anti-Toxoplasma IgG Antibodies Research Articles

Association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and psychiatric disorders: a cross-sectional study in China

Psychiatric patients have become the focus of public attention, and current research suggests a possible link between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and mental illness. To understand the current situation of T. gondii infection in psychiatric patients in the study area, the relationship between T. gondii infection and mental diseases, and the influence of T. gondii infection on psychiatric patients, this study examined 3101 psychiatric inpatients from 2015 to 2020. All people included in the study were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody. Additionally, 4040 individuals from the general population were included as controls. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were carried out to determine the association between psychiatric disorders and T. gondii infection. The seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody was 0.23% (7/3101) in psychiatric inpatients and 0.11% (2/1846) in the general population, and there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). The seroprevalence rate of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was 3.03% (94/3101) in psychiatric inpatients and 1.05% (23/2194) in the general population, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.01). The seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody in psychiatric inpatients was significantly different between different age groups (p < 0.01). The positivity rate of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was 5.17% (3/58) in patients with mania, 3.24% (8/247) in patients with recurrent depressive disorder, 3.54% (13/367) in patients with depression, 3.22% (39/1213) in patients with schizophrenia, 2.41% (18/748) in patients with bipolar disorder and 2.25% (2/89) in patients with dissociative disorder. Compared to the general population, patients with mania (OR = 5.149 95% CI 1.501–17.659 p = 0.009), schizophrenia (OR = 3.136 95% CI 1.864–5.275 p = 0.000), depression (OR = 3.466 95% CI 1.740–6.906 p = 0.000), recurrent depressive disorder (OR = 3.160 95% CI 1.398–7.142 p = 0.006) and bipolar disorder (OR = 2.327 95% CI 1.249–4.337 p = 0.008) were found to be significantly associated with the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody. This study suggests that the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in psychiatric patients was higher and that age was an influencing factor of T. gondii infection in psychiatric patients. T. gondii infection was associated with mania, schizophrenia, depression, recurrent depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.

Toxoplasma gondii infection and peripheral-blood gene expression profiling of older people reveals dysregulation of cytokines and identifies hub genes as potential therapeutic targets

Infections of humans with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) can lead to the disease's development, even in an asymptomatic status. However, the mechanisms that result in these clinical outcomes after infection are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the molecular pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis-related inflammation through next-generation sequencing, to assess RNA expression profiles in peripheral blood from 5 female patients with chronic toxoplasmosis and 5 healthy female controls. All plasma samples were analyzed for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibody titers by using electrochemiluminescence. Detection of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis was carried out using the ELISA IgG avidity. We evaluated the levels of INF-γ, IL-2, IL-12, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1β in culture supernatants of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells infected with Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA) prepared with tachyzoites of strain T. gondii RH. Differential expression analysis was performed using DESeq2, pathway and enrichment analysis of DEGs was done on WEB-based Gene SeT AnaLysis Toolkit (WebGestalt) and Protein-protein interaction was carried out using NetworkAnalyst with STRING. In older people with chronic asymptomatic infection, a significant difference in the levels of inflammatory cytokines INF-γ and IL-2 was observed compared to seronegative individuals. Our results revealed differences in the regulation of critical biological processes involved in host responses to chronic T. gondii infection. Gene ontology analysis revealed several biologically relevant inflammatory and immune-related pathways.

Anti-Toxoplasma Gondii Antibody Seroprevalence Among Pregnant Women in Baghdad

Millions of pregnancy abnormalities occur throughout the world every year, many of which go unnoticed or untreated. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes sometimes this infection among expectant mothors. So, the current study's goals are to evaluate the the anti-Toxoplasma IgG seroprevalence and anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies in pregnant women in Baghdad, as well as environmental, psychological, and behavioural factors associated with infection in women. A total of two hundred and twelve (212) pregnant Iraqi women who visited personal laboratories in Baghdad were collected. Their ages ranged from 18 to 33 years. They have all had repeated spontaneous miscarriages in the past. Sera samples were collected, and IgG and IgM levels were estimated for the study participants. 61 samples out of 212 sera examined were IgG-positive (28.8%), whereas 19 tested IgM-positive(42.4%). In (54%) of the IgG-positive patients and (3 % of the IgM cases), a history of spontaneous abortion was mentioned.while there was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgM levels according to maternal age,the IgG levels were considerably higher(p 0.05) in older age groups.the findings showed that IgG seroprevalence tended to be lower in educated participants(11.8%) compared to the uneducated group(17%) (from primary school education up to university graduates). The majority of the study's risk factors did not significantly correlated with the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, However, there was a positive coerelation between untreated water sources, cat exposure and undercooked meat with the anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. A conclusion can be made that untreated water, cat handling and undercooked meat increase the seroprevalence of anti- toxoplasma antibodies as the correlation reveals a positive relation between these parameters and the anti- toxoplasma antibodies. Keywords: anti- toxoplasma antibodies, IgM, IgG, Iraq.

Effects of toxoplasmosis infection on the levels of IL-18 and anti-ds-DNA antibodies in SLE patients

The present study was set to demonstrate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection and its effects on patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through determining their serum levels of anti-dsDNA and IL-18 antibodies. For this purpose, the sera from 132 SLE and/or toxoplasmosis patients and 30 healthy women, were collected. The study sample was divided into four groups of SLE, toxoplasmosis, SLE coinfected with toxoplasmosis, and healthy control. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were examined for all the samples using ELISA kit. The results showed a high mean level of anti-Toxoplasma IgG among SLE patients coinfected with toxoplasmosis (104.8792±12.31585pg/ml) in comparison to that in toxoplasmosis patients (91.1705±12.57746pg/ml). However, the mean value of anti-dsDNA antibodies showed significant (P≤0.01) elevation in SLE patients and SLE patients coinfected with toxoplasmosis (71.2134±9.22131pg/ml and 72.3699±9.67917 pg/ml, respectively), compared to those infected with toxoplasmosis only and healthy control. Furthermore, the IL-18 mean value in the sera of the studied patients showed significant (P≤0.01) elevation (418.4000±43.18072pg/ml) in SLE patients with toxoplasmosis in comparison to SLE patients (354.4400±35.29257pg/ml). The present investigation suggests that the levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies seem to increase in patients with SLE.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum Infections in Stray Cats and Dogs in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area, China.

Simple SummaryDiseases caused by parasites have introduced serious threats to human health and the development of animal husbandry in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA), such as toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii and neosporosis caused by Neospora caninum. However, information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in stray cats and dogs which are the definitive hosts of T. gondii and N. caninum in the QTPA is limited. The aim of this study was to establish a detailed record of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in serum samples and the molecular epidemiology in feces from stray cats and dogs in the plateau area. The results revealed that stray cats and dogs in the QTPA, China present both T. gondii and N. caninum infection through the antibodies and antigen detection of the indirect ELISA tests and qPCRs. The present study suggests the prevalence of acute neosporosis and chronic re-emergence of toxoplasmosis in stray cats and dogs in the testing area. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii and N. caninum infection in cats and dogs in the QTPA, and the first determination of N. caninum infection in cats in China. In conclusion, stray cats and dogs play key roles in the transmission and prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in the plateau area.Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum belong to the Apicomplexan protozoa which is an obligate intracellular parasite, causing toxoplasmosis and neosporosis throughout the world. Cats and dogs are the definitive hosts of these two parasites. However, information on the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in stray cats and dogs in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Area (QTPA) is limited, and little is known about the diversity of the diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform indirect ELISA tests based on recombinant TgSAG1, TgGRA1, NcSAG1 and NcGRA7 proteins to establish a detailed record of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum-specific IgG and IgM antibodies in serum samples and to develop qPCR amplification based on TgB1 and NcNc5 genes to conduct molecular epidemiology in feces from stray cats and dogs in the QTPA. In the current study, a total of 128 cat serum samples were analyzed through serological tests in which 53 (41.4%) and 57 (44.5%) samples were found positive for T. gondii specific-IgG and IgM antibodies, and 2 (1.6%) and 74 (57.8%) samples were confirmed positive for N. caninum specific-IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Out of 224 stray dog sera, 59.8% and 58.9% were recorded as positive against anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, 17.9% and 64.7% were detected positive against Neospora IgG and IgM. On the other hand, 1 of 18 cat fecal samples was successfully amplified within the Ct value of 10 to 30 while no cat was positive for neosporosis. Moreover, a higher prevalence of toxoplasmosis in stray dogs (14.5%, 16/110) than of neosporosis (5.5%, 6/110) with different parasite numbers were found. Further analysis showed that no significant sex differences were found nor between the overall infection rates of T. gondii and N. caninum in this study. This study suggests that stray cats and dogs play key roles in the transmission and prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in the plateau area.

The Effect of Toxoplasmosis on Pregnant Women and Its Diagnosis by “VIDAS Test of IgG Avidity”

Toxoplasmosis is well known as a cause of infection in pregnant women. Although many serological methods are available, diagnosis of early Toxoplasmosis may be extremely difficult. Toxoplasmosis is typically diagnosed during pregnancy via testing of maternal serum for IgM and IgG anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Toxoplasmosis is normally asymptomatic, but it can have serious effects in immune-deficient individuals. Because avidity increases over time during infection, determining specific IgG avidity allows for more precise dating. Long-term IgM persistence makes it difficult to distinguish between acute and chronic infection. Seventy-six women were tested for VIDAS lgM, lgG antibodies, and VIDAS toxo-IgG avidity during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. Low avidity antibodies were found in two (33.3%) of the six IgM-positive sera and four (11.11%) of the IgG-positive sera. Low avidity was noticed in 2 (3.27%) of the 61 sera that were negative for IgM. The low avidity indicates a recent infection, whereas high avidity in 4 (50%) of the 6 positive IgM and 24 (74.74%) of the 33 positive IgG indicates a long-ago infection. These conclusions emphasise the importance of using “VIDAS IgG avidity” in conjunction with the VIDAS IgM and IgG assays to offer to prove the presence of acute infection from a single serum sample for pregnant women.

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.

Milk Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha and Interleukin-1Beta Among Toxoplasma gondii-Free and Infected Women

Pro-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in intercellular communications. In the last two decades, many cytokines have been identified in human milk. These cytokines are variable according to different conditions such as pathogenic infections which strongly stimulated the immune response. The present study aims to determine of IL1β and TNF-α in Toxoplasma gondii-free and infected women in an attempt to clarify the impacts of the infections on cytokines especially in mother's milk. The serum and milk sample were collected from 96 samples (48 for seropositive and 48 for seronegative). To confirm the Toxoplasma gondii infection; enzyme linked immunofluorescence assay (ELIFA) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. TNF-α and IL1β levels were measured by ELISA technique. Regarding milk TNF-alpha, there were statistical differences in Toxoplasma-infected from Toxoplasma-free subjects, whereas no statistical variations in TNF-α were found between other studied groups. IL1β showed significant variation just between milk and serum in infected and non-infected subjects, whereas no variations were recorded in other groups. In conclusion, based on statistical analysis, present study showed good evidence that toxoplasmosis is one of the risk factors for increasing milk cytokine. Also, a significant increase in TNF-α and IL1β in mother's breast milk may indicate a key role for inducing or developing of inflammations in suckling. Thus, further investigations are needed to cover this area of study.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Measured by Western Blot, ELISA and DNA Analysis, by PCR, in Cats of Western Mexico.

Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. The sexual reproductive cycle of Toxoplasma takes place in the small intestine of felines, the definitive hosts. In the final part of the sexual cycle, T. gondii forms oocysts in infected cats. Oocysts transferred via the faeces to the environment are highly infectious to both animals and humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in cats from the metropolitan region of Guadalajara in western Mexico. Western blotting and ELISA for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was performed, and Toxoplasma DNA was identified using polymerase chain reaction. Prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 14.8% (44/297), and only 2/297 cases were positive for PCR. Cats older than one year were at an increased risk of infection (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.844–8.362). Sex, raw meat feeding, hunting habits, vaccination status, and body condition were not associated with positivity. The prevalence of T. gondii infection determined with Western blot in cats in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was lower than that reported in previous studies.

Rapid diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii using loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay in camels and small ruminants

BackgroundThis study was conducted to detect the presence of T. gondii in milk and blood samples using three different assays: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay (LAMP). Whole blood, serum, and milk samples were collected from goats (n = 156), sheep (n = 261), and camels (n = 108) in different governorates in Egypt from December 2019 to February 2021 and screened by ELISA for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies before DNA extraction. The target T. gondii DNA gene was detected and evaluated using the LAMP assay compared to PCR.ResultsT. gondii antibodies were found in milk and serum samples at the rates of (29.26%) and (36.58%) in camels, (34.18%) and (35.89%) in sheep, and (33.7%) and (36.36%) in goats, respectively. Similar to PCR, the percentages of LAMP tests for the detection of the T. gondii DNA gene in milk and blood samples of camels, sheep, and goats were (4.8, 14.63), (6.83, 7.69), and (7.79, 9.09), respectively. LAMP's sensitivity for detecting T. gondii in milk and blood samples, which was identical to that of PCR, was 100%.ConclusionsThe findings clearly demonstrated that there were no variations in T. gondii detection capabilities in milk and blood samples from various animals using both PCR and LAMP tests. It provides a quick, precise, and sensitive method of detecting T. gondii in a variety of samples that may be used both in the field and in laboratory diagnosis.

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.

The Role of Retinol-Binding Protein 4 in Women Infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Background: Ocular toxoplasmosis mainly affected people in the second to fifth decades, as a result of acute or reactivate congenital or postnatally acquired infection. Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a protein transporter for retinol (Vitamin A) from the liver to peripheral tissue. Because of its function in vision RBP4 has become a target for ophthalmology research. Objectives: Identification of the role of RBP4 parameter in women infected with acute toxoplasmosis. Methodology: One hundred and fifteen blood samples were collected from aborted women, who were suspected of having toxoplasmosis for the period October 2020 to March 2021; in addition, 25 samples were collected from apparently healthy women to use as a healthy control group. All sera were investigated for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM, IgA and IgG antibodies, all IgG-positive samples (50 samples) were neglected. IgM and IgA-positive samples (40 serum samples) out of 115 samples were used as toxoplasmosis case group (acute toxoplasmosis), while the negative IgM, IgA, and IgG aborted women samples were used as aborted nontoxoplasmic control group (25 serum samples). The samples from healthy women that gave negative results for the three antibodies were used as the healthy control group. Results: The RBP4 serum level was reflected a significant decrease 1.84 ± 0.44 ng/ml in aborted toxoplasmic cases when compared with aborted nontoxoplasmic and healthy control groups; 2.85 ± 0.60, 3.90 ± 0.62 ng/ml, respectively. Conclusion: There was a highly significant decrease in RBP4 serum levels in acute toxoplasmosis-infected women. This decreasing may be one of the indirect effects of Toxoplasma gondii infection on their hosts. Furthermore, this level can be used as aid test for the detection for toxoplasmosis.

CASE REPORT: REACTIVATION OF CONGENITAL OCULAR TOXOPLASMOSIS IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT AFTER RECEIVING MEASLES

A case of recurrent ocular toxoplasmosis, presented through diagnostic imaging techniques and laboratory tests. To show the course and development of the clinical picture of ocular toxoplasmosis in a 19-year-old girl with good visual acuity in both eyes, which was accidentally detected during a routine ophthalmological examination for a driver's license. At the University Clinic for Eye Diseases in Skopje, several imaging diagnostic methods have been performed, such as: fundus photography, aurofluorescence, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA). Imaging techniques, along with laboratory tests for specific anti-toxoplasmosis IgG and IgM antibodies, have helped to diagnose this not-so-common entity-ocular toxoplasmosis. The development of the disease was followed by a clinical picture, certain diagnostic methods in a period of seven years. Three recurrences of the parasitosis occurred during that period. The third attack of toxoplasmosis was associated with the occurrence of measles in an otherwise healthy young woman, a possible trigger for reactivation of the disease. Regular laboratory tests of anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibody titers were performed with the help of ELISA at PHI UC for infectious diseases and febrile conditions in Skopje, during the entire process of monitoring. The lesion described by the diagnostic modalities corresponded to the data obtained from the literature and together with the elevated values ​​of anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies confirmed the diagnosis of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis. Keywords: toxoplasmosis, ocular toxoplasmosis, therapy, laboratory tests, FFA, OCT &nbsp;

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).

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii in Parkinson’s Disease Iraqi Patients

Background Several studies have addressed the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), among Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients in different countries, and the potential association between the infection and PD; the results of these studies were conflicting. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection among sample of Iraqi PD patients. Also, to examine the potential association of age, PD duration, gender, smoking habit, zone of residence and family history of PD, with the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in PD patients.&#x0D; Patients and Methods Seventy-four PD patients attaining Dr. Saad Al-Witry Neuroscience Hospital in Baghdad/ Iraq for routine follow up, from different Iraqi governorates, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Detection of T. gondii was performed by detection of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in serum by ELISA method.&#x0D; Results The frequency rate of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in Iraqi PD patients was 43.2% (32/74); while, none of the participants was seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody. Age, PD duration, smoking habit and zone of residences were not shown to be risk factors for Toxoplasma infection in PD patients (P&gt;0.05); meanwhile, female gender and positive family history of PD were shown to have a protective effect ((OR, 0.309; 95% CI, 0.099-0.966; P= 0.043) and (OR, 0.162; 95% CI, 0.037-0.705; P=0.015); respectively).&#x0D; Conclusions&#x0D; The prevalence rate of Toxoplasma infection in Iraqi PD patients is 43.2%, female gender and positive family history of PD might protect against Toxoplasma infection in PD patients.&#x0D; Key words: Iraq, Neurodegeneration, Parkinson’s disease, Prevalence, Toxoplasma gondii

Comparison of real-time PCR and nested PCR for toxoplasmosis diagnosis in toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis patients

BackgroundsPCR is a proper technique that significantly improves toxoplasmosis diagnosis. However, a more sensitive technique is required. This study compared real-time PCR with nested PCR using B1, SAG-4, and MAG-1 bradyzoite genes to diagnose toxoplasmosis in toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis patients.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 10 patients with active toxoplasmic chorioretinal lesions and 10 healthy individuals. Blood samples including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), serum and whole blood samples were used for DNA extraction. Serum was also used to detect anti-toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. Nested PCR and real-time PCR were performed using B1, SAG-4, and MAG-1 target genes.ResultsFive (50%) out of the 10 patients were tested positive for toxoplasmosis with nested PCR using the PBMC samples. All the five patients tested positive with nested PCR were also tested positive for toxoplasmosis with real-time PCR using the PBMC samples. The real-time PCR results demonstrated that 9(90%) out of the 10 patients were positive based on B1 and the remaining one (10%) was positive only based on MAG-1. In general, of the patients, five (50%) were positive using SAG-4 and three (30%) were positive in term of MAG-1 using PBMCs with real-time PCR.ConclusionIt appears that PBMC samples have the best performance as the PCR extraction method and are a good source for toxoplasmosis diagnosis. The use of B22 and B23 target genes due to their high sensitivity and specificity along with bradyzoite genes are recommended for toxoplasmosis diagnosis using PBMC samples with real-time PCR.

Toxoplasma infection and risk of epilepsy: A case-control study of incident patients

We performed an age matched case-control study of incident epileptic patients to assess the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and epilepsy. Cases were 94 newly diagnosed patients (mean age, 36.7 ± 15.9) with unprovoked convulsive epilepsy of unknown etiology and controls were 88 healthy individuals (mean age, 37.5 ± 17.1) with no history of epilepsy or neurological disorders. Sera of all subjects were examined for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies using commercially enzyme-linked immunoassays. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using univariate analysis and logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in epileptic patients (68.1%; 95%CI, 57.6–77.3%) was significantly higher than healthy controls (47.7%; 95%CI, 36.9–58.6%), indicating a significant relationship between Toxoplasma infection seropositivity and epilepsy (adjusted OR, 2.58; 95%CI, 1.16–5.72; P value < 0.05). The univariate analyses showed more than two-fold higher Toxoplasma seropositivity in patients with focal (OR, 2.31; 95%CI, 0.94–5.67) and generalized (OR, 2.35; 95%CI, 1.215–4.57) seizures versus healthy controls. Our findings support hypothesis that Toxoplasma infection/exposure may play an important role in development of epilepsy. Preventive measures to control of Toxoplasma infection especially in north of Iran and early treatment might be effective to reduce the occurrence of epilepsy in this region.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii specific repeat element in blood of recurrent aborted women by real-time PCR

Toxoplasmosis caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat contains tissue cyst or contaminated food or water with oocyst of Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is prevalent in humans, domestic and wild animals and is causative agent of abortion and congenital abnormalities. Methods: From october-2019 to April 2020, blood and serum samples were collected from 63 women with recurrent abortion. Serum samples were used for identification of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA technique. Real time- Polymerase Chain reaction technique utilized for revealing of the DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in the blood specimens. Presented study results showed the high aborted women 33 (52%) in age group (20-29), and high number of aborted women 36 (57%) have 3-6 abortions. Serodiagnosis results of 63 aborted women showed that 19 (30%) were seropositive for only IgG antibody, 6(10%) were seropositive for IgM antibody, and 6 (10%) were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Molecular diagnosis of T. gondii DNA infection by RT- PCR for amplification of repeat region 529 bp of T. gondii DNA, revealed that only 7 (11.1%) blood samples were positive. RT-PCR assay was more sensitive and specific than serologic ELISA method in diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in recurrent aborted women.

Toxoplasma gondii Infection Among Institutionalized Children with Down syndrome in Sana'a city, Yemen: Implications of Low IgG Seroprevalence.

PurposeTo assess the IgG seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii as an indicator of past exposure and immunity against infection among children with Down syndrome (DS) in Sana’a city, Yemen. This preliminary study is justified by the primary immunodeficiency of children with DS and the opportunistic nature of the parasite, considering the vague situation of anti-Toxoplasma IgG seroprevalence among children with DS because of neglecting its study on local and global scales.MethodsThis descriptive, facility-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 children with DS hosted in six randomly selected rehabilitation centers for children with special needs in Sana’a city. Demographics of children and their mothers’ knowledge of toxoplasmosis were collected using a pre-designed, structured questionnaire. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were measured in the sera of children using electrochemiluminescence assay.ResultsOf 107 children with DS, 3 (2.8%) were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG. Approximately two-thirds (71/106) of the mothers of children with DS were aware of toxoplasmosis. Of whom, 83.1% (59/71) were aware of its congenital complications.ConclusionThe majority of children with DS in Sana’a city are seronegative for anti-Toxoplasma IgG, where the seropositivity rate is lower than 3.0%. Therefore, children with DS are non-immune and susceptible to the acquisition of primary infections during their life. Further analytical studies are recommended to determine whether the defective immune response of children with DS is associated with false seronegativity, to assess the role of their mothers’ knowledge in reducing their exposure to infection if they were confirmed truly seronegative and to identify the predictors of infection among them.

Detection of Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies and DNA Among Renal Transplant Recipient and blood donor in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii infection arises in transplant recipient groups, but at varying frequencies. Reactivation of latent T. gondii infection in transplant patients is uncommon, but does occur. The incidence of reactivation is greater in patient groups receiving more aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. Early diagnosis and treatment should be considered in T. gondii-antibody-positive patients subjected to solid organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in renal transplant recipients in Khartoum, Sudan, using serological and molecular methods. Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional, hospital based study, blood sample were collected from 108 participants; out of them 58 renal transplant recipient individuals and 50 healthy Blood donor attending Sudanese Kidney Association Hospital and Sudan Heart Center Blood Bank. Demographic data were collected by structured questionnaire. All samples were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA, and PCR for detection of Toxoplasma DNA was performed. Results: The seropositivity of IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies was higher in renal transplant recipients than in blood donors (36.2% vs 32.0%). Anti-toxoplasma IgM was positive in one renal transplant recipient individual (1.70%), and no samples exhibit reactive IgM antibody for blood donors. None of the samples exhibited positivity to T.gondii DNA. Conclusion: the study showed a relatively high seroprevalence of T.gondii antibodies in renal transplant recipients and blood donor volunteers, on the other hand, the prevalence was much higher in the study conducted in pregnant woman in Sudan. Our study highlighted that asymptomatic blood donors, may constitute a significant risk of transmitting toxoplasmosis to susceptible recipients.