anti-Toxoplasma Antibodies Research Articles

Association between anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar in patients hospitalized in the psychiatric ward

Background Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular parasite and is a worldwide disease. In laboratory, the parasites that cause the disease increases levels of dopamine in the brain tissue of treated mice. The evidence showed that dopamine releasing in the nucleus accumbens by activating the retro hippocampal region can disrupt the fornix section of brain as evolve to develop a psychosis in human. Methods This retrospective case-control study was conducted in patients with schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar referred to psychiatric clinic in Amir Kabir hospital, Arak. After psychiatric diagnosis of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, 2ml of blood samples were acquired from 76 patients and 75 controls without any psychotic illness or bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses with safety issues. The serum of samples was separated in laboratory and was kept until the time of testing at -20 degrees C. After collecting all the samples; Anti-Toxoplasma IgG on the case and control samples were analysed by ELISA. Results were analysed by SPSS software version 16 and were calculated by chi 2 tests. Results 55.26 per cent of patients (42 persons) were infected with Toxoplasma gondii and in the control group 36 per cent (27 patients) were infected, that the different between them was significant (p<0/05). Toxoplasmosis in psychotic men was more than psychotic women significantly (p<0/05). Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with schizophrenia with psychotic bipolar patients showed no significant difference. Conclusion Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder showed significantly higher rate than healthy people against Toxoplasma gondii infection. Whether prevention of infection with these parasites is effective in reducing the risk of psychosis requires further investigation.

The Prevalence of Toxoplasma IgG Antibody in a Selected Population of Northern Italian Region

Toxoplasmosis is a common zoonosis in humans and is still a serious problem for pregnant women also in western industrialized countries. The infection may be acquired or congenital and in pregnant women, may be transferred to the fetus causing miscarriage or congenital malformations. In Italy, a nationwide epidemiological surveillance system for Toxoplasmosis is still lacking. Aim of the present study is an assessment of the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies IgG in a Northern Italian region. We have performed a retrospective study in which we analyzed 16937 samples (16.118 female, 819 male all in fertile period). All samples were analyzed using Toxo IgG Architect®, for the quantitative determination of IgG antibodies in human serum or plasma. The data were classified following manufacturer’s guide (<1.6 IU/mL negative; ≥ 1.6 <6 IU/mL as doubt immunity; and ≥ 6.0 IU/mL immunity). Using these cut-offs we reported 14967 women (93%) and 455 men (55.6%) susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii infection for a total of 15422 persons (90.2%). Our data showed that the level of attention for the possible infection in pregnant women should not be lowered, to avoid possible malformations of the foetus. An active screening for Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy should be introduced, but we also suggest introducing pre-pregnancy controls to closely assess the susceptibility and to exclude the immune women in further retest.

Toxoplasma gondiiInfection and Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder: A Case-Control Seroprevalence Study in Durango, Mexico

BackgroundThe parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) may invade the brain and might induce behavioral changes. We sought to determine the association of T. gondii infection and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder.MethodsThrough an age- and gender-matched case-control seroprevalence study, we examined 65 patients suffering from mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (WHO ICD-10 code: F41.2) attending in a public hospital of mental health and 260 control subjects without this disorder from the general population. Sera of participants were analyzed for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassays.ResultsFifteen (23.1%) of the 65 patients and 18 (6.9%) of the 260 controls had anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies (odds ratio (OR): 4.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.90 - 8.53; P < 0.001). The frequency of high (> 150 IU/mL) anti-T. gondii IgG levels was similar in cases and controls (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.05 - 1.06; P = 0.05). Seroprevalence was similar in male cases and controls (P = 1.0); however, seroprevalence was significantly higher in female cases than in female controls (OR: 7.08; 95% CI: 2.83 - 17.67; P < 0.00001). Patients aged 31 - 50 years old had a significantly higher seroprevalence of T. gondii infection than controls of the same age group (OR: 21.04; 95% CI: 5.22 - 84.80; P < 0.00001). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in four (26.7%) of the 15 anti-T. gondii IgG seropositive cases and in 10 (55.6%) of the 18 anti-T. gondii IgG seropositive controls (P = 0.15).ConclusionsResults support for the first time an association between seropositivity to T. gondii and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. Further research to confirm this association and to determine the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in patients with this disorder is needed.

The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in stutterers is higher than in the control group.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908) and stuttering. We investigated the seropositivity rate for anti-T. gondii IgG and antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in stuttering children to ascertain a possible relationship between T. gondii infection and stuttering. We selected 65 stuttering children and 65 control children (non-stutterers) to investigate the seropositivity rate of anti-T. gondii antibodies by ELISA. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and scalp electroencephalography (EEG) were also performed in stuttering children. The seropositivity rate of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies among stuttering children (28%) was significantly higher than in control group (5%; p = 0.001). No abnormality was detected in cranial MRI's of stutttering children and their EEG recordings were also normal. There was no significant difference in seropositivity rate regarding age, genders and residence area. The association between seroprevalence of infection with T. gondii and stuttering may be due to hyperdopaminergic state in brains of patients who are T. gondii-seropositive. Thus, there might be a causal relationship between toxoplasmosis and stuttering.

Clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemistry characterization of toxoplasmosis in dogs with distemper in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemistry characteristics of five cases of toxoplasmosis, an infection often associated with distemper in dogs. From January 2000 to December 2012, a retrospective study was performed analyzed dogs with distemper in the semiarid region of Paraíba. We evaluated this sample to focus on individuals who presented with concomitant structures in protozoa characteristics, and performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests using polyclonal anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody. In all cases, the clinical signs were similar including digestive changes, as well as respiratory, neurological, and ocular lesions, suggesting an infection of canine distemper virus. The diagnosis of distemper was confirmed on histopathological analysis depending on the presence of intranuclear and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies in different tissues. Histopathological examination also revealed the characteristic presence of parasitic cysts T. gondii in the brain in four cases, and in the lung in one case. The brain cysts were associated with multifocal areas of malacia and lung there was alveolar septa thickening due to infiltration of macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells, with moderate proliferation of type II pneumocytes and coalescing multifocal areas of necrosis. These cysts are characterized by round and strongly basophilic structures, measuring approximately 5 to 70 ?m, delimited by thin wall, stained by hematoxylin and eosin, and immunomarked as brown by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the chromogen DAB. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis associated with infection by canine distemper virus in the five case studied was based on microscopic findings and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Toxoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs with severe progressive systemic signs, especially when respiratory and neurological involvement is suspected.

First report of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep in Pomerania, northern Poland.

Toxoplasmosis is parasitic disease which has economic relevance for both veterinary and human medicine. In sheep, toxoplasmosis is a major cause of abortion and can thus cause reproductive problems. The current study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in sheep from 13 districts of northern Poland and thereby obtain actual data about T. gondii seroprevalence in this population of animals. Blood samples from 1,646 animals from 99 herds were collected, and an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on native Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA) was used for serological testing. The diagnostic sensitivity of diagnostic test used in this study was 98.6%, and specificity 94.9% for the group of 113 sheep sera (74 seropositive and 39 seronegative) previously characterized by using an commercial agglutination test. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in 921 (55.9%) of all tested animals. The percentage of infected sheep was the highest (67.6%) for older animals (>6 years), whereas for younger ones it was significantly lower (50.1% - 57.2% for 1-5-year-old animals, respectively). Furthermore, a higher percentage of seropositive animals was noted among males (63%) than females (55.5%). The results also showed that the size of the herd is not a factor which may affect the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in the examined population of sheep. The results of this study indicate that T. gondii infection in sheep from region of northern Poland is relatively high, and consumption of ovine meat and milk can be regarded as a significant source of infection for humans.

Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in dogs of urban and rural areas of Cuiaba, Mato Grosso

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection using serological and molecular analyses in dogs from Cuiabá, a municipality of the Brazilian Cerrado, and the associated factors involved in the transmission cycle. A cross-sectional study was conducted with dogs from the rural and urban areas of Cuiabá (Mato Grosso) from February 2010 to January 2011, and antibodies and the DNA of Toxoplasma gondii were evaluated using indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the study, a total of 269 dogs were evaluated using IFA considering positive titer threshold of ? 16 and buffy coat PCR. Of the 269 dogs surveyed, 48.7% had anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies according to IFA, and 15.6% had the parasite’s DNA. The seroprevalence was 62.4% in the rural districts and 40.4% in the urban areas, and the difference between these areas was significant (p = 0.0007). The most common levels of antibody titers were 51 in 256 (39%) dogs, followed by 1024 in 37 (28.2%) dogs. The infectious agent was associated with breed, age, access to the street and the environment in which the animal lived (p &lt;0.05). The serological and molecular results showed that T. gondii infection is active in the canine population in the rural and urban areas of Cuiabá, with a higher risk in dogs residing in rural areas.

Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum seropositivity in buffaloes in Paraiba State, Brazil.

The aims of this survey were to determine the frequency of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and to identify the risk factors associated with seropositivity among buffaloes in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. This survey included 136 buffaloes belonging to 14 herds. To detect anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies, the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used. Among the 136 samples analyzed, 17 (12.5%) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies with titers ranging from 64 to 1,024, and 26 (19.1%) for anti-N. caninum with titers from 200 to 1,600. Animals seropositive for both T. gondii and N. caninum were found in 10 of the 14 herds (71.4%). Semi-intensive management systems (odds ratio = 2.99) and presence of pigs (odds ratio = 4.33) were identified as risk factors for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. It can be suggested that T. gondii and N. caninum are widespread in buffaloes in Paraíba, and that additional surveys are needed in order to ascertain the importance of these agents for this species and for pigs, and the influence of the farming type on occurrences of seropositive animals.

Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody in domestic horses in Japan

The present study is the first report that investigated the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic horses in various prefectures of Japan and analyzed risk factors for seropositivity. We performed a latex agglutination test for riding/racing horses from 11 prefectures in Japan (783 samples) and 4 groups of Japanese native horses (254 samples). The total seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody in horses examined in this study was 4.24% (44/1037). As for riding/racing horses, we did not find a statistically different T. gondii seroprevalence between sampling prefectures. In contrast, seroprevalence of T. gondii in older horses (>21years) was significantly higher than that in younger horses (<5years and 11–15years). There was no significant difference in T. gondii seroprevalence between riding/racing horses and Japanese native horses. Logistical regression analysis revealed that age, but not sex and usage, is a significant risk factor of T. gondii infection for domestic horses in Japan. These findings suggest that domesticated horses in Japan can be horizontally infected with T. gondii by ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among patients with non-schizophrenic neurodevelopmental disorders in Alexandria, Egypt

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic parasite with neurotropic characteristics that can mediate neurodevelopmental disorders, including mental, behavioral and personality aspects of their hosts. Therefore, the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies has been studied in patients with different neurological disorders from different localities. On searching online databases, however, we could not find published studies on the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies among patients with neurodevelopmental disorders in Egypt. Therefore, the present preliminary study was conducted to determine the serological profile of T. gondii infection among patients with non-schizophrenic neurodevelopmental disorders in Alexandria, Egypt. Data and blood samples were collected from 188 patients recruited for the study from four mental rehabilitation centers in the period from July 2014 to March 2015. The overall seropositivity rates of IgM and IgG among patients were 16.5% (31/188) and 50.0% (94/188), respectively. Of the studied patients’ characteristics, only age was significantly associated with anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity, with older patients being about twice more likely exposed to infection. However, no statistically significant association was found with IgM. In addition, seropositivity of anti-Toxoplasma IgG, but not IgM, was significantly associated with non-schizophrenic neurodevelopmental disorders; however, neither IgG nor IgM showed a significant association with cognitive impairment as indicated by the intelligence quotient scores.

Clinical observation over the dynamic of the intrauteral mixed infection in the child of early age

Difficulty in diagnosis of the intrauterine infections (IUI) is associated with the low specificity of clinical manifestations and the multiple organ injury, prolonged persistence of the pathogen in the body, a significant prevalence of mixed infections and their frequent combination with the somatic disorders in newborns. The clinical case of mixed intrauterine infection in the child of early age is presented. The full-term boy was under the observation, he was born with severe anemic syndrome, indirect hyperbilirubinemia and hepatosplenomegaly. According to clinical observation and ultrasound of the abdomen the size of his liver and spleen increased progressively for six days after birth, it was accompanied by dynamic increase of total bilirubin due to its direct fraction, decrease of platelets count. ELISA-diagnostics of the child’s serum revealed the presence of the anti-toxoplasma and anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies. Taking into account obtained clinical and paraclinical data, the newborn child was diagnosed with intrauterine mixed infection with primary hematopoietic and liver damage (cholestatic-cytolytic variant). Anti-toxoplasma immunoglobulin was administered to child, but because of severe liver injury specific causal treatment of toxoplasmosis was postponed due to its hepatotoxicity. Later on anemic syndrome with indirect hyperbilirubinemia recurrently repeated in a child, it was dependent on transfusions but refractory to treatment. The presence of DNA of CMV and herpes virus type 6 was confirmed by PCR in the dynamic study of the five-month old child’s blood. Taking into account the obtained results of the examination, the child was diagnosed with severe congenital cytomegalovirus infection in the replication phase and comorbid congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia of unknown origin with continuous crisis. The patient received anti-cytomegalovirus ganciclovir intravenously, antiherpetic valaciclovir orally. As a result of the treatment positive clinical dynamics was observed, which was accompanied by a decrease of the hepatolienal syndrome and gaining weight, but multiple red blood cell transfusions were not accompanied by significant or prolonged rise in hemoglobin levels. After the treatment twice done PCR child’s blood tests for CMV DNA were negative. Taking into account the crisis duration of the disease, splenectomy was discussed. The clinical case refers to the rare clinical diagnostic situations in medical practice when it is difficult to make a final conclusion about the etiology of the IUI. Verification of the intrauterine mixed infection was problematic in the neonatal period and during follow-up. The complexity of the diagnostic process was caused by the absence of the typical neurological symptoms. The diagnosis of mixed IUI was complicated by coexistence of the congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia, the genesis of which could not be set, despite the study of enzyme activity in red blood cells, assessment of their osmotic resistance and Coombs tests. Damage of the erythroid stem hematopoiesis probably was caused by the infectious factors during the intrauteral period as well as by the hereditary pathology of the erythron.

Toxoplasma gondii - Prevalence and Risk Factors in HIV-infected Patients from Songklanagarind Hospital, Southern Thailand.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common opportunistic parasitic diseases in patients living with HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection in HIV-infected patients and to identify associated risk factors in Toxoplasma seropositive patients. This study was conducted at a regional public hospital in Hat Yai, southern Thailand during October 2009 to June 2010. Blood samples were collected from 300 HIV-infected patients. Each subject also answered a socio-demographic and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma infection. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in HIV-infected patients was 109 (36.3%), of which 83 (76.2%) had past infection and 26 (23.9%) had recently acquired Toxoplasma infection as indicated by their IgG avidity. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression showed that gender difference (adjusted OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.05–2.72) was the only factor associated with Toxoplasma infection. From the results obtained, these HIV-infected patients could be at high risk of developing clinical evidence of severe toxoplasmosis. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce primary behavioral practices to prevent Toxoplasma infection among HIV-infected patients.

Detection of Zoonotic Protozoa Toxoplasma gondii andSarcocystis suihominis in Wild Boars from Spain.

Food safety regulations require the control of the presence of protozoa in meats destined for human consumption. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) meat may constitute a source of zoonoses. A 23.8% (688/2881) seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and 72.2% (662/910) Sarcocystis sarcocysts prevalence were detected among wild boars hunted in Southwestern areas of Spain. Identity of Sarcocystis spp. was performed by RFLP-PCR and sequencing, detecting S.miescheriana (7/8) and the zoonotic S.suihominis (1/8). Risk assessment studies of these coccidian in meats destined to human consumption are needed.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in dogs from the state of Tocantins: serology and associated factors.

This study investigated occurrences of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies by means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT), along with risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, in 204 dogs from urban and rural areas of the municipality of Araguaína, state of Tocantins, Brazil. One hundred and thirty samples (63.7%) were positive for T. gondii using ELISA: 57.1% and 70.7% in the urban and rural areas, respectively. The seropositivity frequency for T. gondii observed through IFAT was 57.4%, distributed between rural and urban areas as 62.6% and 52.4%, respectively. The factors associated with canine toxoplasmosis were age and breed (p<0.05). In relation to N. caninum, 88 samples (43.1%) were positive, according to ELISA, distributed as 42.9% in urban areas and 43.3% in rural areas. Anti - N. caninum antibodies were detected through IFAT in 62 dogs (30.4%), distributed as 31.3% and 29.5% between rural and urban areas, respectively. Age and breed were associated with neosporosis occurrence (p<0.05) by IFAT. This study provides the first detection of IgG antibodies for canine toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in the state of Tocantins and highlights the importance of dogs in the epidemiological chain of these diseases.

High Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Female Sex Workers: A Case-Control Study.

Through an age- and sex-matched case-control study, we sought to determine whether female sex workers have an increased risk of Toxoplasma gondii exposure and to determine the sociodemographic, work, clinical, and behavioral characteristics of these workers associated with T. gondii exposure. Female workers (n = 136) and controls (n = 272) were examined with enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA) for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. IgM positive sera were additionally tested with enzyme linked-fluorescence immunoassay (ELFA). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 21 (15.44%) of 136 cases and in 10 (3.67%) of 272 controls (OR = 4.05; 95% CI: 1.84–8.89; P = 0.0001). Anti-T. gondii IgG levels higher than 150 IU/ml were found in 13 (9.6%) of 136 cases and in 8 (2.9%) of 272 controls (P = 0.007). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in two cases and in six controls by EIA, but all were negative by ELFA. T. gondii seropositivity was associated with being born out of Durango State (OR = 10.47; 95% CI: 2.9–36.8; P < 0.01), injuries during sex work (OR = 6.30; 95% CI: 1.1–33.7; P = 0.03), and soil contact (OR = 4.11; 95% CI: 1.2–14.0; P = 0.02). This is the first report of an association of T. gondii infection and female sex workers.

Frequency of Anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG Antibodies in Leukemic Patients

Frequency of Anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG Antibodies in Leukemic Patients

Frequency of Toxoplasma and Toxocara Sp. Antibodies in Epileptic Patients, in South Western Iran.

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate seizures. Infectious agents are mentioned in its etiology. With identifying and appropriate treatment of these infectious agents, preventing their secondary outcomes, including seizure is possible. This study was conducted to determine frequency of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG, IgM) and anti-Toxocara antibody (IgG) in epileptic patients. Study sample consisted of 141 epileptic patients and 144 healthy people. After obtaining informed consents and completing demographic questionnaire, serum samples were taken from participants. The diagnostic test of Toxoplasma IgG & IgM and Toxocara antibodies was performed under the same conditions using ELISA method in a qualified private laboratory. Samples from patients and control groups with positive ELISA test in terms of anti-Toxocara antibody were also used for confirmatory Western blot test. According to ELISA results, 28 (19.85%) epileptic patients and 2(1.38%) of healthy people had anti-Toxocara antibodies (P<001), while 39 (30.46%) of the control group people and 14.18% of patients had anti-Toxoplsma antibodies (P=0.001). Frequency of anti-Toxoplasma gondii is lower in epileptic than healthy individuals and this result is contrary to investigations that have reported higher levels of this antibody in such patient groups. ELISA results for Toxocara showed that the frequency of anti-Toxocara antibody in epileptic patients might empower the probability that this parasite may cause central nervous system damage. Western blotting has high specificity and is a proper confirmative method for diagnosis of toxocariasis.

The Retrospective Analysis of Toxoplasma Serology Results from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Training and Research Hospital between 2012 and 2013

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of serology results in Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Training and Research Hospital Microbiology Laboratory between 2012 and 2013 among cases from different divisions for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, retrospectively. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by a commercial kit in serum samples. The age and gender of cases, the division where the samples were sent and the changes in the seropositivity between years were evaluated statistically by chi-square test. Totally 1162 cases varying from 9 months to 85 ages (mean 29.1 ± 10.8) were included in the study, due to the orders from divisions anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were investigated in 747 samples and 154 (20.6%) of them were positive. Anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies were investigated in 1112 samples and 27 of them (2.4%) were positive. The seropositivity of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were increased with age (p = 0.001) and a significant relationship was found with anti-Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity and the division where the samples were sent (p = 0.003). It can be concluded that as in the other parts, toxoplasmosis is an important public health concern in Muğla and it is crucial especially for women in reproductive age, the risk group for toxoplasmosis, should be informed about toxoplasmosis.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection in blood donors in Jahrom District, Southern Iran

ObjectiveTo identify the anti-Toxoplasma antibodies from blood donors who referred to blood transfusion bases of Jahrom County, using ELISA method. MethodsBased on the prevalence and characteristics method, 400 serum samples were collected from blood donors referred to Jahrom blood transfusion bases, Southern Iran, during 2010–2011, designed at testing by ELISA. IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were tested using ELISA kits (Dia-Pro) on serums. The data were analysed by SPSS 19 software. ResultsReview of 400 cases, 54 of them were IgG positive for parasites (13.5%) and 346 of those with negative IgG (86.5%). In IgM examination, 1.75% of them have been positive IgM (7 cases) and 98.25% of them were IgM negative (393 cases). By comparing the different group ages, 40–50 year age group had the highest prevalence of IgG positive (17.9%) and the age group of 30–40 years had the highest incidence of IgM negative (2.5%). ConclusionsDue to the serological infection rate of toxoplasmosis obtained from this study, toxoplasmosis should be considered as a significant transfusion risk factor in Jahrom and also in any region with similar situations.

Seropositivity of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women by ELISA at Minia University Hospital, Egypt.

Toxoplasmosis is considered as an important risk factor for bad obstetric history (BOH) and one of the major causes of congenitally acquired infections. The present study aimed to estimate the seropositivity of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors among the attendees of high risk pregnancy and low risk antenatal care clinic of Minia Maternity and Pediatric University Hospital, Minia, Egypt. The study was carried out from April 2013 to April 2014 through 2 phases, the first phase was case-control study, and the second phase was follow-up with intervention. A total of 120 high risk pregnant and 120 normal pregnant females were submitted to clinical examinations, serological screening for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA, and an interview questionnaire. Seropositive cases were subjected to spiramycin course treatment. The results showed that the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in high-risk pregnancy group was 50.8%, which was significantly different from that of normal pregnancy group (P<0.05). Analysis of seropositive women in relation to BOH showed that abortion was the commonest form of the pregnancy wastage (56.5%). The high prevalence of T. gondii seropositive cases was observed in the age group of 21-30 years. Post-delivery adverse outcome was observed in 80.3% of high-risk pregnancy group compared to 20% of normal pregnancy group. There was a statistically significant relationship between seropositivity and living in rural area, low socioeconomic level, and undercooked meat consumption (P<0.05). Serological screening for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies should be routine tests especially among high-risk pregnant women.