Gondii IgM Antibodies Research Articles

The global seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in women who had spontaneous abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular pathogen that can lead to abortion in pregnant women infected with this parasite. Therefore, the present study aimed to estimate the global seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in women who had spontaneous abortion based on the results of published articles and evaluate the relationship between seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and abortion via a systematical review and meta-analysis.MethodsDifferent databases were searched in order to gain access to all studies on the seroprevalence of anti- T. gondii antibodies in women who had spontaneous abortion and association between seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and abortion published up to April 25th, 2019. Odds ratio (OR) and the pooled rate seroprevalence of T. gondii with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random effects model.ResultsIn total, 8 cross-sectional studies conducted on 1275 women who had abortion in present pregnancy, 40 cross-sectional studies performed on 9122 women who had a history of abortion, and 60 articles (involving 35 cross-sectional studies including 4436 women who had spontaneous abortion as case and 10398 as control and 25 case-control studies entailing 4656 cases and 3178 controls) were included for the final analyses. The random-effects estimates of the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in women who had abortion in present pregnancy and women who had a history of abortion were 33% (95% CI: 17%-49%) and 43% (95% CI: 27%-60%), respectively. In addition, the pooled OR for anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in cross-sectional and case-control studies among women who had spontaneous abortion were 1.65 (95% CI: 1.31–2.09) and 2.26 (95% CI: 1.56–3.28), respectively. Also, statistical analysis showed that the pooled OR of the risk of anti-T. gondii IgM antibody 1.39 (95% CI: 0.61–3.15) in cross-sectional and 4.33 (95% CI: 2.42–7.76) in case-control studies.ConclusionBased on the results of the current study, T. gondii infection could be considered a potential risk factor for abortion. It is recommended to carry out further and more comprehensive investigations to determine the effect of T. gondii infection on abortion to prevent and control toxoplasmosis among pregnant women around the world.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in a representative Australian human population: The Busselton health study

IntroductionDespite being identified as one of the top neglected parasitic infections, Toxoplasma gondii has received little recognition in Australia with no previously published prevalence data from the general human population. The objectives of the current study were to: determine the prevalence of evidence of exposure to T. gondii infection in an Australian community dwelling population, and: identify associated risk factors. MethodsSera from 75 males and 75 age-matched females living in Busselton, Western Australia were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Survey derived data were also analysed to evaluate risk factors. ResultsIgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 99 (66.0%) and 15 (10.0%) of subjects, respectively. IgG seroprevalence increased from 44.4% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 18.9–73.3%) in the 18–34 year-old age group to 81.0% (95% CI: 60.0–92.3%) in the 75–84 age group. The observed IgG seroprevalence increased at a rate of 0.8% with each year of age. No risk factors were identified. ConclusionsThe first study of its kind in Australia found T. gondii infection to be highly prevalent. Toxoplasma gondii infection has been neglected in Australian notifiable disease programs therefore Australian public health authorities should focus on improving education to raise awareness and commence longitudinal epidemiological data collection to supplement public health models targeting T. gondii transmission control.

Unpasteurised milk consumption as a potential risk factor for toxoplasmosis in females with recurrent pregnancy loss

In women with a bad obstetric history, certain infections are associated with recurrent foetal loss. One of the common infectious agents is a protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. The aim of this study was to assess unpasteurised milk consumption as a potential risk factor for toxoplasmosis in females with recurrent pregnancy loss from the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In this study, we recruited a total of 360 females, comprising a study group of 180 females with previous history of recurrent pregnancy loss and a control group of 180 females with no such history. Blood serum from the participants was analysed for Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibodies by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Among the study group, 23 (12.8%) females were serologically positive for IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, whilst 157 (87.2%) were IgM negative. In the control group, only two (4.8%) females were IgM positive, whilst 178 (95.2%) were IgM negative. Bad pregnancy outcome in the study group and control group was observed to be significantly different (p < .0001). In both of these groups, unpasteurised milk consumption was found as a major risk factor for Toxoplasma gondii infection. A routine serological investigation should be carried out in pregnant women to rule out toxoplasmosis and reduce the risk of recurrent pregnancy loss as well as congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies ranges from 7% to 51% in different regions of the world. The prevalence rate varies because of differences in climate, culture, food habits, behaviour, personal hygiene and cooking habits of different societies and ethnic groups. Various risk factors have been identified that contribute to a high prevalence rate of the disease, including consumption of raw or poorly cooked meat, physical contact with cats or cat litter, consumption of unwashed raw vegetables and fruits, drinking of contaminated water and milk. We presumed that consuming unpasteurised milk could be a potential risk factor for developing toxoplasmosis in pregnant women.What the results of this study add? This study demonstrates high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in females of child bearing age that have consumed unpasteurised milk and is a potential risk factor for developing toxoplasmosis.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our findings suggest that primary preventive measures (personal hygiene, frequent hand washing and consuming pasteurised milk) should be taken by health surveillance authorities to focus on families, especially pregnant women, to educate them about personal hygiene, contact with cattle or using their milk and milk products. The latter is especially important to aware them about the hazards of consuming unpasteurised and contaminated milk.

A serological investigation and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii among Iranian blood donors indicates threat to health of blood recipients

BackgroundToxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease in animals and human caused by the intracellular obligatory protozoan named Toxoplasma gondii. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sero-molecular prevalence and genotyping T. gondii among healthy blood donors in north of Iran. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 400 blood donors participated from all Blood Transfusion Organization (BTO) in Mazandaran province during October and November 2014. The blood samples were investigated for seroprevalence, DNA detection and genotyping of T. gondii using ELISA, nested-PCR, and Multilocus nested-PCR-RFLP methods respectively. ResultsAmong all of blood donors, 294 (73.5 %) and 9 (2.2 %) cases were seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. T. gondii DNA was detected in 7 samples. Four genotype of T. gondii were identified in blood donors samples (Genotype ToxoDB#1, #2, #10 and #27), which 50 % of T. gondii strains were highly pathogenic. ConclusionsTaking into account survive T. gondii in blood transfusion bag, the high prevalence of T. gondii and existence of pathogenic genotypes in Iranian blood donors, it seems that T. gondii screening should be performed at the BTO to prevent complications of toxoplasmosis in blood recipients.

Toxoplasma gondii Recombinant antigen AMA1: Diagnostic Utility of Protein Fragments for the Detection of IgG and IgM Antibodies.

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic protozoan that infects a wide variety of vertebrates as intermediate hosts. For this reason, the diagnosis of this disease is very important and requires continuous improvement. One possibility is to use recombinant antigens in serological tests. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), a protein located in specific secretory organelles (micronemes) of T. gondii, is very interesting in regard to its potential diagnostic utility. In the present study, we attempted to identify a fragment of the AMA1 protein with a high sensitivity and specificity for the serological diagnosis of human toxoplasmosis. The full-length AMA1 and two different fragments (AMA1N and AMA1C) were produced using an Escherichia coli expression system. After purification by metal affinity chromatography, recombinant proteins were tested for their utility as antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies in human and mouse immune sera. Our data demonstrate that the full-length AMA1 recombinant antigen (corresponding to amino acid residues 67–569 of the native protein) has a better diagnostic potential than its N- or C-terminal fragments. This recombinant protein strongly interacts with specific anti-T. gondii IgG (99.4%) and IgM (80.0%) antibodies, and may be used for developing new tools for diagnostics of toxoplasmosis.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risks Factors in Tuberculosis Patients Admitted at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, NW Cameroon

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution amongst warm-blooded animals and can affect anyone in contact with the parasitic oocysts or tissue cysts. Tuberculosis (TB) and T. gondii coinfection is a serious public health problem to the health of these patients in developing countries. We determined the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies and associated risk factors among newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary TB patients. Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study including 158 TB patients. Laboratory analyses were based on quantification of anti T.gondii IgM and IgG antibodies test using sandwich ELISA. A questionnaire captured known risk factors for toxoplasmosis among participants. Risk factors for toxoplasmosis were analyzed in a binary logistic model. The results presented as odds ratios were used to assess association of toxoplasmosis and potential risk factors. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Of the 158 participants, 87.97% [139/158] were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies. Eating cat meat [P=0.009, OR=4.2498, 95%CI=1.4300-11.1997] and water source [P=0.026, OR=5.4983, CI=1.2189-23.5827], were significant risk factors associated with T. gondii infection. We noted a threefold increase in the risk of toxoplasmosis among TB patients having farming as occupation. Conclusion: The prevalence of toxoplasmosis IgM and IgG antibodies among sputum positive pulmonary TB patients in the Bamenda Regional Hospital, North West Cameroon was found to be 87.97%. The principal risk factor associated with Toxoplasma gondii among TB patients was consumption of Cat meat and untreated water sources.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among healthy blood donors in two locations in Tunisia and associated risk factors.

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can be transmitted to humans through a variety of routes including blood transfusion. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors in healthy blood donors in Tunisia. A total of 800 healthy blood donors from two blood centers in south and coastal Tunisia were analyzed for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA), respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information on risk factors for T. gondii infection during collection. The overall seroprevalence was 44.4% of which 352 (44%) and 3 (0.4%) were positive for IgG and both IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii seropositivity was significantly associated with the birth place (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–4.94) and the age of the donors (adjusted OR = 4.98; 95% CI: 1.50–16.58) which are independent risk factors. In addition, the variables of hand washing before eating (adjusted OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.37–0.74) and living in an urban environment (adjusted OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13–0.71) are two protective factors. This study provided the first data on the seroprevalence and epidemiology of T. gondii infection in healthy blood donors in Tunisia.

Survey on Toxoplasma gondii infections among three types of populations in Wuxi City

To investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia in Wuxi City, so as to provide data support for the control of toxoplasmosis in these patients. A total of 205 cases with definitive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, 257 cases with definitive diagnosis of malignant tumors and 235 cases with definitive diagnosis of schizophrenia were recruited, while 250 healthy volunteers served as controls. The demographic features were captured from the study subjects and serum samples were collected. The serum IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in all study subjects, and the positive rates of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were compared between the patients and controls. The seroprevalence of the anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 20.98%, 24.12% and 24.68% in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia, which were all significantly greater than in healthy controls (χ2 = 31.54, 42.12 and 42.98, all P values < 0.01), and the seroprevalence of the anti - T. gondii IgM antibody was 1.46%, 2.72% and 1.70% among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia, which were all significantly higher than in healthy controls (χ2 = 0.06, 1.52 and 0.21, all P values > 0.05). The patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia present with higher seroprevalence of the anti-T. gondii IgG antibody than healthy controls in Wuxi regions. Screening of T. gondii infections among the patients with rheumatoid arthritis, malignant tumors and schizophrenia should be intensified to prevent the damages caused by T. gondii infections.

Analysis of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection Rate in Patients with Hematological Diseases

To investigate the infection rate of Toxoplasma gondii in patients with hematological diseases. The Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody in 200 patients with hematological diseases were tested, at the same time, IgM antibody in the persons received physical examination and other patients with common clinical diseases also were test, and their detection results were compared. The positive rate of Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody in patients with hematological diseases was 7.50%, the positive rate in persons received physical examination was 0.67%, and the positive rate in patients with other common clinical diseases was 1.20%. The positive rate of IgM antibody in patients with hematological diseases was statistically significantly higher than that in the latter two kinds of persons(P<0.05). Among the patients with hematological diseases, the positive rate of Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody in patients with bone marrow neoplastic diseases was 10.32%, which was statistically significantly higher than that in patients with bone marrow non-neoplastic diseases (2.70%). Patients with hematological diseases are susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii, and to whom enough attention should be paid.

Analysis of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection Rate in Patients with Hematological Diseases

To investigate the infection rate of Toxoplasma gondii in patients with hematological diseases. The Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody in 200 patients with hematological diseases were tested, at the same time, IgM antibody in the persons received physical examination and other patients with common clinical diseases also were test, and their detection results were compared. The positive rate of Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody in patients with hematological diseases was 7.50%, the positive rate in persons received physical examination was 0.67%, and the positive rate in patients with other common clinical diseases was 1.20%. The positive rate of IgM antibody in patients with hematological diseases was statistically significantly higher than that in the latter two kinds of persons(P<0.05). Among the patients with hematological diseases, the positive rate of Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody in patients with bone marrow neoplastic diseases was 10.32%, which was statistically significantly higher than that in patients with bone marrow non-neoplastic diseases (2.70%). Patients with hematological diseases are susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii, and to whom enough attention should be paid.

Association of Suicide Attempt With Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Adolescents.

In this study, we aimed to explore the potential pathophysiological relationship between suicide attempts and Toxoplasma gondii infection. Fifty patients aged between 12 and 18 years who attempted suicide and 50 healthy adolescents were included in this study. All adolescents were evaluated by a child psychiatrist using a semistructured interview and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment. T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies of patients and control subjects were analyzed from blood samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Psychiatric disorders particularly mood disorders were more common in adolescents in the patient group. Adolescents attempting suicide were found to have worse relationships with their parents; their CDI scores were higher, and their RSES scores were lower than their healthy peers. There were no significant differences between the patient and the control groups in terms of Toxoplasma IgG antibody positivity. Although the seropositivity of Toxoplasma IgG antibody was higher in the patient group than that in the control group, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.

A Case-Control Seroprevalence Study on the Association Between Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Bipolar Disorder.

Background and Aims: Infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii has been associated with bipolar disorder in several countries other than Mexico. Therefore, we sought to determine the association between seropositivity to T. gondii and bipolar disorder in a Mexican population.Methods: We performed an age- and gender-matched case–control study of 66 patients with bipolar disorder (WHO International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code: F31) and 396 subjects without this disorder from the general population. Anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassays.Results: Six (9.1%) of the 66 patients with bipolar disorder and 22 (5.6%) of the 396 controls had anti–T. gondii IgG antibodies (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.66–4.36; P = 0.26). Stratification by gender and age did not show a difference in seroprevalence between cases and controls. The frequency of high (> 150 international units/ml) anti–T. gondii IgG levels was similar in cases (n = 2) and in controls (n = 12) (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.21–4.57; P = 1.00). Stratification by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision F31 codes showed that patients with F31.3 code had a higher seroprevalence of T. gondii infection than their age- and gender-matched controls (OR = 16.4; 95% CI = 1.25–215.09; P = 0.04). None of the six anti–T. gondii IgG–seropositive patients with bipolar disorder and 4 (18.2%) of the 22 anti–T. gondii IgG–seropositive controls had anti–T. gondii IgM antibodies (P = 0.54).Conclusions: Our results suggest that T. gondii seropositivity is not associated with bipolar disorder in general. However, a specific type of bipolar disorder (F31.3) might be associated with T. gondii seropositivity. Further research to elucidate the role of T. gondii infection in bipolar disorder is needed.

A review on toxoplasmosis in humans and animals from Egypt.

The present paper summarizes prevalence, epidemiology and clinical disease of natural Toxoplasma gondii infections in humans and animals from Egypt. The current situation of toxoplasmosis in Egypt is confusing. There is no central laboratory or group of researchers actively investigating toxoplasmosis in humans or animals, and no reports on the national level are available. Based on various serological tests and convenience samples, T. gondii infections appear highly prevalent in humans and animals from Egypt. Living circumstances in Egypt favour the transmission of T. gondii. Up to 95% of domestic cats, the key host of T. gondii, are infected with T. gondii; they are abundant in rural and suburban areas, spreading T. gondii oocysts. Many women have been tested in maternity clinics, most with no definitive diagnosis. Toxoplasma gondii DNA and IgM antibodies have been found in blood samples of blood donors. Clinical toxoplasmosis in humans from Egypt needs further investigations using definitive procedures. Reports on congenital toxoplasmosis are conflicting and some reports are alarming. Although there are many serological surveys for T. gondii in animals, data on clinical infections are lacking. Here, we critically review the status of toxoplasmosis in Egypt, which should be useful to biologist, public health workers, veterinarians and physicians.

Investigation on Toxoplasma gondii infections among patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract in Hainan Province

To investigate the prevalence of the serum anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody among patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract in Hainan Province. A total of 1 932 patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract were enrolled in Hainan Province from 2016 to 2019, including 376 esophageal cancer patients, 475 gastric cancer patients, 401 colorectal cancer patients, 427 hepatic cancer patients and 253 pancreatic cancer patients, and 400 healthy people served as controls. The serum IgG and IgM antibodies specific to T. gondii were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the seroprevalence was compared. The overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was significantly greater in patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract than in healthy controls (19.82% vs. 3.75%; χ2 = 60.49, P < 0.01), and no significant difference was seen in the overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM antibody between patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract and healthy controls (1.09% vs. 0.50%; χ2 = 1.17, P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 15.16%, 19.58%, 21.70%, 23.65% and 17.79% in patients with esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, hepatic cancer and pancreatic cancer, which was all significantly greater than in healthy controls ( χ2 = 29.97, 50.29, 58.03, 67.85 and 36.59; all P < 0.01); however, the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in patients with esophageal cancer (1.06%), gastric cancer (1.47%), colorectal cancer (0.75%), hepatic cancer (1.17%) and pancreatic cancer (0.79%) did not differ from that in healthy controls ( χ2 = 0.80, 2.02, 0.20, 1.11 and 0.21; all P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody among various types of malignant tumors of the digestive tract ( χ2 = 10.65, P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was detected in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM antibody ( χ2 = 1.33, P > 0.05). There is a high seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody among patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract in Hainan Province, and there is a significant difference in the seroprevalence in terms of the cancer type. It is suggested that the screening for T. gondii infections should be intensified in patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract to effective prevent and control the damages to patients with malignant tumors of the digestive tract caused by T. gondii infections.

Sero-molecular evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii infection among HIV-positive patients.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common comorbidities in HIV-positive patients with CD4+ T lymphocytes below 200 cells/μl. Early diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis reduces the mortality rate in HIV-positive people. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in HIV-positive patients in northwest Iran using serological and molecular methods. This prospective cross-sectional study included 124 HIV-positive outpatients and was conducted from January to May 2016. Anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies were detected from sera samples by chemiluminescence, while buffy coat samples were analyzed by RT-PCR for DNA detection. Patients' socioepidemiological data were collected. Using chemiluminescence, 47/124 samples (37.9%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies, 2/124 samples (1.62%) were positive for IgM antibodies while 2/124 samples (1.62%) contained both IgM and IgG. There were no IgM-positive or IgG-negative patients. RT-PCR revealed four (3.22%) positive samples. On the basis of the results, a statistically significant relationship was found between anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody seropositivity and residence (p=0.012). The study showed a relatively low seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies in HIV-positive patients in northwest Iran, while the prevalence was much higher in other regions of Iran. However, regular screening for T. gondii antibodies and early initiation of therapy are very important to decrease the mortality rate in HIV-positive patients.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in patients with chronic liver disease in Baghdad

The influence of Toxoplasma gondii in the pathogenesis of hepatic disease has lately had considerable attention. The objective of this study is to assess the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in patients with chronic liver disease from Baghdad-Iraq. All patients have attended Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital, Medical city in Baghdad, Iraq An analytical case–control study was achieved from September to November 2018. Seventy male patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and 70 control males (free of chronic liver diseases) participated in this study, their ages were between (18-80) years old. Serum samples were taken from all subjects and were analysed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the presence of anti-T.gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. The prevalence of anti-T.gondii IgG was significantly higher 62.85% in CLD patients compared with 27.28% in the control subjects. Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were also showed to be significantly higher in CLD patients compared with control subjects. A significant relation between age and the prevalence of T.gondii was reported in this study. Toxoplasmosis was largely reported among those aged (˃40) years old for both CLD patients and control subjects, while the other age groups showed less seroprevalence rates.&#x0D; Sera samples for both CLD patients and control subjects were tested for different liver enzyme: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). ALT was greater in CLD-Toxoplasma positive patients comparing to CLD-Toxoplasma negative patients. In addition to AST was higher in control-Toxoplasma positive subjects comparing to control-Toxoplasma negative subjects.&#x0D; These findings show that Toxoplasmosis is high expected to be diagnosed with chronic liver disease patients. Consequently, attention would be focused on health education of peoples at high risk of toxoplasmosis.

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

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

Distribution of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibody seropositivity among age groups and gestational periods in pregnant women

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic disease. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and geographic distribution of toxoplasmosis as well as determine the percentage of toxoplasmosis-associated IgM and IgG seropositivity among different age groups. In addition, it aimed to estimate the proportion of toxoplasma IgM seropositivity among pregnancy trimesters. Methods: A total of 500 pregnant women were included in this study. From each participant, a 5-ml venous blood sample was collected and centrifuged to obtain serum that was tested for Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using immunochromatographic testing and ELISA. Results: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 24.8%. Out of the total of 500 participants, only 8% had a serological marker of acute toxoplasmosis). There is a statistically significant difference in the seroprevalence of disease among the study areas. Amongst positive cases of every trimester, 54.34% of first trimester positive cases had a serologic marker for acute toxoplasmosis. Conclusions: In this study, there is a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis. Therefore, it is necessary to test every pregnant woman for toxoplasmosis and distinguish the type of infection, as well as the conduction of public health education programs to generate the awareness.

Retrospective Serological Evidence of High Exposure of Globally Relevant Zoonotic Parasite Toxoplasma Gondii in The Latvian Population

Abstract Toxoplasmosis is an important infection caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is a zoonotic parasite causing widespread human and animal diseases, mostly involving the central nervous system. Humans can acquire toxoplasmosis by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing T. gondii tissue cysts, ingestion of oocysts shed by infected felids via contaminated food or water, and by vertical transmission to the fetus through the placenta from the mother during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of specific anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using a large set of clinical diagnostic laboratory data obtained over a 14-year period. In total, 25 069 unique patients were included in the present study. The overall specific anti-T. gondii IgG prevalence were 36.3%, which was significantly (p &lt; 0.01) higher than IgM prevalence (2.4%). Mean age for IgG antibody-positive patients was 33.7 ± 12.2 years. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.99; p &lt; 0.01) was observed between age group and anti-T. gondii IgG antibody prevalence, which ranged from 4.2% to 66.7%. The most prevalent (69.9%; 95% CI 69.2–70.7) comorbidities of patients tested for presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were classified as factors affecting health status which includes also monitoring of normal pregnancy.

Distribution of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibody seropositivity among age groups and gestational periods in pregnant women.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic disease. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and geographic distribution of toxoplasmosis as well as evaluate the role of animal contact in disease development and determine the percentage of toxoplasmosis-associated IgM and IgG seropositivity among different age groups. In addition, it aimed to estimate the proportion of toxoplasma IgM seropositivity among pregnancy trimesters. Methods: A total of 500 pregnant women were included in this study. From each participant, a 5-ml venous blood sample was collected and centrifuged to obtain serum that was tested for Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using immunochromatographic testing and ELISA. Results: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 24.8%, with rates of acute infection of 8%. Among positive cases of every trimester, 54.34% of first trimester positive cases had a serologic marker for acute toxoplasmosis. Among the overall positive cases, out of the 35 pregnant women with previous history of cow/buffalo contact and toxoplasmosis, 45.7% were seropositive for toxoplasma IgM; and out of 15 women with prior history of dog contact, 33.3% had a serological marker of acute toxoplasmosis. Conclusions: In this study, there is a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis and contact with domestic animals is a risk factor of this illness. Therefore, it is necessary to test every pregnant woman for toxoplasmosis and distinguish the type of infection, as well as the conduction of public health education programs to generate the awareness.