Prevalence Of anti-Toxoplasma Gondii Antibodies Research Articles

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection and parasite DNA in free-range chickens in Aguascalientes, Mexico

The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in free-range chickens in Aguascalientes, Mexico, its association with certain risk factors, and the frequency ofparasite DNA in the heart. Eighty-one small rural family farms were included, and blood and heartsamples were taken from 150 clinically healthy, adult, free-range chickens. Serum samples were processed by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test considering a dilution of 1:16 as a positive reaction, while the DNA detection was done by PCR. The correlation between the presence of antibodies and the potential risk factors was estimated with logistic regression. The overall seroprevalence in the examined populations was 67%, with a range from 33% to 100% among municipalities, and 78% of the farms having at least one seropositive bird. The PCR test identified the presence of parasite DNA for one case only. Among the variables, the presence of cats and the presence of other animal species on the farm were the ones that had the highest values, while the presence of feral cats and the presence of noxious fauna were also identified as potential risk factors. The results indicate high soil contamination by T. gondii oocysts, which implies the active role of cats living on the farms.

High prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in beef cattle in Midwestern Brazil.

The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA-IgG) in 3,814 cows aged ≥ 24months belonging to 353 beef farms in the Mato Grosso state. Additionally, we aimed to identify the possible risk factors associated with seropositivity in Mato Grosso, which encompasses three biomes (Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal) of Brazil. Analysis of 3,814 samples observed that 1,307 animals were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies (IFA-IgG ≥ 64), with an animal-level seroprevalence of 34.27%. Herd-level seroprevalence was 92.07%. In the animal-level model, cows raised in the Amazon and Pantanal biomes and breed studies on European and Zebu or hybrid were found to be at risk for T. gondii seropositivity. Prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in cows destined for human consumption was found to be widely distributed throughout the entire study area. Further studies are required to assess the impact of beef in the possible transmission of toxoplasmosis to humans residing in the region and establish additional control measures for this protozoan mainly on beef herds raised in the Amazon and Pantanal biomes, where the highest values of seroprevalence were observed.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies: Prevalence and Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Accessing Antenatal Care in Some Primary Health Centers in Jos Metropolis, Nigeria

Toxoplasma gondii infection causes high rate of gestational and congenital infection across the globe and is considered a both a public health problem and a neglected disease. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in some Primary Health Centres in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. In this cross-sectional study carried out within 5 months between Jan – May 2019, a total of 182 blood samples were collected from consenting pregnant women. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demography and risk factors. Three millilitres (3 ml) of blood samples were collected from the study participants. Sera were separated from the blood and evaluated for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data collected from the experiment were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Out of the 182 samples examined, 84 (46.2%) had anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody, 2 (1.1%) had IgM antibody while 98 (53.4%) were neither seropositive for IgG nor IgM. Trimester of pregnancy was significantly associated with prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody. In conclusion, Toxoplasmosis is prevalent in Jos. Eleven out of every 1000 women (i.e. 1.1%) had recent toxoplasmosis and 53.4% were not protected against primary infection thereby underscoring the need for prevention and control during pregnancy through enlightenment.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii assayed using Rapid Diagnostic Tests among Residents in Three Counties Adjacent to The Demilitarized Zone, Korea

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence have been rapidly increasing in some parts of Korea. We analyzed prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT), in the sera of 552 residents in Ganghwa-gun, 661 ones in Cheorwon-gun, and 305 ones in Goseong-gun, Korea in 2019. IgG/IgM RDT mounted with recombinant fragment of major surface antigen (SAG1), glutathione-S-transferase-linker-SAG1A, were applied to the sera. IgG seroprevalence was 28.1% in Ganghwa-gun, 19.5% in Cheorwon-gun and 35.7% in Goseong-gun. Odds ratios comparing Cheorwon vs Ganghwa was 0.63 (P=0.001) and Goesong versus Ganghwa was 1.47 (P=0.01) adjusting age and sex. Goseong had highest seroprevalence among the 3 counties both in crude rates and logistic regression. Although Cheorwon and Goseong are adjacent to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Korea, seroprevalence rate was much higher in Goseong. Further investigation on other DMZ-closed areas is necessary whether they have high prevalence rates compared to the other areas. T. gondii prevalence in Korea is still persists; proper health policy should be established.

Potential risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women and HIV infected individuals in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular and neurotropic apicomplexan protozoan parasite infecting almost all warm-blooded vertebrates including humans. To date in Ethiopia, no systematic study has been investigated on the overall effects of potential risk factors associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women and HIV infected individuals. We intended to determine the potential risk factors (PRFs) associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii from published data among pregnant women and HIV infected individuals of Ethiopia. An systematic review of the previous reports was made. We searched PubMed, Science Direct, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar for studies with no restriction on the year of publication. All references were screened independently in duplicate and were included if they presented data on at least two risk factors. Meta-analysis using the random or fixed-effects model was made to calculate the overall effects for each exposure. Of the 216 records identified, twenty-four reports met our eligibility criteria, with a total of 6003 individuals (4356 pregnant women and 1647 HIV infected individuals). The pooled prevalences of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found at 72.5% (95% CI: 58.7% - 83.1%) in pregnant women and 85.7% (95% CI: 76.3% - 91.8%) in HIV infected individuals. A significant overall effect of anti-Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity among pregnant women (p < 0.05) was witnessed with age, abortion history, contact with cats, cat ownership, having knowledge about toxoplasmosis, being a housewife and having unsafe water source. Age, cat ownership, and raw meat consumption were also shown a significant effect (p < 0.05) to anti-Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity among HIV infected individuals. This review showed gaps and drawbacks in the earlier studies that are useful to keep in mind to design accurate investigations in the future. The pooled prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was found to be higher among pregnant women and HIV infected individuals. This suggests that thousands of immunocompromised individuals (pregnant women and HIV infected patients) are at risk of toxoplasmosis due to the sociocultural and living standards of the communities of Ethiopia. Appropriate preventive measures are needed to reduce the exposure to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Further studies to investigate important risk factors are recommended to support the development of more cost-effective preventive strategies.

Validation and field evaluation of a competitive inhibition ELISA based on the recombinant protein tSAG1 to detect anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep and goats

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion and reproductive failure in small ruminants. We validated and evaluated under field conditions a competitive inhibition ELISA based on the truncated SAG1 protein (tSAG1) from N. caninum for the detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep and goat flocks. The assay was validated using 80 positive and 142 negative serum samples from sheep and goats analyzed by IFAT and immunoblot (IB). ciELISAtSAG1 was then used to evaluate the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in 1449 goats from 143 flocks and 385 sheep from 40 flocks and compared to IFAT. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was evaluated by IFAT. The ciELISAtSAG1 cut-off was ≥ 36 percent inhibition, with a diagnostic sensitivity of 100.0 % (95 % CI = 95.4–100.0 %) and a diagnostic specificity of 98.6 % (95 % CI = 95.0–99.8 %) relative to the agreement between IFAT and IB. The field evaluation revealed a concordance between ciELISAtSAG1 and IFAT of 97.4 %, with an agreement (κ) of 0.90 for sheep sera, and a concordance of 96.5 % with κ = 0.85 for goat sera. The overall prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep was 14.3 % by IFAT and 15.8 % by ciELISAtSAG1. In goats, prevalence was 12.9 % by IFAT and 14.6 % by ciELISAtSAG1. The overall prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 28.8 % in goats and 43.8 % in sheep. The ciELISAtSAG1 could be useful for large-scale detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep and goats, and for seroepidemiological investigations due to its appropriate sensitivity and specificity, and the simplicity of production.

Serological prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats (Belém, Pará, Brazil).

We evaluated the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in the serum samples collected from domestic cats in Belém, Pará, Brazil. We also correlated the presence of T. gondii antibodies with environmental variables and cat-owner habits. Four-hundred and forty-seven serum samples from domestic cats were analyzed. The sera were tested using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Among the animals analyzed, 21.92% (98/447) were seropositive. A statistically significant association was found in relation to age and serology among the animals over 1 year old (p<0.01): in the group up to 1 year old, 12.82% (20/156) of the animals were positive, and in the group over 1 year old, 26.80% (78/291) were positive. Our results show that the cats in Belém, Pará region have anti-T. gondii antibodies, and their owners are not aware of toxoplasmosis or how to prevent its transmission.

Prevalence of Anti–Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Ratites from Brazil

The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was investigated among 104 ratites: 68 rheas (Rhea americana), 16 emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae), and 20 ostriches (Struthio camelus) in 4 Brazilian states. The prevalence in rheas was 26.5% (18 of 68), and titers were 1:100 (n = 8), 1:200 (n = 1), 1:400 (n = 4), 1:800 (n = 4), and 1:1,600 (n = 1). In emus, the prevalence was 50% (8 of 16), and titers were 1:50 (n = 1) and 1:100 (n = 7). The ostriches were slaughtered for human consumption, and 80% (16 of 20) were seropositive with titers of 1:200 (n = 1), 1:400 (n = 9), and 1:800 (n = 6). Sera were tested with a modified agglutination test, and the results confirmed the distribution of the parasite in ratite species from Brazil. The data obtained in this study show that T. gondii is prevalent among ratites from Brazil, and therefore ratite meat should also be considered a potential source of human infection. This is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in emus.

Characterization of the zoonotic potential of Toxoplasma gondii in horses from Rio de Janeiro State

The aim of this study was to perform a survey on the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in horses from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. From 2012 to 2013, a total of 624 blood samples were collected from horses from the eight regions comprising Rio de Janeiro State (Baixadas Litorâneas, Serrana, Norte Fluminense, Noroeste Fluminense, Centro-Sul, Metropolitana, Médio Paraíba, and Costa Verde). All sera samples were tested for anti-T. gondii antibodies by performing the modified agglutination test with a cut-off of 1:25. Positive serology for T. gondii was detected in 22.8% (142/624) of the horses studied. Seropositivity was detected in all regions sampled; furthermore, statistical significance was observed when all locations were compared at once. The Médio Paraíba region had the highest number of positive animals 54.76% (23/42) in the Bonferroni correction among Costa Verde, Centro Sul, Metropolitana, and Serrana (p<0.001). Seropositivity was 39.58% (38/96) in Norte Fluminense, which was the second most prevalent region. The results indicated that the T. gondii parasite is widely distributed in horses in Rio de Janeiro State and represents a risk to public and animal health. These findings emphasize the need to increase control and prevention of this disease in horses.

Seroprevalence and correlates of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Yoremes (Mayos) in Mexico: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesWe sought to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in Yoremes and to identify associations of T. gondii exposure with sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics of Yoremes.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SettingYoremes...

Prevalência de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii em ovinos no município de Uberlândia, MG

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a prevalência de anticorpos contraToxoplasma gondii em 334 amostras de sangue de ovinos oriundos de 12 propriedades localizadas no município de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. O teste utilizado para a pesquisa foi a reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI), com ponto de corte na diluição 1:64. Identificou-se a prevalência de 30,8% anticorpos anti-T. gondii em ovinos e a frequência de soropositivos por propriedade variou de 10 a 66,7%, sendo que todas as propriedades apresentaram pelo menos uma amostra reagente. Ao associar a soropositividade com sexo, idade e raça, observou-se diferença estatística significativa para faixa etária, de modo que os animais com menor idade (6 a 11 meses) foram menos reagentes do que os ovinos com maior idade. Esses resultados sugerem a adoção de medidas preventivas na região estudada.

The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in stutterers is higher than in the control group.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908) and stuttering. We investigated the seropositivity rate for anti-T. gondii IgG and antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in stuttering children to ascertain a possible relationship between T. gondii infection and stuttering. We selected 65 stuttering children and 65 control children (non-stutterers) to investigate the seropositivity rate of anti-T. gondii antibodies by ELISA. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and scalp electroencephalography (EEG) were also performed in stuttering children. The seropositivity rate of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies among stuttering children (28%) was significantly higher than in control group (5%; p = 0.001). No abnormality was detected in cranial MRI's of stutttering children and their EEG recordings were also normal. There was no significant difference in seropositivity rate regarding age, genders and residence area. The association between seroprevalence of infection with T. gondii and stuttering may be due to hyperdopaminergic state in brains of patients who are T. gondii-seropositive. Thus, there might be a causal relationship between toxoplasmosis and stuttering.

Spatial distribution of anti-toxoplasma antibodies in pregnant women from Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil

To analyze the spatial distribution of the prevalence of anti-toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pregnant women from a Brazilian Northeast city, and to correlate such prevalence with average maternal age and place of residence. A descriptive, analytical and ecological study was conducted from January 1st to December 31st 2012. Data were obtained retrospectively from the Medical Specialties Center database and processed with the Epi info statistical package (Epi 7, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA) and with Microsoft Excel 2010. The X2 test was applied to assess the association between the prevalence of antibodies to toxoplasma gondii and the average age. Spatial analysis of infection prevalence was performed using the TerraView software, version 4.2.2, with Kernel density estimation, which estimates the quantity of events through maps in order to identify areas with the highest concentration of cases in the city. The seroprevalence of IgG was 68.5% (95%CI 67.2-69.8) and the prevalence of IgM was 0.36% (95%CI 0.23-0.6). A higher IgG prevalence was associated with increased age in the oldest neighborhoods of the state capital, whereas a higher IgG prevalence among younger women was detected in suburban neighborhoods. The spatial concentration of IgM antibodies was higher in suburban neighborhoods, with no significant correlation between seroprevalence and age. Geoprocessing allowed the identification of areas with the highest prevalence, as well as the most susceptible average age and it was also useful as an instrument for the evaluation and implementation of appropriate preventive measures for this municipality and for other regions of Brazil.

Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in aborted ewes in Kuwait.

Serum samples from 528 aborted ewes from different sheep flocks in Kuwait were tested for Toxoplasma gondii. The indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) was used with a titer of 1:80 considered positive. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 94 (17.8%). The highest number of positive ewes (23; 24.5%) had a titer of 1:640. Only one aborted ewe had a titer of 1:2560. This study is the first to report Toxoplasma infection in sheep which may pose risk to humans who consume under cooked mutton. The detection of Toxoplasma antibodies in aborted ewes refers to the implication of toxoplasmosis in abortion among sheep in Kuwait.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in drivers involved in road traffic accidents in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

BackgroundThe prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the general population of Guadalajara, Mexico, is around 32%. Toxoplasmosis can cause ocular lesions and slowing of reaction reflexes. Latent toxoplasmosis has been related with traffic accidents. We aimed to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and visual impairments related with traffic accidents in drivers from the metropolitan Guadalajara.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated the prevalence of IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies in 159 individuals involved in traffic accidents, and in 164 control drivers never involved in accidents. Cases of toxoplasmosis reactivation or acute infection were detected by PCR in a subset of 71 drivers studied for the presence of T. gondii DNA in blood samples. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed in drivers with IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies in search of ocular toxoplasmosis.ResultsFifty-four (34%) traffic accident drivers and 59 (36%) controls were positive to IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies (p = 0.70). Among the 113 seropositive participants, mean anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies titers were higher in traffic accident drivers than in controls (237.9 ± 308.5 IU/ml vs. 122.9 ± 112.7 IU/ml, respectively; p = 0.01 by Student’s t test, p = 0.037 by Mann–Whitney U test). In multivariate analyses, anti-T. gondii IgG antibody titers were consistently associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents, whereas age showed an inverse association. The presence of IgM-anti-T. gondii antibodies was found in three (1.9%) subjects among traffic accident drives, and in two (1.2%) controls. Three (4.2%) samples were positive for the presence of T. gondii DNA, all among seropositive individuals. No signs of ocular toxoplasmosis were found in the entire cohort. Moreover, no other ocular conditions were found to be associated with the risk of traffic accidents in a multivariate analysis.ConclusionsAnti-T. gondii antibody titers are associated with the risk of traffic accidents. We could not determine any association of ocular toxoplasmosis with traffic accidents. Our results warrant further analyses in order to clarify the link between toxoplasmosis and traffic accidents.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with ovine toxoplasmosis in Northeast Brazil.

Serum samples of 930 sheep were tested by ELISA to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and to identify risk factors associated with the presence of toxoplasmosis in two regions of Rio Grande do Norte (Northeast Brazil), with different climatic conditions. The overall estimated prevalence was 22.1%, with 26.3% and 17.8% positive sheep in Leste Potiguar and Central Potiguar regions, respectively. Among the positive sheep, 18.1% had low-avidity IgG antibodies, suggesting the occurrence of recent toxoplasmosis. The risk factors for toxoplasmosis in sheep were: presence of cats (odds ratio (OR) = 1.55; confidence interval (CI) 95% = 1.11–2.16), age of the animals, with adults presenting a greater chance of infection (OR = 2.44; CI 95% = 1.58–3.75), and the use of running water (OR = 1.61; CI 95% = 1.25–2.09), characterizing the existence of transmission by sporulated oocysts of T. gondii in the environment.

Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sport horses from Qazvin, Iran

In the present study, the prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in sport horses of Qazvin was examined using modified agglutination test (MAT). On 52 horse sera totally examined for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, 37 horses (71.2%) were seropositive by MAT. Results of the present study showed a high rate of Toxoplasma infection in horses in Qazvin area. More comprehensive study on equine toxoplasmosis is recommended.

Prevalence and risk factors associated to infection by Toxoplasma gondii in ovine in the State of Alagoas, Brazil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and to identify risk factors associated to the infection in the three meso-regions of the State of Alagoas, Brazil. A total count of 23 towns and 27 meat sheep farms were visited where blood samples were collected in order to perform the indirect immunofluorescence test to evaluate the antibodies presence. Questionnaires exploring the production system and nutritional, sanitary, and reproduction handling were handed out. The prevalence rate was 32.9% and the number of foci was 100%. In the multivariate statistical analysis, there was a significant association for the following variables: age (OR = 4.01; C.I. 2.03-7.94), size of the property (or the farm; OR = 0.48; C.I. 0.26-0.90), semi-intensive rearing system (OR = 3.17; C.I. 1.24-8.13), running water source (OR = 3.13; C.I.-1.66-5.87), and presence of cats (OR = 1.72; C.I. 1.08-2.75). It is concluded that sheep of the three meso-regions of the State of Alagoas are exposed to the infection caused by T. gondii with high prevalence. Control and prophylactic measures must be adopted seeking the improvement of the rearing system and the implantation of health promoting programs in cooperation with sheep farmers in order to elucidate the transmission means of this disease.

Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em caprinos de Pitanga, Paraná, Brasil

Objetivou-se verificar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em soros de caprinos de produção leiteira naturalmente infectados utilizando os testes de imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) e o de aglutinação modificada (MAT), determinar a especificidade e a sensibilidade do MAT e avaliar a concordância dos resultados entre os testes. Para o estudo foram coletadas 282 amostras de soro caprino, de propriedades do município de Pitanga, Paraná, região com uma grande pecuária de pequenos ruminantes. A prevalência encontrada pela IFI foi de 44,68% e 23,05% pelo MAT. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0,0086) em relação ao sexo dos animais, sendo que as fêmeas foram mais soropositivas. Os resultados de sensibilidade e especificidade para o MAT foram, respectivamente, 42,2% e 94,9%. Na comparação dos resultados foi observada uma concordância moderada (Kappa = 0,42). A alta prevalência da infecção, aliada aos altos títulos obtidos pela IFI e aos sinais clínicos presentes nos rebanhos sugere a toxoplasmose como uma possível causa de problemas reprodutivos em caprinos. Os resultados de sensibilidade e especificidade para o MAT obtidos neste estudo permitem recomendá-lo como teste confirmatório para a espécie caprina.

Investigation of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in patients with neoplasia

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in patients with neoplasia. One hundred and eight patients with neoplasia and 108 healthy controls were studied for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies using a micro ELISA and peroxidase-labelled anti-human IgG (rabbit) and IgM (goat). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 68 (63.0 %) patients and in 21 (19.4 %) of the controls, which was a statistically significant difference. In addition, anti- T. gondii IgM antibodies were detected in seven (6.5 %) patients and in one (0.9 %) control. A high percentage of positivity for Toxoplasma antibodies in patients with neoplasia was detected. Therefore, parasitological surveys of this patient group should be periodically performed.