Toxoplasma IgG Antibodies Research Articles

Toxoplasma gondii and multiple sclerosis: a population-based case-control seroprevalence study, Central Anatolia, Turkey.

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, is prevalent in various mammalian species, as well as certain avian, reptilian, and cold-blooded organisms. While immunocompetent individuals generally remain asymptomatic, immunocompromised individuals may experience severe and life-threatening conditions. Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), is characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage. Despite extensive research, the etiology and pathogenesis of MS remain incompletely understood. Given the strong affinity of T. gondii for the CNS, researchers have explored the potential association between T. gondii and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes, and MS. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between MS and T. gondii. A population-based incident cohort of MS patients in Sivas, Turkey, was used to randomly select MS patients. Age- and sex-matched controls were also randomly selected from the general population. A total of 182 MS patients and 182 controls were included in the study. Clinical and socio-demographic variables were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected from MS patients, and Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 78 cases (42.9%) and 73 controls (40.1%) (p>0.05). Age, female sex, and consumption of raw meat were identified as risk factors for toxoplasmosis in both MS patients and controls. In contrast to previous studies, this study did not find a significant difference in T. gondii seropositivity between the control group and MS patients. Further investigations are recommended to elucidate the precise relationship between MS patients and T. gondii.

Clinical and Immunological Impacts of Latent Toxoplasmosis on COVID-19 Patients.

Background Parasites are well-known immune-modulators. They inhibit some aspects of the immune system to ensure persistence inside the host for a long time; meanwhile, they stimulate other immune aspects to assure the survival of the host. Wide variations in the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among developed and developing countries were reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parasitic infections, including Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), were claimed to contribute to such variations. Methods To explore a possible relationship between latent toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 severity, our study included 44 blood samples from moderate/severe COVID-19 patients, who were admitted to Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt, during the pandemic. Patients' sera were screened for Toxoplasma IgG antibodies using ELISA (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, USA), and the gene expression of important immune markers (iNOS, arginase-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β) was checked using real-time quantitative PCR. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the patients' medical records. Results Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were detected in 33 (75%) of patients. None of the studied clinical or laboratory parameters showed any significant changes in relation to toxoplasmosis seroprevalence. Further classification of the patients according to COVID-19 severity and Toxoplasma seroprevalence did not reveal any changes related to toxoplasmosis as well. Conclusion Our study indicates that latent toxoplasmosis has no effect on the severity of COVID-19.

Dropped‐head syndrome in a dog secondary to myopathy of the cervical extensor muscles

AbstractA 4‐year‐old, male, entire Newfoundland was presented for investigation of an acute onset cervical ventroflexion and pyrexia, 4 days following a hip replacement surgery. Neurological examination confirmed prominent cervical ventroflexion characterised by an inability to raise the head, without evidence of cervical hyperaesthesia or associated neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging identified focal, bilaterally symmetrical changes to the semispinalis cervicis musculature, responsible for elevation of the head. The presentation and diagnostic imaging findings appeared analogous to dropped‐head syndrome in humans. Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were found to be mildly elevated, and therefore treatment with clindamycin was initiated. The dog responded well to treatment and was reported to be clinically normal 2 months thereafter.

SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII AMONGST PREGNANT WOMEN WITH BAD OBSTETRIC HISTORY AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN CENTRAL INDIA

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii. It is usually asymptomatic, but infection in pregnant women can pose serious health problems for the fetus like chorioretinitis, brain calcication, and microcephaly. It is therefore important to prevent transplacental transmission of T.gondii in pregnant females. Considering Aims & Objectives: that the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection in the pregnant women is poorly studied, the main objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in women with BOH seeking antenatal care. Total 172 Materials & Methods: women with Bad obstetric history attending antenatal clinic were tested for Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA and a detailed history was taken according to case proforma to assess for potential risk factors. The Results: overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 33.7% (58/172). Among the seropositive women, 20.9% and 12.8% were positive for IgG antibody and IgM antibody respectively. Among the risk factors evaluated, residence in an urban area, contact with soil, consumption of raw or undercooked meat and unwashed vegetables, drinking unpasteurised milk were observed to be risk factors for Toxoplasmosis. No signicant relationship was found between the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and older maternal age, gestational age, gravida, level of education, contact with cats and drinking untreated water. Conclusion: Health education and awareness is important in pregnant women and women in childbearing age group regarding the risk factors associated with Toxoplasmosis to avoid deleterious effects of the infection on mother and fetus.

Diagnostic challenges of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: a case report

Toxoplasma infectionduring pregnancy is an important condition to be recognized as it can result in significant morbidity to the fetus. This case described a 23-year-old lady in her first pregnancy was diagnosed with toxoplasmosis when her serology test was positive for Toxoplasma gondii specific IgM and IgG antibodies. She was asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis and continuously to be asymptomatic throughout her pregnancy. The pregnancy was uneventful with no abnormalities detected in the fetus. The laboratory diagnosis of toxoplasmosis and its application in pregnancy will be further discussed. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 01 January’23 Page : 222-224

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

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

Ocular toxoplasmosis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

A 41-year-old woman with no underlying history presented to the ophthalmology clinic with a 1-week history of blind spots in the upper visual fields of her left eye. The visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/100 in the left eye. Fundoscopy showed creamy white retinal infiltration along the inferior temporal branch of the left retinal artery (figure A). Laboratory data revealed leukopenia (CD4 T cells: 7 cells/μL), eosinophilia, and positive Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for HIV antibodies for screening and Western blot test for confirmation were both positive.

Impact of latent toxoplasmosis on thyroid diseases during gestation

Toxoplasmosis is among the most widely diseases that distributed by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. So in the case of pregnancy, latent toxoplasmosis is a risk factor which causes thyroid disease. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of latent toxoplasmosis on thyroid diseases during gestation. 214 blood samples were collected from pregnant women who admitted to different hospitals in Erbil governorate. ELISA technique was used for detecting Toxoplasma IgG antibody, as well as determining serum levels of thyroid hormone levels. Overall, 23.37% of tested samples were Toxoplasma gondii IgG seropositive. Latent toxoplasmosis has a positive correlation with thyroxin (T4) (p=0.026), however, no significant correlation was found with both thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and triiodothyronine (T3) (p>0.05). No significant differences were found between Toxoplasma IgG seropositive and seronegative groups as related to trimester, age, city, place, blood group, occupation, food habit, animal contact, disease, and vitamin D level, except the characteristic of abortion, which was significant at a p=0.042. In conclusion, latent toxoplasmosis had significant impact on the occurrence of T4 secretion during gestation. Whereas, TSH and T3 had no significant association with latent toxoplasmosis. Increasing the awareness of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women is required to avoid their deleterious effects, which has a notable impact on lowering the rate of abortion caused by this parasite.

Assessment of the clinical benefits of prenatal screening for toxoplasmosis in southern Taiwan

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in southern Taiwan and to determine the clinical benefits of screening for the same. Materials and methodsThe current study included 458 pregnant women who received prenatal care from the first trimester at the Kaohsiung and Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals during the time period from 2014 to 2015. Serological tests performed to detect the presence of Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. Amniocentesis was scheduled and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Toxoplasma DNA. Moreover, the maternal characteristics and risk factors, perinatal outcomes related to the seropositivity for Toxoplasma infection were analyzed. ResultsAmong the pregnant patients included in the current study, 39/458 (8.5%) were IgG+ and 2/458 (0.6%) were IgM+. The present study analyzed the maternal characteristics and risk factors, perinatal outcome pertaining to the IgG seropositive group by means of the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a female predominance (10.8%), compared to the males (6.4%), (adjusted OR = 0.48 (95%, 0.24–0.98), P = 0.043∗). The number cases with gestational age above 37 weeks at the time of delivery was significantly lower, compared to the cases below 37 weeks (adjusted OR = 0.32 (0.12–0.94), P = 0.038∗). Among one case with low avidity cannot exclude recent infection, the amniocentesis did not show any evidence of vertical transmission. ConclusionThe scenario may not warrant general screening and the results will not influence the clinical decisions. Although the present study failed to identify the maternal risk factors related to Toxoplasma infection, the results imply that health education is essential, owing to the slightly higher rate of preterm delivery in the IgG seropositive group.

Seroprevalence and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii among Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Egypt.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite with a special predilection for the central nervous system. Toxoplasmosis's contribution to the triggering of many neurodevelopmental disorders was established. This study aimed to detect the seroprevalence and genotypes of T. gondii strains in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study included 180 children with neurodevelopmental disorders and 180 children in the control group. Assessment of seropositivity of Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies in patients and controls was carried out. Genetic characterization of T. gondii was obtained by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique targeting dense granule gene (GRA6). Our results showed that the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in the patient and controls was 35.6% and 11.7%, respectively. Nested PCR showed positivity in 11.1% of the patient group for T. gondii DNA. T. gondii seropositivity rate was significantly high in patients with hydrocephalus and also in patients with epilepsy. Positive nested PCR was significantly high in children with hydrocephalus only. Genotyping using nested PCR-RFLP showed genotype I (80%) followed by atypical strains (20%) with no association with any specific clinical presentation. In conclusion, among toxoplasmosis-positive children with neurodevelopmental disorders, analysis of T. gondii GRA6 locus revealed the predominance of type I genotype followed by atypical strains.

The role of PCSK9 in blood lipids recycling in women with acute toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma gondii is intracellular parasite; it is considered one of the most important causes of miscarriage and can inhibit the development of the fetus, especially at the beginning of pregnancy. Host lipids have an important role in the pathogenesis of T. gondii infection. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a liver secreted protein that has the unusual ability to interfere and block the natural recycling of lipid receptors, resulting in impaired lipid clearance from the plasma. This study designed to investigate the role of PCSK9 in recycling blood lipid levels in women with acute toxoplasmosis and to evaluate the relationship between them. Forty serum blood samples were collected from aborted women, who were having acute toxoplasmosis (IgM and IgA positive result) for the period October 2020 to March 2021. In addition, 25 samples were collected from apparently-healthy women (negative control group) and 25 samples collected from other aborted women (positive control group). Both groups gave negative result for the presence of IgM, IgA and IgG-Toxoplasma antibodies. Finally, PCSK9 and blood lipids levels were measured for all groups. Positive relations were found between lipid profile values and T. gondii infected women. There were an increased in triglycerides (149.65 mg/dl), HDL (38.5 mg/dl), VLDL (140.53 mg/dl) values, while there was a decreased in LDL values (41.7 mg/dl). The PCSK9 was a highly significant increase in PCSK9 in T. gondii infected women (3.23) compared with aborted and healthy control groups (1.57, 1.15 respectively). The measurement of PCSK9 can be used as a biomarker and may be useful in screening for acute toxoplasmosis. In spite of a highly significant increase in PCSK9 and blood lipids in acute toxoplasmosis, there was a decrease in BMI. This may be due to toxoplasmosis infection.

Lower Vitamin D Levels are Associated with Higher Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii—a US National Survey Study

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with high susceptibility to infections. The present study aimed at exploring the relationship between vitamin D levels and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection, on the basis of a nationally representative database. Methods: The study data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2001–2004. Participants underwent both Toxoplasma IgG antibody testing and serum vitamin D testing. Vitamin D deficiency was defined by a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <20 ng/mL. Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching were used to adjust for potential confounders. All analyses were conducted in R software. Results: A total of 10613 participants were included. Among these, 3973 (37.4%) were vitamin D deficient, and 2070 (19.5%) were seropositive for T. gondii IgG antibody. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 42.3% of the seropositive population, compared with 36.3% of the seronegative population (P<0.001). After adjustment for sex, age, body mass index, smoking history, drinking history and testing season, vitamin D deficiency was associated with an elevated risk of T. gondii infection (OR=1.303, 95% CI=1.136–1.495, P<0.001). This effect persisted in the propensity matching cohort. Conclusions: Low vitamin D levels are associated with high seroprevalence of T. gondii.

Seroprevalence and risk factor investigation for the exposure of Toxoplasma gondii among veterinary personnel in Punjab, India

Toxoplasma gondii, a globally important food borne zoonotic parasite, infects most of the warm-blooded animals as well as people. Veterinarians and para vets are considered at risk of T. gondii exposure. We determined the seroprevalence of T. gondii in veterinary personnel and investigated the associated risk factors in Punjab, India. Two hundred and five blood samples collected from veterinary personnel were tested for the presence of Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. The apparent and true seroprevalence of T. gondii with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated. Information about participant demographics, and possible routes of exposure was collected using a self-completed questionnaire at the time of blood collection. For risk factor investigation, a veterinary person was considered Toxoplasma seropositive using a combination of tests in parallel, i.e. if it was positive in either IgG or IgM ELISA. A mixed effects logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the association of demography, occupational and non-occupational factors with Toxoplasma seropositive status. The apparent and estimated true seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies using Toxoplasma IgG ELISA was 8.78% (95% CI 5.63–13.45%) and 7.36% (95% CI 4.04–12.29%), respectively. The apparent and estimated true seroprevalence using Toxoplasma IgM ELISA was 0.49% (95% CI inestimable - 2.71%) and 0.51% (95% CI inestimable - 2.83%), respectively. After adjusting other variables in the final model, consuming mutton and owning a cat were associated with large odds of being Toxoplasma seropositive. In this study occupational exposure does not seem to play an important role for the exposure of T. gondii in veterinary personnel in Punjab state of India. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in veterinary personnel is comparatively low in occupationally exposed veterinary personnel in Punjab, India.

Evaluating the performance of LAMP diagnostic test in the detection of toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis patients

PurposeToxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii; despite being asymptomatic in the majority of healthy individuals, it can cause significant complications and mortalities in patients with immune deficiency. MethodsA case-control study was performed on 320 subjects, 160 with hemodialysis and 160 healthy control subjects in Zahedan, southeast of Iran. In both groups, diabetes was evaluated using diagnostic tests such as FBS and A1C, and subjects that suffer from diabetes excluded from this study. Two blood samples were collected from each participant for conducting the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and molecular diagnostic tests. Molecular diagnostic tests including Nested-PCR, Real-Time PCR, and LAMP were performed on RE gene. ResultsAmong 160 blood samples in patients group, T. gondii antibody was confirmed in 75 (46.8%) samples by ELISA test. Also, 51 (31.87%) and 54 (33.75%) of samples having an infection confirmed by Nested-PCR and LAMP methods, respectively. Also, among 160 healthy samples, 39 (24.3%) were serologically positive for T. gondii. However, only 7 (4.3%) samples were reported to be positive by LAMP method in the control group, 4 of whom were Toxoplasma IgG antibodies positive by the same test. ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that molecular tests (LAMP and Nested-PCR) on the RE gene sequence have more efficient than serologic methods for detecting active and reactive types of toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis patients.

A novel enhanced dot blot immunoassay using colorimetric biosensor for detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection

This study reports development of a novel point of care assay, namely an enhanced immuno-dot blot assay, for discrimination of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. This method has been designed based on formation of a sandwich complex between a gold nanoprobe (chitosan gold nanoparticle-anti-human IgG or anti-IgM) and anti- Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA) which holds anti-TLA antibodies, either IgG or IgM. Briefly, anti-human IgG or anti-IgM antibody was conjugated to chitosan gold nanoparticles via glutaraldehyde chemistry. Then, lysate antigen was immobilized on the surface of nitrocellulose membrane, which followed by addition of the sera sample and gold nanoprobes. The positive signals were readily detectable via observation with naked eye. This positive color change was further intensified via gold enhancement chemistry. The intensity of biosensor signal was proportional to the concentration of active antibodies on the surface of nanoparticles, titer of T. gondii antibodies in the sera samples and concentration of Toxoplasma lysate antigen coated on the nitrocellulose membrane. A minimum concentration to use the antibodies for conjugation, to detect titer of Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, and the concentration of TLA coated in nitrocellulose membrane were 0.5 mg/mL, 2 IU/mL, 10 IU/mL, and 20 μg/mL, respectively. This enhanced immuno-dot blot assay offers a simple diagnostic technique without expensive equipment requirement for distinguishing of anti- T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in field conditions, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients.

Toxoplasmosis Is More Frequent in Schizophrenia Patients Than in the General Population in Mexico and Is Not Associated with More Severe Course of Schizophrenia Measured with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease, which was discovered in 1908, caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii infects neuronal, glial, and muscle cells, and chronic infections are characterized by the presence of cysts, in the brain and muscle cells, formed by bradyzoites. T. gondii is capable of synthesizing L-DOPA, a precursor of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is key in the etiology of neuropsychological disorders such as schizophrenia. Previous studies have shown high levels of IgG Toxoplasma antibodies in schizophrenia patients. Many published studies show that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis is higher in schizophrenia patients. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in patients with schizophrenia and the relationships between, sociodemographic factors and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. A total of 27 schizophrenic patients were included and IgG anti-T. gondii was determined in serum samples by ELISA. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, sociodemographic factors were associated with seropositivity. We found that the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was 51.7%. In the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, statistical significant association (p = 0.024) was found in Item 13 which is related to motor retardation, however, the association turned non-significant after of correction for multiple tests or after of analyzed with a logistic regression p = 0.059, odds ratio (OR) = 2.316 with a 95% confidence interval [0.970 to 5.532]. Other association was not found between toxoplasmosis and others factors. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis on our population under study was significantly higher than that reported by general population or other group of Mexican schizophrenia patients.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant mother in Makassar, Indonesia.

The protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect one-third of the world's population. Infection in pregnant women can cause severe conditions for their babies. Until now, there is no data regarding Toxoplasma infection from Makassar pregnant mothers. This study aims to obtain information on Toxoplasma specific antibodies and to measure the risk factor associate with parasite infection. This cross-sectional study conducted in 9 of 47 primary health centres (Puskesmas) in Makassar. Blood samples and questionnaires were collected from 184 pregnant women aged 15-42 years old from September to October 2020. ELISA technique was used to examine the IgG and IgM antibodies. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to measure factors that independently associate with Toxoplasma antibody positivity. Our result showed the range of Toxoplasma IgM and IgG are 0.06-1.01 and 0.09-3.01, respectively. While no one of our participants has an acute Toxoplasma gondii infection (IgM positive), we found 32,6% pregnant mothers are exposed to parasite (positive IgG). Contact with cats [OR(95%CI): 10.45(3.77-28.99)], consume chicken satay [OR(95%CI): 9.72(3.71-25.48)] and consume un-boiled water/ filtered water [OR(95%CI): 5.98(1.77-20.23)] are independently associate with positive Toxoplasma IgG antibody. Based on the result, we conclude that pregnant women in Makassar are exposed to T. gondii and the oocyst and tissue cyst of parasite contaminates food and water in Makassar.

EVALUATION OF Toxoplasma gondii SEROPREVALENCE AND IGG AVIDITY TEST RESULTS AMONG CHILDBEARING-AGE WOMEN IN KARABUK PROVINCE

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infectious disease that is common worldwide and caused by the Toxoplasma gondii. Congenital toxoplasmosis is one of the major complications of this infection. The present study aimed to investigate T.gondii seroprevalence and evaluate the IgG avidity test results among childbearing- age women retrospectively. A total of 9401 samples obtained from childbearing -age (15-49 years of age) women who attended Karabuk University Training and Research Hospital between February 2016- January 2020, over the four-year, were included in the study.The Toxoplasma-IgM, Toxoplasma-IgG antibody, and Toxoplasma IgG avidity tests were analyzed chemiluminescent method by using ARCHITECT I 2000 SR immunoassay device (Abbott Laboratories, USA). Toxoplasma-IgM and Toxoplasma-IgG seropositivity were detected as 0.7% (67/9401) and 15.7% (1415/9005) respectively. A high percentage of Toxoplasma-IgM and Toxoplasma-IgG seropositivity were detected among 31-35 years of age group. The Toxoplasma seropositivity increased by age, but no statistically difference was found (P >0.05).The Toxoplasma IgG avidity was high in 45 patients (69.4%), low avidity was detected in 16 patients (22.6%) and from the remaining 6 patients were borderline (8%). The Toxoplasma IgM and IgG seropositivity rate decreased 2016 to 2020. The highest Toxoplasma IgM and IgG seropositivity were in 2016 with 1.2% and 16.8%, respectively. The T. gondi seropositivity rate was decreased from 2016 to 2020; it is probably a result of increasing awareness of the disease among patients. We think our results will contribute to the epidemiological data in our province and country and raise awareness.

Role of interferon gamma in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients with parasitic infections

BackgroundBy 27 June 2020, almost half a million people had died due to COVID-19 infections. The susceptibility and severity of infection vary significantly across nations. The contribution of chronic viral and parasitic infections to immune homeostasis remains a concern. By investigating the role of interferon (IFN)-γ, we conducted this study to understand the connection between the decrease in numbers and severity of COVID-19 cases within parasitic endemic regions. Our research included 375 patients referred to hospitals for diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Patients were subjected to full investigations, in particular severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 nucleic acid and Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibody detection, stool examination, and quantitative IFN-γ measurement.ResultsThe majority of the studied cases had chest manifestation either alone (54.7%) or in association with gastrointestinal (GIT) manifestations (19.7%), whereas 25.6% had GIT symptoms. We reported parasitic infections in 72.8% of mild COVID-19 cases and 20.7% of severe cases. Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, Blastocyst, and Giardia were the most common parasitic infections among the COVID-19 cases studied.ConclusionThe remarkable adaptation of human immune response to COVID-19 infection by parasitic infections with high levels of IFN-γ was observed in moderate cases compared with low levels in extreme cases. The potential therapeutic efforts aimed at the role of parasitic infection in immune system modulation are needed if this hypothesis is confirmed.

Seroprevalence Toxoplasma Infection among HIV/AIDS Patients in Kathmandu, Nepal

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii affecting about one third of the world’s population. It can be asymptomatic to fatal toxoplasmic encephalitis depending on the immune status of infected individuals. Among HIV/AIDS patients, it usually manifest as life-threatening condition. We, therefore, studied the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Nepal and this report constitutes the first report from Nepal. A total of 45 HIV/AIDS patients were included in this study. The serum samples collected and stored at -20°C were tested for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies at National Public Health Laboratory, Teku, Kathmandu using Snibe Maglumi 1000 Fully Automated Immunoassay Analyzer and the results were expressed in AU/ml. The blood put into the EDTA tube was used for CD4 count using BD FACS Calibur Flow Cytometer. In this study, 33.3% (15/45) HIV infected patients were seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG. However, none of them were positive to anti- T. gondii IgM. Most of the patients (36 out of 45 patients) had <200/mm3 CD4 cell count. However, out of them 36.1% (13/36) were seropositive to anti-T. gondii IgG whereas 22.2% (2/9) patients with ≥200 CD4 cell counts had Toxoplasma antibodies (p >0.05).