan 2015. Overall, 235 patients with thalassemia major and 235 healthy controls were enrolled. Assessment of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in sera samples was performed using commercial ELISA kits. In order to the molecular investigate of T. gondii in blood samples, a relatively new molecular assay, LAMP technique based on Toxoplasma SAG1 gene was conducted for the first time. The specificity of LAMP outer primers for the T. gondii detection was confirmed by sequencing the purified PCR product. 51.9% of thalassemia patients and 34.8% of healthy controls were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, which the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). In terms of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody, 3.4% of thalassemia patients and 2.1% of healthy individuals were positive, which the difference was not statistically significant (P=1). Based on SAG1-LAMP, 9.78% of the thalassemia patients and 5.95% of healthy controls were positive for T. gondii DNA, which the difference was not statistically significant (P≤0.230). Thalassemia patients, probably due to repeated blood transfusion and consequently, immune deficiency, are at risk of transmitting Toxoplasma infection more than healthy people. Therefore, screening of Toxoplasma infection in blood transfusion centers may be effective in the prevention of toxoplasmosis in these patients.

Kars’ta Evde Bakılan Kedilerde Toxoplasma gondii’nin Yaygınlığı

This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pet cats in the Kars province. Overall 100 pet cats, including 52 females and 48 males, which were aged 1-6 years and were of various breeds, constituted the material of the study. Sera, extracted from 5 mL blood samples taken from each cat, were assayed for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using the Sabin-Feldman Dye Test. Out of the 100 cats tested for T. gondii antibodies, 65 (65%) were determined to have an antibody titre of 1/16 and higher, and were considered to be seropositive. Out of the 100 cats, 35 (35%) were determined to have an antibody titre below 1/16 and were considered to be seronegative. The assessment of the rate of seropositivity for age and sex demonstrated that the differences between the age groups were statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Of the seropositive cats, 43 had an antibody titre of 1/16, 19 had an antibody titre of 1/64, and 3 had an antibody titre of 1/256. In result, this study demonstrated that the prevalence of T. gondii was 65% in pet cats in the Kars province. This high prevalence was attributed to the majority of the pet cats being adopted stray cats. On the basis of the results obtained, it was concluded that the necessary public health measures should be taken and further more detailed research should be conducted on toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma gondii in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: seroprevalence and interferon gamma level.

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasite causing life-threatening diseases in immune-compromised patients. The purpose of the study is to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in chemotherapy receiving cancer patients in relation to different types of malignancies, and to estimate the level of interferon gamma in Toxoplasma seropositive and seronegative cancer patients and healthy controls. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, and interferon gamma were analyzed in 120 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (60 having hematological malignancies and 60 with solid organ tumors) and 60 healthy controls using ELISA method. Toxoplasma (IgG and IgM) were determined in (66.7% and 9.2%) of the cancer group compared to (33.3% and 6.7%) of the control group with statistical significance only in IgG seropositivity (p < 0.001, OR = 4). Patients with hematological malignancies had higher IgG seropositivity than solid organ tumors (40% vs 26.7%). The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.002, OR = 3.5). Median level of interferon gamma was in the same range between cancer patients and control group. However, it was highly elevated in Toxoplasma seropositive (76pg/ml) than seronegative (44.5pg/ml) cases with statistical significance (p < 0.001). T. gondii infection remains a major threat to cancer patients and still needs proper screening, diagnosis and treatment.

&lt;i&gt;Toxoplasma gondii&lt;/i&gt; molecular and immunological identification and risk factors associated with infection in chicken slaughtered at Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil

This study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the serum of slaughtered chickens in the region of Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to detect the parasite in tissues (heart and brain) of serologically positive chickens, based on molecular analysis, and to investigate risk variables associated with the infection. Sera from 417 chickens raised in extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive production systems were tested by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and indirect hemagglutination antibody test (IHA). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect T. gondii DNA in brain and heart tissues. Antibody anti-T. gondii were found in 37.65% (157/417) of chickens by IFAT, and in 75.06% (313/417) by IHA. The Kappa index showed a weak concordance between the techniques (0.087). Association was observed between seropositivity and the variables, age (p &lt; 0.0001), type of feeding (p &lt; 0.0001) and collective raising with other animal’s species (p &lt; 0.0001). Association, based on IFAT, was not observed between seropositivity and the variables, sex (p = 0.0526), presence of cats (p &gt; 0.9999), and presence of rats (p &gt; 0.9999). Presence of parasite DNA was detected in brain samples from two chickens, which were raised in intensive and semi-intensive production systems. The results suggest the meat of these slaughtered animals may serve as a transmission source of this protozoan to humans.

Investigation of Anti-&lt;i&gt;Toxoplasma gondii&lt;/i&gt; Antibodies in Cats Using Sabin- Feldman Dye Test in Ankara in 2016

Toxoplasmosis, in which obligate intracellular protozoa Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is the causative organism, is a multisystemic disease that can be seen all over the world and can impair all vertebrates. The only hosts known for T.gondii are members of Felidae family. Our study aimed to determine anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies with Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (SFDT) in cats in Ankara. It’s aimed to evaluate the current situation in terms of Toxoplasmosis spread by comparing our findings with previous studies in the same region. Rh strain of Toxoplasma used in our study is maintained in our laboratory. SFDT is still accepted as the gold standard. Material of the study was obtained by taking blood samples from cats who were admitted to the clinics between March 2016 and October 2016 in Ankara. Blood samples were inactivated and measurements were done with SFDT 1/4, 1/16, 1/64, 1/256, 1/1024 titers. SFDT resulted positive in 56 (43.4%) cats at a dilution of 1/16, in 7 (5.4%) cats at a dilution of 1/64, in 23 (17.8%) cats at a dilution of 1/256 and negative in 43 (33.3%) cats. Comparison of demographic data with SFDT results showed that positive test results did not differ according to gender and age (P=0.803 and P=0.991, respectively). Seropositivity was higher in stray cats than house cats (P<0.001). Test results were negative in the cats that fed only by commercial dry food (P<0.001). Positivity in hunter cats was more than in non-hunters (P<0.001). Seropositivity was detected in 66.6% of the cats, which was quite a high rate. As a result, taking precautions in terms of Toxoplasma for stray cats that are hunting and feeding naturally is a necessity for public health.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection Among Β-Thalassemia Major Pediatric Population: Implications for Transfusion Transmissible Toxoplasmosis.

Children with β-thalassemia major who regularly receive blood transfusion are at risk of developing transfusion-transmitted infection. Toxoplasmosis is a common and a serious parasitic disease with high prevalence and could be transmitted through blood transfusion from healthy asymptomatic donors. However, screening Toxoplasma gondii before blood donation has not been considered. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies among thalassemia children undergoing blood transfusion. In a case-control study, serum samples from 211 thalassemia children and 100 control children were investigated for Toxoplasma IgM and IgG using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positive serum samples for IgG antibodies to T. gondii were further subjected to IgG avidity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection among thalassemia children was 23.2% and 53.6% for IgM and IgG anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, respectively. Whereas in the control group, the prevalence was 5% and 18% for IgM and IgG anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, respectively. There is a significant statistical difference between thalassemia and control groups regarding the prevalence of toxoplasmosis. From these positive IgG samples, 65.5% have low avidity indicating recent infection while 38.73% have high avidity indicating past infection. Due to the high serologic infection rate of toxoplasmosis among thalassemia pediatric population in this study with no existing effective therapies and no available T. gondii vaccine, appropriate strategies are critical for reducing the risk of that infection. Screening of blood for T. gondii antibodies should be considered before transmission to those children especially in countries with a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis.

Maternal Immune Response During Pregnancy and Vertical Transmission in Human Toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis distributed worldwide, caused by the ingestion of contaminated water/food with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. If a pregnant woman is infected with this parasite, it may be transmitted to the fetus and produce ocular, neurological, or systemic damage with variable severity. The strength and profile of mother's immune response have been suggested as important factors involved in vertical transmission rate and severity of clinical outcome in the congenitally infected fetus. The aim of this work was to evaluate a possible relation between the mother's immune response during pregnancy and congenital transmission to the fetus. We obtained peripheral blood from T. gondii infected pregnant woman and tested it for anti T. gondii (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, and IgA) in serum. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated to analyze the in vitro effect of soluble T. gondii antigens on proliferation and production of cytokines. We found that IgG2-4 and IgA antibodies and lymphocytes proliferation, especially CD4+, CD8+, and CD19+ were positive in a higher proportion of cases in transmitter than in non-transmitter women. Furthermore, IgG2-3 and IgA anti-Toxoplasma antibody levels were higher in those mothers who transmitted the infection than in those who did not. Interestingly, a higher proportion of positive cases to IFN-γ and negatives to the immunoregulatory cytokine TGF-β, were related to T. gondii vertical transmission. Our descriptive results are consistent with the paradoxical previous observations in murine models of congenital toxoplasmosis, which suggest that an increased immune response that protects the mothers from a disseminated or severe disease, and should protect the fetus from infection, is positively related to parasite transmission.

Significance of Specific Immunoglobulins Determined by the Chemiluminescence Reaction in Intrauterine Maternal-fetal Infections of TORCH Syndrome

Because the TORCH Syndrome groups infectious agents which cross the placenta during pregnancy and due to that cause the majority of malformative fetopaties, our porpose was to determin specific IgG and IgM antibodies for Cytomegalovirus, Rubella virus and Toxoplasma gondii. We studied 95 serum samples from 93 pregnant females and 2 cilds, being analyzed by a private laboratory in Timisoara between july 2015 � june 2016. Specific antibodies IgG and IgM were found for Rubella virus in 75 of the samples, for Cytomegalovirus in 82 and for toxoplasmosis 92. In this process of determination we used Access 2 (Beckman Coulter) and Immulite 1000 (Siemens) analysers, which use the chemiluminescence reaction. For 72 cases (77.42%) specific antibodies for all tests of the TORCH complex were performed. From all the patients 11 chosed to determine antibodies just for one of the infections of the TORCH Syndrome and 10 patients asked for determining of specific antibodies for two infections of the TORCH Syndrome. 53 (64.63%) of the 82 patients tested for anti-CMV IgG specific antibodies had positive result, which signifies former presence of CMV. 64 (85.33%) of the 75 patients tested for anti-rubella specific antibodies had an IgG positive result. Interpreting of results took in counter the vaccinal status. 6 patients (8%) did not contact the Rubella virus and did were not vaccinated. The level of specific IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was positive for 2 (2.17%) patients of 92. IgM specific antibody test was negative. In pregnant women TORCH Syndrome diagnosis is a must, especially if the medical abortion is the correct decision. Identifyeing infectious agents implicated in TORCH Syndrome can lead to an important decrease of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.