anti-Toxoplasma Gondii IgG Antibodies Research Articles

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats from South Punjab Province, Pakistan

Layyah District in South Punjab Province of Pakistan offers the most intensive caprine economy in the country; its Indus riverine and desert environment makes the area peculiar and worthy of specific investigations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgG-antibody in goats in serum samples and the potential risk factors. The prevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated using a two-stage sample design. All caprine farms in the study area were stratified by size, and from these 110 were randomly selected. Twelve goats (>1-year-old) were selected from each farm and a total of 1320 serum samples were collected and tested by ELISA. A questionnaire on the conditions and management practices of each farm was administered to 110 farmers. Four hundred and sixteen out of 1320 sera samples (31.5%) were found positive and 89% of the flock had at least one seropositive goat. The proportion of seropositive goats tested within each flock ranged from 8.3% to 83.3%. with several factors contributing to this heterogeneity. Goat age played a significant role in the presence of cats. Significant interactions were related to goat farms having floor of dirt and kitten presence. Moreover, age class, abortion history and water source supply were modulated by owner education levels. This is the first study to determine the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in goats sera in Layyah district and the largest carried out so far in Pakistan. The remarkable presence of T. gondii among goats in areas where goat farming plays a significant economic role may pose a production threat to the small-stock industry, as well as to public health and food safety. Therefore, investigations to identify high-risk goat populations are highly recommended in order to facilitate the implementation of local control strategies.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors Among Women in Zakho City, Iraq.

Toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, poses varying degrees of risk, ranging from asymptomatic cases in immunocompetent individuals to severe, life-threatening conditions in immunocompromised individuals and developing fetuses, especially when infection occurs during early pregnancy. While the disease is endemic in Iraq, there is a notable lack of precise information regarding its seroprevalence among females of childbearing age and pregnant women, along with associated risk factors in the Zakho district. This cross-sectional study aimed to address this gap by determining the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using the ELISA assay. The study involved 610 females aged 18-79 years from various residential areas within Zakho district, Iraq. The findings revealed a seroprevalence of 32.46% for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and 8.86% for IgM antibodies. Significant variations in IgG antibody seroprevalence were observed across different age groups (P=0.008), with the highest prevalence noted among those aged 46-55 years (47.73%). Conversely, IgM antibody seroprevalence, while non-significant (P>0.05), displayed the highest rate of 10.05% among ages 18-25 years. The study identified residence as a variable significantly associated with toxoplasmosis. Additionally, contact with cats, marital status, a history of abortion, and the consumption of homemade food showed significant associations with anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies only. These findings strongly suggest that Toxoplasma gondii is a prevalent causative agent of infection in Zakho city, Iraq. This study contributes valuable insights into the seroprevalence and associated risk factors, providing a foundation for targeted interventions and further research in this region.

Electrochemical immunosensor based on carbon nanofibers and gold nanoparticles for detecting anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies.

Anelectrochemical immunosensor based on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed for detectinganti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (anti-T. gondii) IgG in human serum. CNFs were produced using electrospinning and carbonization processes. Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) surface was modified with CNFs and AuNPs which wereelectrodeposited onto the CNFs. Then, T. gondii antigen was immobilized onto the AuNPs/CNFs/SPCE. Afterward, anti-T. gondii IgG positive serum samples were coated on the modified electrode and assessed via adding anti-human IgG labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme. The morphology of SPCE, CNFs, and AuNPs/CNFs/SPCE surface was characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Characterization of CNFs was evaluated by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Electrochemical characterization of the immunosensor was verified using cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical response of modified electrode for anti-T. gondii IgG was detected via differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). This immunosensor was detectedin the range 0-200 U mL-1 with a low detection limit (9 × 10-3 U mL-1). In addition, the proposed immunosensor was exhibited with high selectivity, strong stability, and acceptable reproducibility and repeatability. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between results obtained via the designed immunosensor and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as gold standard. In conclusion, the developed immunosensor isa promising route for rapid and accurate clinical diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women Referring to the Pregnancy Care Center of Ramsar

Background Toxoplasmosis is a common parasitic infection with high prevalence and worldwide distribution. It may cause severe disease in the fetus of newly infected pregnant women. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and its related risk factors among pregnant women in Ramsar city, Mazandaran province, north of Iran, from October 2017 to March 2018. Methods In this analytical-cross sectional study, specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were measured in 191 pregnant women by ELISA method. The length of T. gondii infection was estimated by the IgG avidity test. Demographic and behavioral information about pregnant women and possible risk factors of toxoplasmosis were collected through interviews. Results Specific IgG antibody against T. gondii was detected in 46.1% and IgM in 5.8% and both IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 4.7% of pregnant women. The IgG avidity test did not show any acute case of toxoplasmosis. None of the demographic characteristics, such as age, occupation, place of residence, education, income, trimester of pregnancy, frequency of pregnancy, and history of abortion was correlated with toxoplasmosis. Moreover, behavioral characteristics, such as the source of consumed water, contact with soil, presence of cats in the household, consumption of vegetables, type of meat consumed, and the way of cooking meat had no significant correlation with toxoplasmosis seropositivity. Conclusion More than half of the pregnant women (54%) were toxoplasmosis-free and therefore at risk of acquiring this infection. Increasing the knowledge of pregnant women about toxoplasmosis prevention may reduce the risk of this infection during pregnancy.

Serologic evaluation of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella in schizophrenia patients.

Infectious agents are considered as a possible cause of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Toxoplasma gondii and Brucella antibodies in schizophrenia patients compared with the control group. This cross-sectional study was performed on 75 patients with schizophrenia who were clinically diagnosed with schizophrenia using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by two independent psychiatrists. As the controls, 75 sex and age-matched individuals were selected from orthopedic and surgical wards, who were admitted because of trauma. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody was detected by Abbott's company diagnostic kit. To detect anti-Brucella IgG antibodies, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test with Vircell diagnostic kit was used. Quantitative luminescence (CLIA) method using Abbott diagnostic kit was also used to detect anti-cytomegalovirus IgG antibody (CMV IgG avidity). There was not any clinically significant differences in the mean value of Toxoplasma, CMV and Brucella IgG antibodies between schizophrenia and control group. However, considering cut-off point for these tests and further analysis with non-parametric tests showed clinically significant difference between two groups at cut-off point 1.1 for anti-Brucella IgG antibody which indicated more positive samples in schizophrenia group (24 out of 75) than control group (12 out of 75) with a p-value less than 0.05 (0.046). The results of the present study showed no association between toxoplasmosis infection and CMV and schizophrenia. However, there might be a positive correlation between anti-Brucella IgG antibody and schizophrenia.

Seroprevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in domestic pigs intended for human consumption in Cuba.

Domestic pigs are considered as one of the main intermediate hosts in the zoonotic transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in many countries. Serological and molecular studies are warranted to better understand the epidemiology and transmission patterns of this parasite worldwide. To date, seroepidemiological information on T.gondii in domestic pigs in Cuba is very scarce and there are no reports of T.gondii genotypes circulating in this country. Here, we aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of T.gondii and provide genetic characterization of the strains circulating in slaughtered pigs intended for human consumption in Central Cuba. Seroprevalence was determined in 450 serum samples from slaughtered pigs in Villa Clara province using ELISA. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 100 animals (22.2%, 95% CI: 18.5-26.2). Conventional PCR of the 529-bp marker of T.gondii was performed in hearts and diaphragm tissues of all ELISA-seropositive pigs. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in four animals. Further genetic characterization of the positive DNA samples was performed by multilocus PCR-RFLP and PCR-sequencing typing tools. Molecular analysis revealed four different genetic profiles that were combinations of type I, II, III and u-1 alleles, suggesting the circulation of non-clonal genotypes of T.gondii in domestic pigs in Cuba. Our results indicate that T.gondii is widely distributed in slaughtered pigs in this country, which might have important implications for public health. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on genetic characterization of T.gondii in Cuba. Although preliminary, the results suggest a high genetic diversity of T.gondii in the study region. Further studies based on parasite isolation are needed to definitively identify the genotypes circulating and characterize the virulence of strains detected in pigs in Cuba, and to assess the risk of zoonotic transmission from pork products in this country.

Negative trend in seroprevalence of anti-toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies among the general population of the province of Vojvodina, Serbia, 2008–2021

This study aimed to estimate dynamic changes in seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii within the general population living in the northern part of the Republic of Serbia (Province of Vojvodina) during a 14-year period. The differences in prevalence of anti-toxoplasma antibodies were analyzed in correlation with age, gender, residential area (rural/urban) and meteorological factors. In this cohort retrospective study, 24,440 subjects between 1 and 88 years old were enrolled. To determine the presence of T. gondii-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in serum samples, commercially available ELISA kits were used (Euroimmun, Luebeck, Germany). During the study period, the overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 23.5%. The seroprevalence continuously decreased over time from 31.7% in 2008 to 20.4% in 2021 (0.81% per year, p < 0.001). Approximately 2% of patients had a serologic profile positive for both anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. The seroprevalence was higher (28.87%) among men compared to women (24.28%), while urban residents (24.94%) had lower seroprevalence than the rural population (28.17%). A statistically significant negative correlation (r = −0.559) was found between serologic profile of patients positive for both T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies and the annual mean air temperature. No significant association was observed between seropositivity to T. gondii infection and examined meteorological factors. These data could be useful to national and regional health authorities to create an optimal health policy to reduce rate of T. gondii infections.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among hemodialysis patients: A possible link to main T-lymphocyte subsets levels and dialysis adequacy

BackgroundA high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection has been reported in patients with hemodialysis (HD). However, a lack of data exists on the relationship between T lymphocyte subsets and dialysis adequacy. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among HD patients and its relation to T lymphocyte cells subsets, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and HD adequacy. MethodsThis cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 92 subjects. Of them, 42 HD patients and 50 were control participants. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG, IgM antibodies, the T lymphocyte cells subset CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, and adequacy of dialysis via calculation of Kt/V were detected for all subjects. ResultsThe seropositivity for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies was significantly higher in HD patients 66.7% (28/42) compared to 34% in controls (17/50), (p = 0.0003). The main T lymphocyte subsets was significantly lower in HD compared to controls (p < 0.05). Seropositive HD patients exhibited statistically significantly lower T lymphocyte cell subsets and CD4+/CD8+ ratio compared to seronegative patients (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG level and T lymphocyte subsets and the CD4/CD8+ ratio. Binary logistic regression showed that CD4+ T cell significantly predicts Toxoplasma gondii susceptibility among HD patients (p = 0.03). The mean Kt/V index is significantly lower among seropositive HD patients compared to seronegative HD patients (1.05 ± 0.46, 1.41 ± 0.53, respectively, p = 0.03) with a significant negative correlation with anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG level (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed the CD4+ T cell % had the highest AUC value among HD patients (AUC= 0.88, p < 0.001). The Kt/V value of ≤ 0.8 significantly predicted susceptibility to Toxoplasma gondii infection among HD patients (AUC = 0.68, p = 0.03). ConclusionThe current study reinforces previous reports of a high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among HD patients. CD4+ T cell and Kt/V showed a good diagnostic performance in predicting susceptibility for Toxoplasma gondii infection in HD patients. Considering the clinical consequences caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection in these patients, regular screening and adequate HD are recommended.

Seropositivity of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Owners and Their Dogs Living on Island and Mainland Seashore Areas of Southern Brazil.

Although toxoplasmosis has been considered among the most neglected zoonoses worldwide, no study has focused on the frequency and associated risk factors of owners and their dogs living on an island and mainland seashore areas. Accordingly, anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were screened by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in owners and dogs from three oceanic islands and two nearby mainland harbor areas, with associated risk factors for toxoplasmosis assessed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Overall, anti-T. gondii seropositivity was observed in 59/328 (18.0%) owners and 66/283 (23.3%) dogs, with no statistical difference between owners (p = 0.360) and dogs (p = 0.655) from islands and mainland areas. Consumption of local water springs (p = 0.016; OR = 2.11) was an associated risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity, and owners with the habit of spring water intake were twice more likely seropositive (p = 0.014; OR = 2.14). Presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in dogs was associated with seropositive owners (p = 0.008; OR = 2.81), household consumption of beef meat (p = 0.042; OR = 1.7) and chicken (p = 0.026; OR = 2.9). Despite being lower than the worldwide prevalence, toxoplasmosis seropositivity in owners and their dogs in southern Brazil was influenced by the positive owner, water source, and meat consumption, and not by inhabiting islands or seashore mainland areas, presence of dogs, cats, or both. In addition, drinking water quality should always be considered a critical risk factor for toxoplasmosis on islands.

Detection of Antibodies Against Toxoplasma gondii in Filter Paper-Dried Blood Dot Spots Compared with Serum in Pigs and Assessment of Variation Associated with Packed Cell Volume.

The aim of this study was to assess the agreement between anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody detection in serum and filter paper (FP) blood spots using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) and to evaluate the potential impact of the packed cell volume (PCV) on antibody detection in FPs. A pair of a serum and an FP sample was collected from 96 sows at various farms in Greece, with previously identified high seropositivity and/or risk factors associated with high seropositivity against T. gondii. The PCV value was determined using the microhematocrit method. IFA was used for the detection of antibodies against T. gondii. T. gondii-specific antibodies were detected in 45.8% serum samples and 41.6% FP samples showing almost perfect agreement. Detection in FP samples presented high sensitivity (87.1-92.8%) and excellent specificity (100%) when compared with detection in serum, regardless of the PCV values. The findings of this study support the reliability of FPs for the evaluation of the serological status of swine against T. gondii. FPs could be a good alternative sample type compared with serum for large-scale epidemiological studies.

Serological Assessment of Toxoplasma Infection by ELISA method in Urban People and Livestock Farmers of Tabriz, Iran

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a common infection between humans and animals in the world. In its congenital form, the causative agent of the disease is transmitted through the mother’s placenta to the fetus. Acquired infection is caused by eating oocysts that the cat excretes with feces or through contaminated meat. In people who have problems with the immune system, in malignant patients, in people who do organ transplants, and in patients with AIDS, the infection may be acute and fatal. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IgM and IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the blood serum of urban residents and livestock farmers of Tabriz, Iran, in 2021. Methods: The blood of 50 urban residents and 50 livestock farmers was taken for sampling. The patient’s arm vein was used for blood sampling. Then, the blood was kept at 37 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes and centrifuged (2000 rounds for 10 minutes). After centrifugation, the sera were carefully poured into a microtube and frozen and kept for an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Results: The study of the frequency distribution of toxoplasmosis by ELISA method in urban residents and livestock farmers in Tabriz and suburbs showed that out of 100 studied people, 36 cases (36%) of the total had anti-toxoplasma IgG titer higher than normal (positive). In the group of positive cases of toxoplasmosis in livestock farmers, 24 (48%) out of 50 cases had a higher-than-normal titer, which is considered positive. Further, out of the 50 urban people surveyed, 12 cases (24%) had titers higher than normal, which is considered positive. In the study of the frequency distribution of anti-toxoplasma IgM antibody by ELISA method in urban people and livestock farmers, 36 positive cases and 64 negative cases were observed out of 100 people, and15 out of 50 urban people (i.e., 30% of urban people) had IgM titer higher than normal. Moreover, an examination of 21 people out of 50 livestock farmers (42%) indicated higher than normal IgM titers. Conclusion: This study indicated that IgG and IgM antibody titers are higher in livestock farmers than in urban residents, and this suggests a relationship between occupation and toxoplasma infection. Therefore, the need is raised for extensive research at the national level to reduce the disease in livestock farmers and urban residents.

Assessment of Soluble PD-1 and PD-L1 in Iraqi Women Patients with Breast Cancer with Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate apicomplexan intracellular protozoan parasite and considered the most common global parasite which infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals and is the etiological agent of one of the most common parasitic infections in humans. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide; nearly 1.7 million new cases were diagnosed in 2012, making it the second most common type of cancer. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of the anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in Iraqi breast cancer patients and to clarify the role of soluble programmed death-1 (sPD-1) and (sPD-L1) in Iraqi Iraqi breast cancer patients with toxoplasmosis. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies in the sera of 108 patients with breast cancer and 50 apparently healthy controls. The results showed that 26(26%) samples of sera patients have been founded breast cancer with toxoplasmosis, 80(74%) samples have breast cancer, 10(20%) cases have control toxoplasmosis (those patients were had toxoplasmosis but showing no symptoms) and 40 (80%) cases samples were considered as a control group without any infections. Sera (sPD-1 and sPDL-1) levels were determined by ELISA using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. The results showed that levels of sPD-1 and sPDL-1 levels were significantly higher in patients group than healthy subjects (P&lt;0.01).

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies: Prevalence and Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Accessing Antenatal Care in Some Primary Health Centers in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Toxoplasma gondii infection causes high rate of gestational and congenital infection across the globe and is considered a both a public health problem and a neglected disease. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in some Primary Health Centres in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study carried out within 5 months between Jan – May 2019, a total of 182 blood samples were collected from consenting pregnant women. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demography and risk factors. Three millilitres (3 ml) of blood samples were collected from the study participants. Sera were separated from the blood and evaluated for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data collected from the experiment were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Out of the 182 samples examined, 84 (46.2%) had anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody, 2 (1.1%) had IgM antibody while 98 (53.4%) were neither seropositive for IgG nor IgM. Trimester of pregnancy was significantly associated with prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody. In conclusion, Toxoplasmosis is prevalent in Jos. Eleven out of every 1000 women (i.e. 1.1%) had recent toxoplasmosis and 53.4% were not protected against primary infection thereby underscoring the need for prevention and control during pregnancy through enlightenment.

Evaluation of soluble CD279 (sCD279) and CD274 (sCD274) in Iraqi patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii has been suggested as an important opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. Possible associations of parasite infection with cancer risk have recently attracted much attention. Published studies concerning the association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and leukemia risk have generated inconsistent results. In the present study, we aimed was to investigate the sero- prevalence of the anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in Iraqi patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with Toxoplasmosis and to clarify the role of sCD249 and sCD274 in Iraqi AML patients with toxoplasmosis. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies in the sera of 120 patients with AML and 50 apparently healthy controls. The results showed that 49(41%) samples of sera patients have been founded AML with toxoplasmosis, 71(59%) samples have AML, 20(40%) cases have control toxoplasmosis (those patients were had toxoplasmosis but showing no symptoms) and 30 (60%) cases samples were considered as a control group without any infections. Sera (sCD279 and sCD274) levels were determined by ELISA using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. The results showed that levels of sCD279 and sCD274 levels were significantly higher in patients group than healthy subjects (P<0.01).

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Wild Rats (Rattus rattus) in Northern Iran.

Rodents are considered as reservoir hosts for various pathogens (such as Toxoplasma gondii) and have been revealed to play an important role in the spread of several infectious diseases to humans and other animals. The aim of this investigation was to survey the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in wild rats in Northern Iran. One hundred rats were caught using rat traps set in different areas in Northern Iran (September 2017). The thoracic cavity of each rat was opened, and then the blood sample was collected from the heart. IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were detected using the modified agglutination test (MAT) with a cutoff value equal to 1 : 40. Overall, 56% of rats were infected by T. gondii. Considering the sex of rats, 45% of male and 55% of female rats were seropositive, but the differences were not statistically significant. There was a significant difference between seropositivity and habitat types and age of rodents. Our findings have public health implications and confirm the high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in northern Iran. The study established that wild rats represent an important and persistent wildlife intermediate host reservoir for T. gondii.

Detection of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors during Pregnancy in Southwest Iran.

Background This research was aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in pregnant women and related risk factors in southwest Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional study, eighty-eight pregnant women were included from October 2019 to December 2019. The presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, a questionnaire consisting of demographic information was completed for each subject. Results The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated to be 34.09% (30/88). Of these, 1 (1.13%) and 29 (32.95%) samples were found positive for IgM and IgG, respectively. Regarding the risk factors, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat (P value = 0.007) and history of abortion (P value = 0.017) were significantly associated with IgG seroprevalence in pregnant women. Conclusion The results showed that the pregnant women of southwest Iran might be moderately exposed to T. gondii. Since the risk of acute T. gondii infection in this susceptible group is very important, regular screening tests to diagnose the infection are recommended before pregnancy.

Ocular Toxoplasmosis among Livestock Farmers and Raw Meat Handlers in Uyo, Nigeria

Toxoplasmosis is the commonest cause of infectious posterior uveitis in humans and can lead to blindness and low vision in both immune-competent and immunecompromised persons worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Ocular Toxoplasmosis (OT) and potential risk factors among livestock farmers and raw meat handlers in Uyo. This was a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study involving clinical eye examination, laboratory detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody and HIV testing. Participants' other information was obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaire. There were 339 participants aged 15-78 (mean 34.8±11.6) years,283 (83.5%) were males 56(16.5%) were females; 189 (55.8%) tested seropositive for anti-Toxo. gondiiIgG antibodies. Eight (2.4%) had presumed ocular toxoplasmosis (POT); 6 of the 8 were seropositive for anti-T.gondiiIgG antibody; and 2 of the 8 POT (25%) were HIV-seropositive. Of the 189 who were anti-T.gondiiIgG antibody seropositive, 6 (3.2%) had OT. Factors associated with OT were age (31-50 years) and female gender (P = 0.049 and 0.001, respectively). HIV infection was associated with POT (P=0.033). Most of the ocular lesions (87.5%) were unilateral and located at the posterior pole (77.7%). The prevalence of presumed ocular toxoplasmosis (POT) and ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) among livestock farmers and raw meat handlers in Uyo are 2.4% and 1.8%, respectively. Potential risk factors are being female, and persons between fourth and fifth decades of life. Awareness creation on toxoplasmosis among this occupational group is advocated.

Sero Burden of Toxoplasma gondii and Associated Risk Factors among HIV Infected Persons in Armed Forces Referral and Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease, worldwide distribution caused by an obligate intracellular coccidian parasite, known as Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii can lead to serious diseases in immuno-compromised patients such as HIV/AIDS patients. In most cases, central nervous system involvement can lead to encephalitis, which is one of the most important reasons for death among patients with HIV due to reactivation of tissue cysts that remained latent after the primary infection. This study was conducted to assess the sero burden of Toxoplasma gondii infection and identify associated risk factors among HIV infected individuals in Armed Forces Referral and Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2016. After getting an informed consent a pretested questionnaire was used to gather socio-demographic information and data on factors predisposing to T. gondii infection using convenience sampling methods. Serum samples from each volunteered patients were screened for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by using ELISA test kit (CTKBIOTECH, USA). Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 15.0. The chi-square test was used to observe any difference between variables. p-values were determined and taken as a level of significance when they found less than 0.05. Results: The study recruited a total of 174 HIV infected patients, of whom 99 (56.9%) were males. The study also included different age strata ranging from 18-68 years. Most of the sampled subjects were found in the age group of 31-40 years old. About 154 (88.5%), were seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibody and 3 (1.7%) seropositivity for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. None were positive for IgM antibody alone. Of all the variables included in the study, only the presence of the cat depicted an association with sero-burden of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody (p=0.038). Conclusion: This study revealed a high sero burden of chronic toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS patients. HIV/AIDS patients having a domestic cat at their home were at higher risk of T. gondii infection. It would be important to increase public awareness about different routes of transmission of T. gondii. Besides, routine screening for Toxoplasma should be undertaken for all HIV-infected patients to minimize complications related to reactivation.

Evaluation of Soluble PD-1 and PD-L1 in Iraqi Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Patients with Chronic Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii is an important opportunistic parasite in immunocompromised people. Globally, diabetes mellitus is one of the most challenging public health burdens of the 21st century. Both toxoplasmosis and diabetes are very common in Iraq and other countries. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the sero- prevalence of the anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in Iraqi T2DM patients and to clarify the role of soluble programmed death-1 (sPD-1) and ( sPD-L1) in Iraqi T2DM patients with chronic toxoplasmosis. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies in the sera of 180 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 163 apparently healthy controls. The results showed that 117(34%) samples of sera patients have been founded T2DM with toxoplasmosis, 63(18%) samples have T2DM, 55(16%) cases have control toxoplasmosis (those patients were had toxoplasmosis but showing no symptoms) and 108 (32%) cases samples were considered as a control group without any infections. Sera (sPD-1 and sPDL-1) levels were determined by ELISA using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. The results showed that levels of sPD-1 and sPDL-1 levels were significantly higher in patients group than healthy subjects (P<0.01).

Toxoplasma gondii in women of childbearing age and during pregnancy: seroprevalence study in Central and Southern Italy from 2013 to 2017.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide health problem. Infection in pregnant women can result in severe fetal morbidity or in subclinical neonatal infection; most subclinical cases develop ocular and neurological sequelae. The purpose of this serological study was to assess the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in two populations of women of childbearing age in Siena (Tuscany, Central Italy) and Bari (Apulia, Southern Italy) between 2013 and 2017 and in a group of pregnant women in Bari in 2016–2017. Serum samples were tested for the presence of specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies by a commercially available ELISA test. The percentage of seropositive subjects in Bari was significantly higher than in Siena (22.4% vs. 12.4%) and an age-related trend was observed. A low prevalence of T. gondii infection (13.8%) was observed among the pregnant women tested. In addition to showing a significant difference between Central and Southern Italy, this study provides updated data on T. gondii seroprevalence in women during childbearing age and pregnancy. The results confirm a trend toward a decrease, especially in younger people and pregnant women.