Immune-chromatographic Test Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of Available Immune-Chromatographic Tests Used for Detection of Plasmodium Species, A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience

Comparative Evaluation of Available Immune-Chromatographic Tests Used for Detection of Plasmodium Species, A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience

Prevalence of Hepatitis C at a Primary Hospital in the Western Region of Ghana

Background: Hepatitis C infection can often be detected by antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. HCV infection frequently goes untreated since it is asymptomatic for decades before symptoms appear as a result of severe liver damage. This study will investigate the prevalence of HCV in the Western region, specifically the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. The research sought to improve the knowledge gap by providing data on the prevalence rates of HCV. Methods: 980 samples collected from January to April 2022 were subjected to a retrospective analysis. The HCV serologic test was performed using the one-step immune-chromatographic test kit. Age-related data and the results of all serologic tests for HCV were recorded and evaluated during analysis. Results: A total number of 980 samples were analyzed in this study. Out of which 91.3% (n=895) were seronegative and the remaining 8.7% (n=85) were seropositive. Seropositivity was mainly found significantly among the 35-44, Conclusion: This study recorded a high prevalence rate of HCV seropositivity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the Western region to have considered HCV prevalence. The findings emphasize the necessity for quick public health measures to lower infection rates. These must target screening of high-risk groups, education campaigns about HCV transmission patterns, and the provision of treatment for those who are infected.

Study on Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Hepatitis caused by hepatitis B virus is potentially a fatal liver infection. It causes acute and chronicliver disease and puts people at high risk of death from cirrhosis and hepato-cellular carcinoma. The study of theprevalence of a disease helps in establishing the magnitude of the problem.Aim: To estimate HbsAg sero-positivity among patient attending tertiary care centre.Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted in department of microbiology at district hospital attachedto Kodagu institute of medical sciences from june 2019 to may 2021. A total 20,676 samples were tested for hepatitisB surface antigen using qualitative one step rapid immune chromatographic test kit. Details of various sociodemographicvariables of the patients were collected. The test results of the patient were noted and analyzed.Results: Total of 20,676 serum samples were tested of which 135 (0.65%) were sero-positive for HBsAg. Among135 sero-positive, 55 (0.26%) were males and 80(0.38%) were female patients. The age ranging from 21-31 yearsshowed the highest prevalence. 8.88% had HIV & HBV co-infection.Conclusion: Present study highlights the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among patients attending tertiary carecentre in Kodagu. Apart from knowing the sero-prevalance, age & sex correlation, HIV;HBV co-infection was alsoassessed, it was found that the prevalence was higher in young adults. Knowing the prevalence leads to betterunderstanding about the magnitude of the disease in a particular geographical area and highlights the importanceof control measures.

Seroprevalence of visceral leishmaniasis and its associated factors among asymptomatic pastoral community of Dire District, Borena zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne protozoan neglected tropical disease. In some parts of Ethiopia, it is a public health problem and its main causative agent is the Leishmania donovani complex. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of VL and factors associated among the asymptomatic pastoral community of Dire District, Borena Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A community-based study was conducted among 432 pastoralist communities from June to July 2021. A systematic random sampling method was used to select households. Pretested structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were used to collect data. A single finger-prick blood sample was collected and tested for Leishmania donovani complex using an immune-chromatographic test (rk39-ICT). A logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with VL infection and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 432 study participants were included (their mean age was 26.69) and 218 (50.5%) were females. The overall seroprevalence of VL was 33/432(7.6%) (95%CI: 5.32-15.60). Sero-prevalence was significantly associated with high family size (>5) (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 5.134; 95% CI: 2.032-9.748), sleeping or/and staying under acacia tree (AOR = 2.984; 95%CI = 1.074-8.288), presence of cracked house walls (AOR = 1.801; 95%CI: 1.026-4.926), presence of termite hills (AOR = 1.938; 95%CL: 1.002-7.050), availability of water points (AOR = 3.893; 95%CI: 1.034-7.426) and presence of domestic animals (AOR = 2.124; 95% CI: 2.341-5.108). It is recommended that community awareness on the transmission and prevention methods of Leishmania donovani complex and taking appropriate interventions on the identified factors play a greater role to prevent and control infection in the area. Further investigation is also needed to characterize the pathogens and risk factors and tackle the problem.

Distribution of Brucellosis and Toxoplasmosis, among Butchers of District Karak Pakistan

Background: Brucellosis is one of the ultimate well-known zoonotic diseases and is endemic in many cultivated countries affecting both humans and livestock. In humans’ obstacles of brucellosis are continuous fever, joint pain, sweating, weakness, fatigue, headache, chest pain and abdominal pain. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by a protozoan apicomplexan parasite named Toxoplasma gondii. Though it is symptomless but in severity it causes encephalitis, myocarditis, and pneumonia. Methods: The study aim was to accomplish the serological prevalence of Brucella melitensis and Toxoplasma gondii in butchers processed through ICT and serum agglutination tests. For this purpose, 270 blood samples were randomly collected from active butchers at seven different union councils of district Karak. The blood samples were examined for brucellosis and toxoplasmosis based on serum slide agglutination and immune chromatographic tests. SPSS version 22 for windows will be used for the analysis of data. Results: The overall prevalence of brucellosis and toxoplasmosis was 15.6% and 21.9%, respectively. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of brucellosis and toxoplasmosis was found in butchers with age group (15-31 years) 7.4% and 8.1% and weight group (63kg-80kg) 7.4% and 10.7%. In conclusion, brucellosis is a significant public health problem in and around district Karak. Conclusion: This disease can be forestalling, especially in rural areas, through preventive measures. It is endorsed that public health supremacy should enlighten the public about the prevention and control of brucellosis and toxoplasmosis. Keywords: Brucella melitensis; Toxoplasma gondii; Prevalence; Butcher; Karak

Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus infection in Drug Abusers

Background: Pakistan is one of the world’s uppermost burdens of hepatitis C and B. Our research will assist to enhance and update preventative and treatment methods across the country. Methods: We screened 408 drug abusers for HBV and HCV in the medical and public health literature from study 1 June 2021 to 31 December 2021 on oral and injection drug users from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mardan District, Pakistan to evaluate the frequency of hepatitis B and C. Results: Out of 408 half of the individuals were screened for HCV-specific antibodies 204 and 204 for HBV surface antigen by a one-step rapid immune-chromatographic test. For all those who were screened for HCV antibodies, 171 individuals were negative and 30 individuals were positive and 14 % prevalence was observed in drug-addicted individuals. All those were screened for HBV surface antigen 161 individuals were negative and 43 % individuals were positive and 21 % prevalence was observed in drug addicted individuals. According to Age –wise distribution the high prevalence was found between 17-30 years Age 57 % and then followed by the 31-45 years age group having 28 % and the lowest HBV infection was observed in above 45 years Age group was only 15 %. Among HBV 43 positive individuals 70 % were drug abusers while the rest 30 % were oral drug users. In HCV 30 positive individuals 76 % were drug abusers while the rest 23 % were oral drug users. Among drug abusers, an injection drug user infectivity rate of 72 % was high as compared to oral drug abusers' 28 %. Conclusions: Our findings show that the prevalence of HCV and HBV is much higher among IDUs than in the overall population of Pakistan. Injecting drug users are at high risk of HBV and HCV infection transmission, and they can transfer diseases to the community through risky behavior such as syringe exchange and unsafe sex. As a result, various levels of prophylaxis are necessary for these fatal illnesses. Keywords: Drug abuser, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus, Pakistan.

A New Rapid and Quantitative Assay to Determine the Phytase Activity of Feed.

The fortification of animal feed with enzymes in order to optimize feed utilization has become a standard for the meat production industry. A method for measuring levels of active enzymes that can be carried out quickly would ensure that feed has been supplemented with the appropriate amount of enzyme. Phytase is the most widely used feed enzyme and is routinely quantified with an activity assay in a limited number of specialized laboratories. As an alternative, we report here the development of a rapid and easy method to perform a quantitative assay for the phytase from Citrobacter braakii. The method is suitable for use at local sites with a minimum lab setup and will reduce delays and potential interferences due to improper sample storage and shipment. The new assay is based on a lateral flow immunoassay that utilizes magnetic immune-chromatographic test (MICT) technology to quantify the phytase content of a feed extract. After extraction of the phytase from the feed, the sample is simply diluted and added to a reaction tube containing a specific anti-phytase antibody coupled to superparamagnetic particles. The mixture is then applied on an assay cassette, where the formed particle–antibody–phytase complexes are captured by immobilized antibodies on a nitro-cellulose strip housed in a cassette. The cassette is placed in the MICT reader that measures the magnetic signal of the captured particles. Using the calibration information stored in the cassette barcode, the signal is converted to a phytase concentration, given as phytase activity (FYT) per kilogram of feed. The accuracy and robustness of the assay compared to the ISO phytase activity assay were demonstrated through a large validation study including real feed samples from different compositions and origins. The MICT assay is the first quantitative assay for feed enzymes that is fast, reliable, and simple to use outside of a specialized reference laboratory and that is suitable for use in place of the current ISO assay.

Determinants of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection Among University Students in Central Bangladesh.

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and determinants of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among university students in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 614 students from five universities in central Bangladesh. Data were collected on demographic information, immunization history, medical and blood transfusion history through the face-to-face interview. Blood samples were collected and screened for anti-HBsAg using ELISA, HBsAg Rapid Test-cassette, and immune chromatographic test. The overall seroprevalence of HBV infection was 5.0%, and vaccination coverage was 19.2% among the participants. Students having a history of surgery (OR 11.004, 95% CI 3.211-37.707), blood transfusion (OR 5.651, 95% CI 0.965-33.068), being married (OR 4.776, 95% CI 1.508-15.127), and not being vaccinated (OR 9.825, 95% CI 1.130-85.367) were at higher risk of being infected by HBV. This study showed the endemicity of HBV infection among the Bangladeshi population. Marriage, surgical or blood transfusion history, not being vaccinated were the determinants of HBV infection within the study population. Public health initiatives for preventing HBV infection at the university levels should be envisaged.

Detection of Dengue Serotypes by Two Molecular Techniques, qPCR and LAMP

Background: Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus and the most widely prevalent arbovirus in tropical and subtropical regions. Detection of this virus by a new molecular technique named Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a very sensitive, easy, and less time-consuming diagnostic method. It can amplify up to 109 copies in less than 1 hour under isothermal conditions (65°C).&#x0D; Aims: To establish a dengue LAMP as simple, less time-consuming, more specific, and sensitive than the qPCR to detect dengue serotypes.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This prospective analytical study was conducted from January- December 2017 at the Department of Virology, BSMMU, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 290 serum samples were used, confirmed by ICT (immune chromatographic test). These samples were used to perform qPCR for the detection of dengue serotypes. After that, dengue LAMP was performed using the same samples to establish the LAMP technique as a suitable, time-saving molecular technique that is more sensitive than qPCR.&#x0D; Results: A total of 290 dengue confirmed samples by ICT were used for qPCR to detect dengue serotypes. Among which 137 dengue I and 113 dengue II RNA positive serum samples were confirmed by qPCR, and those were also positive by LAMP assay. Besides, 20 both dengue NS1 and dengue IgM negative by ICT were tested by qPCR, and 01 positive dengue II serotype was detected by qPCR, whereas 02 dengue II serotypes were detected by dengue LAMP technique from the same samples.&#x0D; Conclusion: RT-LAMP assay had been developed in this study which allowed the rapid and accurate identification of dengue virus serotypes.&#x0D; TAJ 2021; 34: No-1: 01-04

Utility of Automated Hematology Analyzers in Diagnosis of Infective Etiologies: An Adjunct to Conventional Diagnostic Tools

Background: Febrile illnesses such as malaria and dengue are challenging to differentiate clinically. For more than a century, the diagnostic approach is by clinical features and microscopy or manual immune-chromatographic tests. Automated cellular (WBC) indices from hematology analyzers may afford a preliminary rapid distinction. Several abnormal scattergrams during routine CBC analysis appear for the malaria and dengue.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The present study is an observational, prospective study undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic utility of Sysmex XN-L series hematology analyzer as a screening tool to trigger specific testing for malaria and dengue. It includes patients suffering from either of the two febrile illnesses (malaria or dengue) at Hematology and microbiology section of Central Diagnostic Laboratory of a tertiary care centre in Central Gujarat. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV was performed for each abnormal pattern noted on scattergram for malaria and/or dengue. Interobserver variation is also taken in consideration.&#x0D; Results: Malaria cases showed a significant statistical association with the presence of an extended neutrophil zone and dengue positive cases with NS1 antigen, IgG and IgM antibodies testing showed significant association with the hourglass pattern. Higher degree of agreement was noted for the hourglass pattern, doubling of neutrophil zone pattern among the observers&#x0D; Conclusion: Significant statistical correlation was observed for extended neutrophil zone and malaria cases, hourglass pattern and dengue cases with a good agreement among the observers.

Temperature-regulated gold nanoparticle sensors for immune chromatographic rapid test kits with reproducible sensitivity: a study.

Immune‐chromatographic kits are being used since several years in the rapid detection of infectious diseases. It is also called the lateral flow technique, and is used for antigen or antibody detection. There are a series of steps involved in the development of these immune‐chromatographic test kits. Still, the preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is an important quality variable for the immune‐chromatographic test kit sensitivity. The immune chromatographic test must be specific in detection for specific antigen and antibody; this implies that the test kit should not show a false result. Secondly, the test kit should be sensitive enough to give a readable result, and the intensity of the test line should increase or decrease with the concentration of an analytic sample. Various factors can influence the performance of a test. Temperature differences in AuNPs preparation can alter the assay kinetics and contribute to assay variability. Other factors such as assay components, manufacturing processes and reagent variation also contribute to assay precision and accuracy. It is important to note that assay reproducibility is the combined effect of individual sources of variability. The authors have synthesized AuNPs by immediately controlling the reaction temperature. Different batches of Malaria rapid test kit were developed and the test kit sensitivity was analysed. It was found that test kits designed with temperature‐controlled AuNPs sensor had reproducible uniformity in terms of batch to batch sensitivity than AuNPs synthesized by conventional Turkevich and Fern process.

Awareness, Risk Factors and Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C among Antenatal Attendees in South-southern Nigeria: A Cross-sectional and Hospital-based Study

Background: Viral hepatitis was responsible for 1.34 million deaths globally in 2015, a number comparable to deaths caused by tuberculosis and higher than those caused by HIV. Although hepatitis B and C viral infections are major causes of liver cirrhosis or/and hepatocellular carcinoma, knowledge is limited and prevalence underestimated because of poor surveillance programs in most developing countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness/knowledge, risk factors and prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C amongst antenatal attendees in a secondary health-care facility. Study design: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive and hospital-based. Methods: A total of 218 pregnant women were recruited from the antenatal clinic of Central Hospital Warri using simple random technique after approval from the institutional review board and consent from the participants. They were screened for Hepatitis B and C viral infections using a rapid immune-chromatographic test strip. Samples positive for HBsAg were screened for other HBV biomarkers using a 5 in one test cassette. Result: Of the 218 women screened, 3 (1.4%) were positive for HBsAg while 4 (1.8%) reacted for HCV antibodies. All positive cases for HBsAg were negative for HBeAg and HBsAb, but positive for HBeAb and HBcAb. Age-grade 31-40 gave the highest age-based prevalence 1.92% for HBsAg while participants younger than 20 years had the highest age-based prevalence of 20% (2/10) for HCV. Multiparous women had 2.8% for HBsAg while nulliparous/primiparous participants have the highest HCV antibody prevalence of 3.1%. For other variables measured, self-employed, Secondary school education, lack of HBV vaccination, women who share sharps and participants that engaged the services of quacks for invasive procedures gave the highest prevalence in their respective categories. Conclusion: The prevalence of 1.4% and 1.8% reported by this study for HBV and HCV respectively is relatively low when compared to a previous report for the study region and other Nigerian studies. However, the poor level of awareness/knowledge and high level of exposure to predisposing risk factors among the study population calls for urgent intervention if vision 2030 will be a reality for the study region.

Comparative Sero-Epidemiological Prevalence of TB with Acid Fast Bacilli sputum Positive Cases in TB Suspects of Lower Dir

Background: Tuberculosis is an infection of lungs accompanied by coughing more than two weeks, fever, and night sweat, loss of appetite, weight loss and anorexia. Approximately 33% of the entire world population has infected the incidence of TB is 9 lac new cases each year with mortality rate of 1.3 million. There are 22 high risk burden countries accounting for nearly 80% entire TB of the globe. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional investigation was carried out to analyze patients by both immune chromatographic test and direct sputum smear microscopy. Patients were asked through a questionnaire mentioning the age, name, gender, location, and symptoms of TB. Thrusfield formula was used from veterinary microbiology to calculate the sample number. So, with 95% confidence interval, 5% absolute precision, I analyzed only 324 subjects of interest. Results: The entire positivity rate was 25% in which 79.5% was the rate of positivity by ICT and 20.5% by sputum smear microscopy. Higher positivity by Age range 20-40 showed 40.9% by ICT and by sputum it was found in age group 1-20 years 17.5%. Based on gender, higher positivity rate was found by both tests in females as compared to males. Females were 31.8% positive by ICT and 10% by sputum test. Males were 22.8% positive by ICT and 5% by sputum test. Marital status based higher positivity by ICT was found in married which is 29.11% while positivity in unmarried which is 12.5%. Conclusion: Tuberculosis is still a prevalent disease in lower Dir Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The more positivity rate has found in females as compared to males. It requires further sophisticated investigation to acquire a more accurate result in case of tuberculosis prevalence in lower Dir region of KP province of Pakistan. As the DOTS strategy states, Directly observed treatment and short course is a better way to early case detection and treatment otherwise the disease can become more exaggerated in short period of time because the bacteria is an airborne pathogen so it can freely transmit to the lungs.

HELICOBACTER PYLORI CO-INFECTED WITH COMMON INTESTINAL PROTOZOA IN GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS

The zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites and Helicobacter pylori) are worldwide distributedhuman pathogens. This study evaluated the co-infection between H. pylori and the commonestintestinal protozoan parasites. A total of 240 stool samples were collected over one yearfrom patients attending outpatients' clinics of Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals, after verbalconsent for participation. Samples were subjected to microscopic examination directly beforeand after formol ether concentration. Samples were examined using merthiolate iodine formalin(MIF) direct smears to detect G. intestinelis and permanent modified trichrome and modifiedacid-fast cold kinyoun's stained smears to detect E. histolytica/dispar and Cryptosporidium spp.respectively. Screening with immune-chromatographic test (ICT) detected H. pylori infection.The results showed that H. pylori were in 160/240 (66.7%). Univariate analysis showed significanceassociation between H. pylori and protozoan causing diarrhea (P = 0.015). These protozoanparasites were with G. intestinalis ((P=0.002), E. histolytica/dispar (P= 0.041), Cryptosporidiumparvum (P =0.018) and Blastocystis hominis (P= 0.040).

HELICOBACTER PYLORI CO-INFECTED WITH COMMON INTESTINAL PROTOZOA IN GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS

The zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites and Helicobacter pylori) are worldwide distributedhuman pathogens. This study evaluated the co-infection between H. pylori and the commonestintestinal protozoan parasites. A total of 240 stool samples were collected over one yearfrom patients attending outpatients' clinics of Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals, after verbalconsent for participation. Samples were subjected to microscopic examination directly beforeand after formol ether concentration. Samples were examined using merthiolate iodine formalin(MIF) direct smears to detect G. intestinelis and permanent modified trichrome and modifiedacid-fast cold kinyoun's stained smears to detect E. histolytica/dispar and Cryptosporidium spp.respectively. Screening with immune-chromatographic test (ICT) detected H. pylori infection.The results showed that H. pylori were in 160/240 (66.7%). Univariate analysis showed significanceassociation between H. pylori and protozoan causing diarrhea (P = 0.015). These protozoanparasites were with G. intestinalis ((P=0.002), E. histolytica/dispar (P= 0.041), Cryptosporidiumparvum (P =0.018) and Blastocystis hominis (P= 0.040).

Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Recipient of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Life-threating Features Within the Early Post-engraftment Phase.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Recipient of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Life-threating Features Within the Early Post-engraftment Phase.

Sero-Epidemiological Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Apparently Healthy Young Adults in Omuaran-Community

Hepatitis B (HBV) infection is an important public health concern all over the globe. As a result of its asymptomatic nature, its prevalence among apparently healthy individuals becomes relevant for studies. Hence the prevalence survey of hepatitis B virus was conducted among apparently healthy young individuals. A total of two hundred samples were screened from volunteer subjects for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg), using the one step immune-chromatographic test strip manufactured by Dia Spot® Diagnostics. Questionnaires were administered to obtain relevant information and demographic data. Overall result showed that 11 (5.5%) of the subjects tested were found to be positive. The highest prevalence was found among subjects aged 22-26 years with 7.8% prevalence compared to those aged 12-21 years with 4.4% prevalence (P=0.1012); (p˃0.05). Based on demographic factors, female workers tend to demonstrate high positivity of 12.5% compared to male with 10.0% prevalence, (P=0.4929); (p˃0.05). Subjects involved with risky behavioral pattern by the use of unsterilized objects recorded a high prevalence of 5.3%, (P=0.5748); (p˃0.05) among female subjects. Serum Alanine amino-tranferases result showed no significant difference among the positive subjects. The results showed some measure of prevalence among the study population. It therefore becomes pertinent that the community be enlightened on the possible risk of infection by the virus. Efforts should be made to ensure vaccination against this infectious agent is intensified.

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Toxoplasmosis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Sero-Prevalence, Awareness and Risk Behavior Among Pregnant Women Following Antenatal Care in Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, Asella, Ethiopia

Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an obligate intracellular parasite. The infections produced a wide range of clinical syndromes in humans, land and sea mammals, and various bird species. Toxoplasmosis is especially important among Immune-compromised patients and pregnant women. Infection of mothers during pregnancy by Toxoplasma gondii may have serious consequences for fetus ranging from miscarriage, central nervous system involvement, retinochoroditis, or at birth subclinical infection. Objectives: To determine Toxoplasmosis sero-prevalence, awareness and risk Behavior among pregnant women following antenatal care in Asella Teaching and Referral Hospital, Asella, Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional based quantitative cross sectional study design was conducted on sample size of 384 from December 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019. To collect the demographic and risk factor related data a pre-tested Structured, questionnaire was used. Serum sample, collected was tested for Toxoplasma Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Toxoplasma Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies using anti- IgG and IgM antibodies by Toxoplasma immune-chromatographic test (ICT) IgG-IgM test. To show association between the dependent and independent variables a bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was applied allowing for p, 0.05 and the confidence interval 95%. Result: The overall sero- prevalence of T. gondii in the study area was 81.8%. Three hundred and fourteen (81.8%) of the pregnant women were IgG seropositive, fifty women (13%) were IgM seropositive. fifty women were positive for both IgG and IgM. None of the pregnant women were positive exclusively for IgG and IgM ani-bodies. eating raw meat (COR=3.480, 95%CI: 1.450-8.352; P=0.005, AOR=3.798, 95%CI: 1.249-11.550, P=0.19), using unpasteurized milk (COR=3.860, 95%CI: 2.118-7.037; P=0.000, AOR=3.907, 95% CI: 1.744-8.751, P=0.001), having three or more children (COR=2.194, 95%CI: 1.065-4.518; P=0.033) and Consumption of raw egg (COR=2.042, 95%CI: 1.049-3.974; P=0.036). Conclusion: The sero-prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was high among the pregnant women. Those who consumed raw meat and egg, unpasteurized milk and those who have three or more children were at higher risk of T. gondii infection. Hence, blood screening for Toxoplasmosis, health education and awareness creation among pregnant women should be done during antenatal follow up.

Genetic association of MBL-2 gene polymorphisms with Filarial chyluria.

Lymphatic filariasis has become a significant public health issue in North India. The association of polymorphisms in MBL2 gene with filarial chyluria (FC) is evaluated in the North Indian patients for the first time. Hence, a tertiary care hospital based case-control study was conducted in north India where FC is endemic. Therefore, 186 confirmed patients of FC as cases and 210 age-, sex- and residence-matched subjects as controls were enrolled for the study. Filarial etiology was confirmed using diethylcarbamazine (DEC)-provocation test, immune chromatographic test and IgG/IgM antibody test. MBL2 gene polymorphisms at codon 54 and -221 promoter region were genotyped by PCR followed by RFLP. Wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous mutant frequencies of MBL2 genotype at the codon 54 were 57.5%, 32.8% and 9.7% in the case group and 62.9%, 30.5% and 6.7%, in controls, respectively. The same at the -221 position were 51.1%, 44.1% and 4.8% in FC patients and 44.3%, 40.0% and 15.7% in controls, respectively. Thus, results no significant association between MBL2 polymorphism at codon 54 and FC. However, polymorphism at the -221 promoter region is linked with FC with a significant odd-ratio of 0.27 (confidence interval at 95% was 0.12-0.59; p<0.001). This preliminary finding is intriguing for further confirmation using a larger study with more patients.

Evaluation of in vitro screening and diagnostic kits for hepatitis B virus infection

BackgroundFor the diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the detection and quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA are used. Several kits are available for this purpose, and there is a growing need for the evaluation of these kits because their performance may be affected by HBV genotype- or strain-specific polymorphisms. Objectives and study designIn this study, we used International Standards and the established regional reference panel to evaluate the performance of two HBV DNA quantitative kits, five HBsAg qualitative kits, seven HBsAg quantitative kits and three rapid immune-chromatographic tests for HBsAg. ResultsThe quantification values of two HBV DNA quantitative kits exhibited excellent correlation. In the evaluation of HBsAg qualitative and quantitative kits, the titers of several specimens in the HBV-positive panel were below the detection limits of a few kits, and the specimens were determined as HBV-negative. Notably, the quantitative kit results exhibited low correlation values. However, when these data were analyzed for each genotype, the correlations improved. These results suggest that the HBsAg quantification data are influenced by HBV genotypes. The novel rapid immune-chromatographic test exhibited the comparable level of sensitivity to the HBsAg quantitative kits. ConclusionsWe evaluated the performance of kits for the detection of HBV infection. The HBV DNA quantification data correlated with an excellent agreement, whereas the HBsAg quantification data were affected by HBV genotype. Such evaluations will be useful for estimating the quality of currently available and new HBV assay kits, and for the quality control of these kits.