Consumption Of Raw Vegetables Research Articles

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Toxoplasmosis is a serious endemic zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy can result in congenital transmission and serious fetal and neonatal complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its determinants among pregnant women in African countries. All articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in African countries and published from 2010 to 2023 were searched using various databases. The pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis was calculated using a random-effect model. The variation between the included studies was assessed using a funnel plot and I2 heterogeneity statistics. To identify the sources of heterogeneity, sub-group analysis was further conducted by country, diagnostic method, and sub-African region. The association of prevalence rates with the socio-economic level and geoclimatic parameters was also explored. In total, 29,383 pregnant women from 60 articles were included for analysis. The pooled T. gondii seroprevalence was 42.89% with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.4%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analysis revealed variation by country (ranging from 2.62% in Namibia to 80.28% in Congo), diagnostic method used (from 8.66% in studies using a rapid diagnostic test to 55.69% in those using an agglutination test), and sub-African region (from 4.14% in regions of Southern Africa to 53.96 in Central Africa). Cat ownership (OR = 1.58) and the consumption of raw meat (OR = 1.50) and raw vegetables (OR = 1.48) had a statistically significant combined effect on T. gondii seroprevalence. No association was found between T. gondii prevalence and the level of income of the country or geoclimatic parameters. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection among pregnant women in Africa is high, particularly in Central and Eastern Africa. The determinants of prevalence are multifactorial. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase the awareness of women concerning the risk factors for toxoplasmosis.

Pengaruh Metode Pencucian Dengan Air Garam Terendam Terhadap Kontaminasi Telur Cacing Parasit Usus Pada Sayur Lalapan Kubis (Brassica Oleracea Var. Capitata)

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is commonly consumed in raw as lalapan (secondary dish) in daily meal. Lalapan is raw vegetables which is commonly consumed in Javanese people as secondary dish. Consumption of raw vegetables has a potential for helminth infection. This research is an experimental study. In this study, three methods of washing cabbage by using running water, submerged water, and submerged brine were carried out. Different treatments aim to find out more effective methods in preventing the transmtion of parasitic helminths through cabbage vegetables. In the washing method using running water, it is hoped that worm eggs will be washed away along with the dirt in the cabbage vegetable strands. In the washing method using submerged water, it is hoped that worm eggs can be detached from the strands of cabbage vegetables and float on the surface of the water used for washing. Meanwhile, in the washing method using submerged brine, it is expected that the worm eggs will fall and settle at the bottom of the washing container. Chi-square test result in p value = 0,273 between washing method using submerged water and submerged brine, which can be interpreted as there is no difference in contamination results between the washing method using submerged water and submerged brine. Running water gave the best result with no contamination found in cabbage leaves.

Repeated exposure to models' positive facial expressions whilst eating a raw vegetable increases children's consumption of the modelled vegetable

Exposing children to adults eating a raw vegetable with positive facial expressions (‘positive modelling’) increases children's consumption of the modelled vegetable. However, whether repeated versus a single exposure to positive modelling enhances this effect, and whether it generalises to a non-modelled vegetable, remains to be examined. Hence, this study examined the effect of a single exposure, versus repeated, exposure to positive modelling on children's acceptance and intake of a modelled and non-modelled vegetable. Children aged 5–6 years (N = 153; 81 males, 72 females) were randomised to one of three conditions in which they had i) a single or ii) repeated exposure to a video of adults eating raw broccoli with positive facial expressions or iii) were exposed to a no-food control video. Children's acceptance (measured as willingness to try and number of tastes), intake and liking of a modelled (raw broccoli) and non-modelled vegetable (raw mangetout) were measured. Children had greater raw broccoli consumption and liking if they had received repeated exposure to positive modelling, compared to children who had received a single exposure, but not compared to children in the control condition. Children's mangetout intake was greater in the single (versus repeated) positive condition, but this effect was not dependent on time. There was no effect on children's vegetable acceptance. Repeatedly exposing children to adults enjoying a vegetable encourages children's intake of the modelled vegetable in comparison to a single exposure. Thus, repeated exposure to others' food enjoyment may be a practical and useful strategy to encourage children's vegetable consumption.

Source tracking of extensively drug resistant Salmonella Typhi in food and raw vegetables using molecular approaches.

Extensively drug resistant (XDR) strains of the Salmonella lineages have been reported to spread from Africa to South Asia. XDR strains are resistant to fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, and ampicillin, resulting in treatment failure. The objectives of this study included the investigation of transmission of S. Typhi lineages and the identification of the potentially contaminated sources of the XDR typhoid outbreak from different urban areas by using molecular techniques. Environmental samples, including food samples, were collected from different towns and the susceptibility of each isolate to the antimicrobial agents was examined. Molecular identification of different Salmonella lineages including S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi A, H58, and XDR was carried out through multiplex PCR. A total of 328 environmental samples including raw vegetables, water, and bakery items were collected. More than half of the tested samples (64%) found harboring Salmonella spp. The Salmonella was confirmed through PCR amplification of species-specific markers that showed the presence of S. Typhi (40%), S. Paratyphi A (8%), H58 (7%), and XDR S. Typhi (6%). Raw vegetables had the highest number of Salmonella spp., indicating consumption of raw vegetables as a possible source of salmonellosis. XDR status was also affirmed through phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of neglected tropical diseases in the Amhara region, Ethiopia

This systematic review analyzed the prevalence of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and associated risk factors in the Amhara region. Thirty-one articles from 2012 to 2022 were examined, and data analysis was conducted using STATA version 17. The overall NTD prevalence in Amhara was 29.9% (95% CI: 23.32–36.47). The highest prevalences were observed for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) at 37.86% (95% CI=27.57–48.15), Schistosoma at 37.77% (95% CI=16.90–58.61), scabies at 24.28% (95% CI=6.42-42.15), and trachoma at 19.55% (95% CI=13.38–25.72). Prevalence varied across zones, ranging from 6.10% (95% CI=4.33–7.87) in Awi to 46.40% (95% CI=42.90–48.80) in Bahir Dar. Factors associated with NTDs included illiteracy and raw vegetable consumption for STHs; male gender, river swimming, and contact with river water for Schistosoma; ocular discharge and fly-eye contact for trachoma; and family size &gt;6, clothes sharing, and sleeping with scabies-infected individuals for scabies. Improved sanitation, health education, and personal hygiene are vital for controlling NTDs in the study region.

Human carriage of ESBL/pAmpC-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in relation to the consumption of raw or undercooked vegetables, fruits, and fresh herbs.

We investigated to what extent the consumption of raw or undercooked vegetables, fruits, and fresh herbs influences carriage rates of ESBL/pAmpC-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-E/K) in the general population. We assessed long-term carriage and changes in ESBL-E/K prevalence over time, by comparing the results to findings in the same population 5 years earlier. Between July and December 2021, participants sent in two fecal samples and questionnaires, 3 months apart. Food frequency questionnaires were sent on a monthly basis. Fecal samples were cultured and screened for ESBL-E/K, and phenotypically positive isolates were sequenced. Multivariable logistic regression models were established to assess the association between the consumption of fresh produce and ESBL-E/K carriage. The ESBL-E/K prevalence was 7.6% [41/537; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.7-10.2] in the first sampling round and 7.0% (34/489; 95% CI: 5.0-9.6) in the second. Multivariable models did not result in statistical significance for any of the selected fruit and vegetable types. Trends for increased carriage rates were observed for the consumption of raspberry and blueberry in the summer period. ESBL-E/K prevalence was comparable with the prevalence in the same cohort 5 years earlier (7.5%; 95% CI: 5.6-10.1%). In six persons (1.2%) a genetically highly homologous ESBL-E/K was found. In conclusion, the contribution of the consumption of raw fruits, vegetables, and herbs to ESBL-E/K carriage in humans in the Netherlands is probably low. Despite COVID-19 containment measures (e.g., travel restrictions, social distancing, and hygiene) the ESBL-E/K prevalence was similar to 5 years earlier. Furthermore, indications for long-term carriage were found.IMPORTANCEESBL-producing bacteria are resistant against important classes of antibiotics, including penicillins and cephalosporines, which complicates treatment of infections. Food is one of the main routes of transmission for carriage of these bacteria in the general population. Although fruits, vegetables, and herbs are generally less frequently contaminated with ESBL-producing bacteria compared to meat, exposure might be higher since these products are often eaten raw or undercooked. This research showed that the contribution of the consumption of raw or undercooked fresh produce to ESBL-E/K carriage in the general Dutch population was low. No specific types of fruit or vegetables could be identified that gave a higher risk of carriage. In addition, we demonstrated the presence of genetically highly homologous ESBL-E/K in six persons after a period of 5 years, indicative for long-term carriage.

Genetic diversity and seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in COVID‑19 patients; a first case-control study in Iran

BackgroundToxoplasmosis is a serious or life-threatening disease in immunosuppressed patients and pregnant women. This study examined the likely association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and COVID-19 patients with moderate illness.MethodsSeventy blood samples were collected from patients at the Health Reference Laboratory of Tabriz, Northwest Iran from April 2021 to September 2021. In addition, 70 healthy subjects of the same age (37 ± 15 years) and sex distribution were ethnically matched. Sera samples were examined for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using ELISA. Nested-PCR targets were amplified based on the B1 and GRA6 genes. GRA6 amplicons were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsThe seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis based on IgG titer was 35.7% in the COVID‑19 patients and 27.1% in the control group, representing not to be associated with the Toxoplasma seropositivity in COVID‑19 patients (P = 0.18) compared to healthy subjects. Anti-T. gondii IgM was not found in any of the patients and healthy individuals. According to PCR amplification of the B1 and GRA6 genes, the frequency of T. gondii in COVID-19 patients was 14.2% (10/70). However, no T. gondii infection was detected in the healthy group. The CD4+T cell count was relatively lower in toxoplasmosis-infected patients (430–450 cells/mm3) than in control group (500–1500 cells/mm3). High genetic diversity (Hd: 0.710) of the type I strain of T. gondii was characterized in the patients. Present results showed that consumption of raw vegetables and close contact with stray cats can increase the transmission of T. gondii to COVID-19 patients (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe current study revealed that T. gondii type I infection is unequivocally circulating among the COVID-19 patients in Tabriz; However, no significant association was observed between the occurrence of Toxoplasma and the severity of COVID-19. To make more accurate health decisions, multicenter investigations with a larger sample size of different ethnic groups of the Iranian population are needed.

Dietary patterns and socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related behaviors during pregnancy. A cross-sectional study.

The identification and understanding of dietary factors and other characteristics that influence gestational weight gain can contribute to the formulation of strategies to promote healthy eating habits before and during pregnancy. To investigate the association between dietary patterns, sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, and health-related behaviors in pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted on women undergoing prenatal care in the Unified Health System of Colombo, Paraná, Brazil, from February 2018 to September 2019. A weekly food frequency questionnaire was administered, and dietary patterns were identified through factor analysis. Median regression models were constructed to identify the associations between dietary pattern scores and variables. Complete data were obtained from 495 pregnant women. Three dietary patterns were identified: 1) "healthy," with higher factor loadings for the weekly consumption of raw vegetables, cooked vegetables, and fresh fruits; 2) "Western," including soft drinks or artificial juice, candies, milk, and dairy products, and processed cold meat; and 3) "traditional," beans and meat. Pregnant women aged 30 years or older (coefficient [Coef.] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-1.33) with moderate/intense physical activity (Coef. 0.32, 95% CI 0.02-0.62) had higher adherence to the "healthy" pattern. Adolescents and smokers adhered more to the "traditional" pattern (Coef. 0.17, 95% CI 0.01-0.33). Age, smoking status, and physical activity were associated with dietary patterns in pregnant women.

Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. on some lettuce in the traditional market of Banyuwangi Regency

Escherichia coli is the main pathogenic bacteria which causes diarrhea in humans and the fourth highest cause of death which occurs all age groups. Salmonella sp is the cause of typhoid fever and findings of 350-810 cases each year. Diarrhea and typhoid fever are closely related to the consumption of raw vegetables, such as lettuce. This study aimed to analyze the contamination of E. coli and Salmonella sp on some lettuces in Traditional Markets of Banyuwangi Regency. This research was an analytic descriptive study using a cross-sectional design at the Laboratory of Microbiology, STIKES Banyuwangi from 6 to 11 June 2022 using 6 lettuces as research samples which were selected by accidental sampling. All (100%) lettuce samples in this study were contaminated with &gt;1,100 CFU/ml E. coli. All (100%) samples in this study were positively contaminated by Salmonella sp with various contamination number, such as: 0.82x104; 0.47x104, 1.90x105, 2.05x106, 1.00x105 and 1.25x106 CFU/ml, respectively. All six lettuces obtained from the Traditional Market of Banyuwangi Regency did not meet the microbiological quality specified by SNI, indicating that they were not suitable for direct (raw) consumption.

Oily fish and raw vegetable consumption can decrease the risk of AQP4-positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: a Mendelian-randomization study

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are severe inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system targeting aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). The risk factors for NMOSD remain to be determined, though they may be related to diet and nutrition. This study aimed to explore the possibility of a causal relationship between specific food intake and AQP4-positive NMOSD risk. The study followed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design. Genetic instruments and self-reported information on the intake of 29 types of food were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 445,779 UK Biobank participants. A total of 132 individuals with AQP4-positive NMOSD and 784 controls from this GWAS were included in our study. The associations were evaluated using inverse-variance-weighted meta-analysis, weighted-median analysis, and MR-Egger regression. A high consumption of oily fish and raw vegetables was associated with a decreased risk of AQP4-positive NMOSD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.78 × 10−16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.60 × 10−25–1.22 × 10−7, p = 0.001; OR = 5.28 × 10−6, 95% CI = 4.67 × 10−11–0.598, p = 0.041, respectively). The results were consistent in the sensitivity analyses, and no evidence of directional pleiotropy was observed. Our study provides useful implications for the development of AQP4-positive NMOSD prevention strategies. Further research is needed to determine the exact causal relationship and mechanisms underlying the association between specific food intake and AQP4-positive NMOSD.

Determination of Parasitic Contamination in Vegetables Collected from Local Markets in İzmir Province, Türkiye.

Fresh vegetables are an important part of a healthy and nutrient-rich diet but the consumption of raw vegetables without proper washing is the main way for transmission of parasites. This study was aimed at determining the rate of parasitic contamination in prewashed fresh vegetables sold at randomly selected 10 retail markets which is the last step to reach the consumer in İzmir, Türkiye. A total of 80 samples selected from eight types of vegetables including tomato, spinach, lettuce, rocket, mint, parsley, dill, and cucumber were examined for parasitic agents microscopically by sedimentation method after washing samples with normal saline. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20.0. Protozoan cysts, helminth eggs, and larvae were detected in 21 (26.2%) of 80 samples from eight different vegetable species. Rhabditidiform larvae 18.7%, Blastocystis spp. 5%, Toxocara spp. 2.5%; Ascaris spp., Fasciola spp., Entamoeba histolytica/ Entamoeba dispar and hooked worms were found in 1.2%. Spinach and mint samples were contaminated with parasites significantly more than other fresh vegetable samples (p<0.008, odds ratio =80.0; p<0.017, odds ratio =46.6 respectively). Cruznema spp., a plant nematode, was found at the highest rate according to the results of culture, polymerase chain reaction and sequencing, respectively. In this study, the parasitic contamination was found in approximately one of the four vegetables sold in randomly selected markets in İzmir. These findings show that vegetables sold in local markets can cause parasitic infections if they are consumed without adequate washing and awareness should be raised on this issue. In addition, it was concluded that morphological examinations should be confirmed by molecular studies and sequencing as much as possible in order to avoid misdiagnosis of rhabditidiform larvae.

An intensive culinary intervention programme to empower type 2 diabetic patients in cooking skills: The SUKALMENA pilot study

An inverse association has been shown between healthy dietary habits and the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). However, there is a limited knowledge on the benefits that a culinary and nutritional training may have in patients with T2D. The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of a culinary intervention on health parameters and dietary-culinary habits among T2D patients. Fifty-three volunteers with T2D were randomly (1:1) assigned to an intensive culinary intervention group (CIG) or a nutritional intervention group (NIG). The CIG received 8 online cooking lessons and the NIG received written material with nutritional information to follow the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet). Anthropometric parameters, biochemical determinations, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and dietary-culinary related questionnaires were collected at baseline and after 3-month follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, self-reported anthropometric measurements and dietary-culinary related questionnaires were collected by telephone. Fifty-one volunteers completed the intervention. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for changes on MedDiet adherence, anthropometry, biochemical determinations, and AGEs. A significant increase in blood glucose (p = 0.017) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL–c) (p = 0.024) levels was observed in the NIG after the 3-month follow-up period. Participants from the CIG showed a significant reduction in the C reactive protein (p = 0.007) and a significant increase in total cholesterol (p = 0.001), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.001) and LDL-c levels (p = 0.001) after 3 months. The CIG also showed a significant reduction in weight (p = 0.008, p = 0.002), body mass index (p = 0.007, p = 0.001), and waist circumference (p = 0.047, p = 0.004) after 3-month and 1-year follow-up, respectively. Participants from the CIG increased the use of boiling, compared to participants from the NIG (p = 0.034). Likewise, when analysing the CIG only, a significant increase in the use of steaming (p = 0.015) and in the consumption of raw vegetables (p = 0.039) was found after 3-month follow-up, but these changes were not maintained after 1-year follow-up. These findings suggest that a culinary intervention based on MedDiet is a promising approach to promote healthy dietary-culinary habits in patients with T2D. To explore the potential effect of this culinary programme on glycemic parameters, larger randomized controlled trials would be necessary.

Assessment of risk factors associated with outbreak of hepatitis A in Shakrial, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Two patients with jaundice reported to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad from Shakrial, Rawalpindi in April 2017. An outbreak investigation team was formulated to assess the disease magnitude, risk factors and control measures. A case-control study was conducted in 360 houses in May 2017. The case definition was: onset of acute jaundice with any symptom including fever, right upper-quadrant pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, nausea and vomiting among Shakrial residents from March 10 - May 19, 2017. Four age and gender matched controls were selected for each case. Blood samples were sent to the NIH for laboratory confirmation. Frequencies, attack rates (AR), odd ratios, and logistic regression were computed at 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05. A total of 25 cases (23 new) were identified with mean age 8 years and male to female ratio 1.5:1. Overall AR was 1.39% and the most severely affected age-group was 5-10 years (AR of 3.92%). Multivariate analysis revealed that raw vegetable consumption, lack of awareness and poor handwashing practices had significant association with disease spread. All blood samples were positive for hepatitis A, and no resident was previously vaccinated. Lack of awareness of disease spread among the community was the most probable reason for the outbreak. There were no new cases during follow up until May 30, 2017. Healthcare departments should implement public policies towards the management of hepatitis A in Pakistan. Health awareness sessions and vaccination for children ≤ 16 years age is recommended.

Personality Determinants of Eating Behaviours among an Elite Group of Polish Athletes Training in Team Sports

The nutritional behaviours of athletes are determined by environmental and individual factors. The aim of the research was to analyse the personality determinants of the eating behaviour among an elite group of Polish athletes training in team sports. The research was conducted among 213 athletes, using a proprietary validated nutritional behaviour questionnaire and the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness-Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R Personality Inventory). Statistical analysis was performed with the use of Pearson's linear and Spearman's signed rank correlation coefficients, as well as multiple regression evaluation, assuming the significance level of α = 0.05. It was shown that the overall index of proper eating behaviour increased with increasing neuroticism (r = 0.132) and decreased with increasing openness to experience (r = -0.143). When assessing individual nutritional behaviours, it was indicated, among others, that with increasing neuroticism, athletes more often avoided energy drinks (R = 0.173), and with increasing extraversion, they more frequently consumed vegetables at least twice a day (R = 0.154). At the same time, the consumption of raw vegetables (R = -0.153), 2-3 portions of vegetables and fruit per day (R = -0.157) and the limitation of sweet and salty snacks (R = -0.152) decreased along with an increase in openness. On the other hand, with increasing conscientiousness, the regular consumption of meals (R = 0.186), dairy products (R = 0.143) and the reduction of sweet and salty snacks (R = 0.148) increased. The model built on the basis of the Big Five personality traits explained, to a very large extent (approx. 99%), variance concerning the general index of normal eating behaviour among athletes. The predictive significance of the personality traits presented in the Big Five model was demonstrated in relation to the quality of nutritional choices among Polish athletes competitively training in team sports, which may be used to personalise the dietary education of athletes.

Molecular Characterization and Antibiogram Profiling of the Isolated Food-Borne Pathogenic Bacteria on Fresh-Cut Salad Vegetables

Fresh cut salad vegetables (FCSV) play a significant role in our healthy and balance diet. The consumption of raw salad vegetables are vectors for the transmission of various infectious diseases, which is a public health issue in developing and developed world. Therefore, the aim of this present study was to evaluate the microbial contamination of ready-to-eat salad vegetables sold in different local vendors in Kushtia and Jhenaidah districts in Bangladesh. A total of 21different ready-to-eat FCSV samples were collected aseptically and analyzed immediately in our laboratory. A total viable bacterial count (TVBC) was enumerated up to 107 CFU/g in the tested samples. The highest number (3.01±1.4 × 107 CFU/g) of TVBC was found in Coriander leaf (Coriandrum sativum) and least microbial load (2.33±1.05 × 105 CFU/g) was observed in Red spinach. On the basis of morphological differentiation randomly selected bacterial isolates (Aeromonas sp., Citrobacter sp., Enterobacter sp., Pectobacterium sp., and Staphylococcus sp.) were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Moreover, most of the isolates were showed as multidrug-resistant bacteria via the antibiogram profiling testing. The overall antimicrobial susceptibility profile showed that the tested bacterial isolates were resistant against Erythromycin (15μ g), Penicillin G (10 unites), Nalidixic acid (30 μg), Ceftriaxone (30 μg), Ceftazidime (30 μg), susceptible against Kanamycin (30 μg), Polymyxin B (300 units), CO-Trimoxazole (25 μg), Colistin (10 μg), Doxycycline (30 μg) and intermediate against Nalidixic acid (30 μg), CO-Trimoxazole (25 μg), and Kanamycin (30 μg). Pathogenic bacterial contamination of FCSV, hygienic practices should be maintained before consumption. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 3(1): 77-84, 2021

Serological and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma Gondii among Pregnant Women Giving Birth at the University Of Gondar Specialized Hospital in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Objective: Congenital toxoplasmosis can be presented when immunosuppressed women are reactivating of this infection acquired before pregnancy in addition to women recently exposed to this disease during pregnancy, which causes of fetal death, neonatal death or congenital defects. Women mainly get this infection by ingested improperly cooked or raw meat consisting of viable tissue cysts or by contaminated foods and water within sporulated oocysts or through the placenta. Thus, this study aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women using serologically and molecularly at study area. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to October 2020 by collecting a total of 200 umbilical cord blood and matching discharged placental tissue samples from systematic randomly selected pregnant women giving birth at University of Gondar specialized hospital. Latex agglutination test and nested polymerase chain reaction were used for the detections of this infection. Findings: The overall serological, first polymerase chain reaction and nested polymerase chain reaction findings of this study were 46%, 24% and 10%, respectively. The univariant analysis indicated that seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were also significantly influenced by eating raw meat, eating raw vegetables, drinking raw milk, presence of domestic cat contacts and source of water (P  0.05). In the case of multivariate analysis drinking raw milk and source of water were also significantly associated to the seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii. Moreover, there were also fair concordant between latex agglutination within first polymerase reaction (Kappa: 0.290) andnested polymerase chain reaction tests of this parasite (Kappa: 0.231). Novelty: This nested polymerase chain reaction and the Toxo-latex agglutination tests had also fair agreements in pregnant women. Moreover, Consumption of raw meat, vegetables and milk; domestic cat contacts and source of water were the potential statically significant associated risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity. Conclusions: Generally, these comparative tests confirmed the existence of this infection in pregnant women that played up a pool of public health risks for their embryo and infants. Thus, thoroughly cooking raw meats and vegetables; pasteurized raw milk; avoid domestic cat contacts and boiling of water will be the best prevention and control strategies of this infection. Further works on its genotyping of this pathogen will be also convinced. Keywords: Latex agglutination; Nested polymerase chain reaction; Placental tissue; Pregnant women; Toxoplasma gondii; Umbilical cord blood

Uncovering the diversity and contents of gene cassettes in class 1 integrons from the endophytes of raw vegetables

Rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in pathogens is threatening human health. Integrons allow bacteria to integrate and express foreign genes, facilitating horizontal transfer of ARGs in environments. Consumption of raw vegetables represents a pathway for human exposure to environmental ARGs. However, few studies have focused on integron-associated ARGs in the endophytes of raw vegetables. Here, based on the approach of qPCR and clone library, we quantified the abundance of integrase genes and analyzed the diversity and contents of resistance gene cassettes in class 1 integrons from the endophytes of six common raw vegetables. The results revealed that integrase genes for class 1 integron were most prevalent compared with class 2 and class 3 integron integrase genes (1–2 order magnitude, P < 0.05). The cucumber endophytes harbored a higher absolute abundance of integrase genes than other vegetables, while the highest bacterial abundance was detected in cabbage and cucumber endophytes. Thirty-two unique resistance gene cassettes were detected, the majority of which were associated with the genes encoding resistance to beta-lactam and aminoglycoside. Antibiotic resistance gene cassettes accounted for 52.5 % of the functionally annotated gene cassettes, and blaTEM-157 and aadA2 were the most frequently detected resistance cassettes. Additionally, carrot endophytes harbored the highest proportion of antibiotic resistance gene cassettes in the class 1 integrons. Collectively, these results provide an in-depth view of acquired resistance genes by integrons in the raw vegetable endophytes and highlight the potential health risk of the transmission of ARGs via the food chain.

Maternal Serological Screening for Congenital Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy and Evaluating the Pregnant Women’s Knowledge on Toxoplasmosis in Qazvin, Iran

Background: The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii seronegative pregnant women, estimate the frequency of fetuses at risk of congenital toxoplasmosis in the study area, and also to investigate the awareness of the studied mothers about T. gondii disease.Methods: A total of 740 pregnant women referred to two health centers in Qazvin province were surveyed voluntarily for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgG avidity test was used as a confirmatory test for samples showing positive or borderline results for IgM antibodies. Data on socioeconomic, demographic, and knowledge of participants about toxoplasmosis were collected using questionnaires and through face-to-face interviews. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify the potential predictor variables for T. gondii infection. Results: Overall, 21.2% (157/740) and 0.27% (2/740) of pregnant women were positive for T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Only 1.7% (13/740) of expectant mothers had prior information on toxoplasmosis. Among socioeconomic and demographic variables, contact with soil was the merely cause of a significant association with T. gondii infection. Other variables including age, occupation, education level, residential area, source of drinking water, abortion history, number of childbirth, consumption of raw/undercooked meat, having home cat and and consumption of raw vegetables failed to establish significant associations. Conclusion: Our results clarified that the prevalence of T. gondii has remarkably reduced in the study area. This finding indicates a low risk of congenital toxoplasmosis in this region.

Microbial and chemical risk from reclaimed water use for residential irrigation

AbstractArid and semi-arid locations are increasingly utilizing nontraditional irrigation water including reclaimed wastewater. Human health risk associated with reclaimed wastewater use was determined by testing reservoir, distribution line and home spigot water (n=190) and 14 types of vegetables and fruits (n=90) harvested from 5 home gardens for 7 waterborne pathogens, 47 antibiotic resistance genes and 12 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). Based on surveys of the residents’ use of the reclaimed wastewater, two exposure routes were modeled: irrigation of fruits and vegetables and drinking from irrigation hoses. Probabilistic quantitative microbial risk assessment indicated that consumption of raw vegetables and fruits exceeded a 0.015 benchmark illness rate due to adenovirus and enterococci. Chemical risk assessments indicated that consumption of tons of vegetables per day and hundreds to millions of gallons of water per day would be needed to reach an unacceptable risk among the 10 PPCPs detected in home spigot water, indicating de minimis risk from PPCPs. Eight different drug resistance gene families were detected in the water samples and crops indicating that antibiotic-resistant organisms are present on foods irrigated with reclaimed water containing pharmaceuticals. These results elucidate the combined risk from pathogens and PPCPs from reclaimed wastewater irrigation.

Assessment of intestinal and blood protozoan infections among pregnant women visiting ante-natal care at Tafo Hospital, Ghana

IntroductionIntestinal and blood protozoans cause morbidity and mortality in both pregnant women and developing foetuses worldwide. It constitutes a major health problem in many tropical areas in Africa. This study assessed the prevalence of intestinal and blood protozoans’ parasitic load and their risk factors among pregnant women visiting antenatal care at Tafo Hospital, Ghana from November 2016 to January 2017. MethodA pilot cross-sectional study was conducted among consented pregnant women who visited antenatal care at Tafo Government Hospital, Kumasi Ghana. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain socio-demographic data, knowledge on protozoan infections, and their risk factors among study participants. A stool sample was obtained from each participant for the microscopic examination of the intestinal protozoa. Venous blood was taken from participants for the detection of Plasmodium and Toxoplasma gondii infections. Wet mount and the faecal protozoan concentrated method were done for the identification of intestinal parasites. Blood films and serological examination for malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) were done for identification of Plasmodium parasites while an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for detecting the antibodies of T. gondii among participants. Data were analyzed using statistical packages for the social sciences (SPSS). ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 27.83, and ranges from 18 to 40 years. The majority of the participants (82.2%) had never experienced stillbirth nor spontaneous abortion. Intestinal parasites were found in 36.7% of participants. Giardia lamblia (28.1%), Cryptosporidium parvum (5.3%), and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (3.3%) were among the intestinal protozoans detected. T. gondii antibodies were detected by high levels of immunoglobulins, resulting in IgG (48.0%) and IgM (11.3%) being found among participants, with 7.3% testing positive for both IgM and IgG. The prevalence of malaria infection among the study participants was 2.7%. The consumption of raw or cooked vegetables had significant influence on their intestinal and blood protozoan infections status (p = 0.004) (OR = 0.32, CI = 0.12–0.86). There was a significant association between Hb levels and malaria (p = 0.014) and that of intestinal protozoans (p = 0.035). ConclusionThe prevalence of intestinal protozoans and blood protozoans such as T. gondii were high and therefore effective measures should be put in place to reduce the infectivity. Environmental hygiene should be improved and education by relevant agencies should be intensified on the possible transmission of intestinal and blood parasite infections given the possible role of these infections in adverse pregnancy outcomes.