Prevalence Of Infectious Agents Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Viral Markers and Syphilis among Blood Donors at Gabriel Touré Chu

Blood transfusion is a therapeutic act which consists of administering blood or one of its components (red blood cells, platelets and plasma), from one or more healthy subjects to a sick subject. Blood donation is a life-saving gesture that is highly encouraged but a source of pathologies which constitutes a real public health problem. Objective: To study the seroprevalence of viral markers among blood donors at the Gabriel Touré University Hospital in Mali. Method: Cross-sectional study from January 2020 to December 2021. This study was carried out at the CHU Gabriel Touré transfusion service in Mali on the results of blood donors. The donors were selected according to the criteria established by the National Blood Transfusion Center in Mali. Results: the prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis were respectively 0.27%, 10.67%, 2.28% and 0.76% among all donors. The male gender dominated with a positive prevalence of 10.98% for HBV. The prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B co-infection was the most represented with 0.27% collected. Conclusion: the prevalence of infectious agents among blood donors remains high in Bamako, Mali. This study suggests greater attention to raising awareness about testing for viral agents like HIV and hepatitis B.

Global prevalence of infections in newborns with respiratory complications: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Newborns as a vulnerable population are exposed to congenital and acquired infections during and after birth. There are several reports of the isolation and reporting of infectious agents (IAs) in early life of newborns with respiratory manifestations, and the present comprehensive study provides a snapshot of the current global situation of the prevalence of IAs in newborns with respiratory symptoms. A systematic search was conducted in main databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, and Google scholar. The pooled prevalence of infectious agents (IAs) in newborns was estimated using comprehensive meta-analysis software based on random effects model. Out of 44 inclusive studies (50 datasets) for IAs in newborns, the pooled prevalence was estimated to be 12.2% (95% CI: 6.40-22.0%) and the highest and lowest prevalence of IAs was related to the Brazil (78.2%, 95% CI: 31.0-96.6%), and UK (0.01%, 95% CI 0.01-0.01%) respectively. The high prevalence of IAs in newborns emphasizes considers the necessary measures to prevent respiratory infections.

Seroprevalence to common infectious abortifacient and infertility causing agents in the dairy herds of India.

Information on the prevalence of infectious agents in dairy farms forms the basis for formulating a suitable control strategy; especially in endemic situations. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of six economically important bovine diseases, causing reproductive disorders including bovine abortion in organized dairy herds in India. A total of 1,075 animals (cattle and buffaloes) from 09 dairy farms were screened by ELISA tests. Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) was the most prevalent (56.5%) disease followed by infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) (45.4%). Prevalence of Q-fever (5.4%) and neosporosis (6.1%) were less on the farms. Although 16.3% of the samples turned positive for brucellosis, the contribution of calf-hood vaccination (B. abortus S19 vaccine) to the prevalence of antibodies cannot be ruled out. The overall prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis, known to cause sporadic abortions in dairy herds, was 34.1% in the 9 farms with a prevalence of less than 20% in 5 farms. Infection of multiple abortifacient (seroprevalence to more than two pathogens) was recorded in 56.8% of animals. A very strong association was observed between BVD and brucellosis (Odds ratio 14.2; P<0.001). Further, a positive association was also seen between seroprevalence of IBR and anaplasmosis, and neosporosis and Q fever (P<0.05). Viral diseases were found to be more common in the dairy herds than bacterial and protozoan diseases. Increased susceptibility of IBR seropositive cows to other bacterial and viral infections was observed.

Genetic Analyses and Genome-Wide Association Studies on Pathogen Resistance of Bos taurus and Bos indicus Cattle Breeds in Cameroon.

Autochthonous taurine and later introduced zebu cattle from Cameroon differ considerably in their resistance to endemic pathogens with little to no reports of the underlying genetic make-up. Breed history and habitat variations are reported to contribute significantly to this diversity worldwide, presumably in Cameroon as well, where locations diverge in climate, pasture, and prevalence of infectious agents. In order to investigate the genetic background, the genotypes of 685 individuals of different Cameroonian breeds were analysed by using the BovineSNP50v3 BeadChip. The variance components including heritability were estimated and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed. Phenotypes were obtained by parasitological screening and categorised in Tick-borne pathogens (TBP), gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), and onchocercosis (ONC). Estimated heritabilities were low for GIN and TBP (0.079 (se = 0.084) and 0.109 (se = 0.103) respectively) and moderate for ONC (0.216 (se = 0.094)). Further than revealing the quantitative nature of the traits, GWAS identified putative trait-associated genomic regions on five chromosomes, including the chromosomes 11 and 18 for GIN, 20 and 24 for TBP, and 12 for ONC. The results imply that breeding for resistant animals in the cattle population from Northern Cameroon might be possible for the studied pathogens; however, further research in this field using larger datasets will be required to improve the resistance towards pathogen infections, propose candidate genes or to infer biological pathways, as well as the genetic structures of African multi-breed populations.

Patterns of infection in a native and an invasive crayfish across the UK

Invasive crayfish and the introduction of non-native diseases pose a significant risk for the conservation of endangered, white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes). Continued pollution of waterways is also of concern for native species and may be linked with crayfish disease dynamics. We explore whether crayfish species or environmental quality are predictors of infection presence and prevalence in native A. pallipes and invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). We use a seven-year dataset of histology records, and a field survey comparing the presence and prevalence of infectious agents in three isolated A. pallipes populations; three isolated P. leniusculus populations, and three populations where the two species had overlapped in the past. We note a lower diversity of parasites (Simpson’s Index) in P. leniusculus (‘Pacifastacus leniusculus Bacilliform Virus’ - PlBV) (n = 1 parasite) relative to native A. pallipes (n = 4 parasites), which host Thelohania contejeani, ‘Austropotamobius pallipes bacilliform virus’ (ApBV), Psorospermium haeckeli and Branchiobdella astaci, at the sites studied. The infectious group present in both species was an intranuclear bacilliform virus of the hepatopancreas. The prevalence of A. astaci in A. pallipes populations was higher in more polluted water bodies, which may reflect an effect of water quality, or may be due to increased chance of transmission from nearby P. leniusculus, a species commonly found in poor quality habitats.

Pathogen Carriage by Peri-Domestic Fleas in Western Kenya.

Fleas are carriers for many largely understudied zoonotic, endemic, emerging, and re-emerging infectious disease agents, but little is known about their prevalence and role as a vector in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of fleas and the prevalence of infectious agents in them collected from human dwellings in western Kenya. A total of 306 fleas were collected using light traps from 33 human dwellings; 170 (55.56%) were identified as Ctenocephalides spp., 121 (39.54%) as Echidnophaga gallinacea, 13 (4.25%) as Pulex irritans, and 2 (0.65%) as Xenopsylla cheopis. Of the 306 individual fleas tested, 168 (54.9%) tested positive for rickettsial DNA by a genus-specific quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay based on the 17-kDa antigen gene. Species-specific qPCR assays and sequencing revealed presence of Rickettsia asembonensis in 166 (54.2%) and Rickettsia felis in 2 (0.7%) fleas. Borrelia burgdorferi, normally known to be carried by ticks, was detected in four (1.3%) flea DNA preparations. We found no evidence of Yersinia pestis, Bartonella spp., or Orientia spp. Not only were Ctenocephalides spp. the most predominant flea species in the human dwellings, but also almost all of them were harboring R. asembonensis.

Fungal infection in surgical pathology - Our institutional experience

Background: Fungal infection has a worldwide prevalence and it affects almost all age groups and both the sexes. Due to neoteric treatment modalities nowadays, people are enjoying longevity of life. However, on the other hand, immune status is compromised that has resulted in increased prevalence of fungal infection in society. Fungi reported by surgical pathologist, either incidentally or in clinically suspicious cases, greatly improve morbidity and outcome of the patients. Objective: The objective of this study is to study the prevalence of fungal infection in surgical pathology tissue and frequency and spectrum-based analysis in relation to age, gender, and systemic involvement. Materials and Methods: Ethically approved retrospective observational secondary data analysis is done based on histomorphological and cytomorphological evaluation of 17 fungal cases diagnosed at the Department of Pathology, New Civil Hospital, Surat, from January 2015 to January 2017. Results: Out of 17 cases, most common fungus seen was Candida albicans mainly affecting gastrointestinal tract. Common age group affected was 41–60 years and few rare fungi, i.e., mucormycosis and tinea corporis were also reported. Conclusion: Distribution of fungi in tissue section in relation to frequency, age, sex, various organs, and its correlation with clinical symptoms is analyzed in our study and results are found to be yielding that provided outlook in the prevalence of infectious agent.

2414 Endometriosis and the Prevalence of Infectious Agents within the Endometrium and Endo-Cervix

Study Objective The presence of endometriosis has been shown to be strongly associated with chronic endometritis, and, furthermore, chronic endometritis has been associated with infectious agents in the endometrial cavity (73% in published data). We planned to evaluate the prevalence of infectious agents within in the endometrial cavity and endo-cervix when endometriosis is present. Design Retrospective review of all patients that underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, diagnostic hysteroscopy, and the collection of sterile endometrial/endo-cervical cultures during surgical evaluation for suspected endometriosis and chronic endometritis. Setting Referral center for reproductive medicine and surgery in an academic medical center. Patients or Participants All patients diagnosed with endometriosis at the time of laparoscopy who underwent collection of endometrial/endo-cervical cultures from 2016 – 2018 (N=97). Interventions N/A. Measurements and Main Results Sterile endometrial/endo-cervical cultures were collected, per standardized protocol, prior to preparation of the vagina. Aerobic/anaerobic cultures; PCR for mycoplasma/ureaplasma/gonorrhea/chlamydia; viral cultures; and yeast cultures were performed. In patients diagnosed with endometriosis at the time of laparoscopy, 70% tested positive for an infectious agent on endometrial/endo-cervical culture. Organisms were found in 65% of individuals diagnosed laparoscopically with mild endometriosis (American Society for Reproductive Medicine Revised Classification of Endometriosis “ASRM Classification” Stage 1-2), and 75% diagnosed with severe endometriosis (ASRM Classification Stage 3-4). Gram positive organisms were the most common infectious agent cultured at 72%, and were primarily E. Faecalis (31%), Lactobacillus (17%), and Group B Strep (15%). Gram negative organisms (18%) were primarily E. coli (10%). Less commonly, yeasts (13%), anaerobes (3%), and ureaplasma (1%) were found. No gonorrhea, chlamydia, mycoplasma, or viruses were detected. No significant correlation was found between severity of endometriosis and prevalence of any single organism. Conclusion For individuals with endometriosis, regardless of severity, the presence of infectious organisms in the endometrium and endo-cervix is similar to published data on chronic infectious endometritis.

Impfen in Deutschland – Empfehlungen der STIKO

The epidemiological effect of vaccination is that it primarily reduces the incidence and prevalence of infectious agents and diseases, providing ideal conditions (also from an economic point of view) for prevention. Goal of vaccination is first the individual protection. Other goals may be "herd immunity", regional repression and global extinction. The STIKO provides recommendations for the implementation of vaccinations and for the implementation of other measures for the specific prevention of communicable diseases and develops criteria for the differentiation of a customary vaccination reaction and damage to health beyond the usual extent of a vaccination reaction. Earlier vaccination recommendations based on "expert opinion" but today are based on the best available evidence. Current STIKO recommendations include vaccination against seasonal influenza, vaccination against HPV, Tdap booster, tetanus PEP, and vaccine management in practice and among migrants. For the success of the vaccination recommendations, it is first and foremost crucial that the medical profession complies with the obligation to inform about vaccination options and needs vis-à-vis patients or guardians.

P086 OVER 30% OF SYMPTOMATIC FLARES IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PATIENTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DETECTABLE GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTIOUS AGENTS BY THE BIOFIRE GI PCR PANEL STOOL TEST

GI infections (e.g. C. difficile and CMV) have been shown to worsen inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity and result in increased surgeries and hospitalizations. By conventional methods, only 10% of symptomatic IBD patients have detectable concurrent GI infections. Using the BioFire FilmArray GI PCR panel, a stool test capable of detecting 22 enteropathogenic organisms, we investigated the prevalence of GI infections in symptomatic flares of IBD vs. inactive IBD, IBS, and healthy controls and aimed to determine the prevalence and impact of detected infectious agents. Patient cohorts were: #1: Active Crohn’s disease (CD, n = 112), #2: Inactive CD (n = 53), #3: Active ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 128), #4: Inactive UC (n =39), #5: IBS-Diarrhea predominant (n = 64), #6: Healthy Controls (HC, n = 52). The prevalence of positive stool tests was compared in patients with active inflammation (as defined by biomarkers) and those without. In active IBD patients, clinical characteristics, medication use, and disease course (need for escalation of steroids and surgeries) were compared between those with positive and negative tests. Prevalence of infectious organisms was as follows: CD-active (33.9%), CD-inactive (3.8%), UC-active (28.9%), UC-inactive (12.8%), IBS-D (29.7%), HC (13.4%). Both CD-active and UC-active had significantly higher infection rates than inactive IBD or healthy controls. In addition, the prevalence of infectious agents was 9-fold higher in active vs. inactive CD (p = 0.0001) and 2-fold higher in active vs inactive UC (p = 0.04). Active CD and UC have a higher rate of detectable infectious agents than patients with quiescent disease, suggesting a significant number (>30%) of symptomatic IBD flares are due to intestinal infection. These appear to be mostly transient, and treatable with fluids and supportive care, allowing sparing of steroids.

P086 OVER 30% OF SYMPTOMATIC FLARES IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PATIENTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH DETECTABLE GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTIOUS AGENTS BY THE BIOFIRE GI PCR PANEL STOOL TEST

GI infections (e.g. C. difficile and CMV) have been shown to worsen inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity and result in increased surgeries and hospitalizations. By conventional methods, only 10% of symptomatic IBD patients have detectable concurrent GI infections. Using the BioFire FilmArray GI PCR panel, a stool test capable of detecting 22 enteropathogenic organisms, we investigated the prevalence of GI infections in symptomatic flares of IBD vs. inactive IBD, IBS, and healthy controls and aimed to determine the prevalence and impact of detected infectious agents. Patient cohorts were: #1: Active Crohn’s disease (CD, n = 112), #2: Inactive CD (n = 53), #3: Active ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 128), #4: Inactive UC (n =39), #5: IBS-Diarrhea predominant (n = 64), #6: Healthy Controls (HC, n = 52). The prevalence of positive stool tests was compared in patients with active inflammation (as defined by biomarkers) and those without. In active IBD patients, clinical characteristics, medication use, and disease course (need for escalation of steroids and surgeries) were compared between those with positive and negative tests. Prevalence of infectious organisms was as follows: CD-active (33.9%), CD-inactive (3.8%), UC-active (28.9%), UC-inactive (12.8%), IBS-D (29.7%), HC (13.4%). Both CD-active and UC-active had significantly higher infection rates than inactive IBD or healthy controls. In addition, the prevalence of infectious agents was 9-fold higher in active vs. inactive CD (p = 0.0001) and 2-fold higher in active vs inactive UC (p = 0.04). Active CD and UC have a higher rate of detectable infectious agents than patients with quiescent disease, suggesting a significant number (>30%) of symptomatic IBD flares are due to intestinal infection. These appear to be mostly transient, and treatable with fluids and supportive care, allowing sparing of steroids.

A Comparative Evaluation of Risk Factors and Various Antibiotic Regimens in Postoperative Neurosurgical Infections: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Introduction Postoperative neurosurgical infections are a major problem, and the importance of keeping them to an absolute minimum cannot but be overemphasized. In this prospective study, we plan to evaluate the efficacy of three antibiotic regimens designed keeping the availability, affordability, and efficacy upon the common bacterial flora isolated at our center. We will also analyze the incidence and evaluate the risk factors of surgical site infections following clean, nonimplant, fresh, elective craniotomies. Material and Methods This prospective randomized control study was conducted at our institute, a tertiary referral center, for a period of 2 years. The study cohort included all patients undergoing clean, nonimplant, fresh, elective craniotomies at our institute. The antibiotic protocol was chosen according to the current bacterio-epidemiological data based on the prevalence of infectious agent. One of the three drug regimens was chosen. Results The results of univariate analysis revealed that there are multiple factors that are significantly associated with postoperative surgical site infection. In the multivariate analysis, only the presence of cerebrospinal fluid leak was the most significant factor associated with postoperative infections. Among the three different antibiotic regimens, cefazolin and amoxicillin–clavulanic acid were much better prophylactic agents for preventing surgical site infections when compared with cefotaxime. Conclusion The present study has provided an insight into the incidence and risk factors contributing to surgical site infections as well as the efficacious antibiotic regimen protocols. The present study is one of the few studies to compare the efficacy of different antibiotic regimen protocols and also prospectively analyze the factors contributing to postoperative infections. This study will help us in optimizing the prophylaxis protocols and prevent emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, especially in a country like India.

Abstract SY34-01: Infection causing cancer: An update on the global burden

Abstract SY34-01: Infection causing cancer: An update on the global burden

Prevalence and correlation of infectious agents in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infections in Central China.

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in children under the age of 5 years. Almost 2 million children die from ARTIs each year, and most of them are from developing countries. The prevalence and correlation of pathogens in ARTIs are poorly understood, but are critical for improving case prevention, treatment, and management. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and correlation of infectious agents in children with ARTIs. A total of 39,756 children with one or more symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, herpangina, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis, were enrolled in the study. All patients were hospitalized in Wuhan Children’s Hospital between October 1, 2010 and September 30, 2012, and were evaluated for infectious agents. Pathogens, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Coxiella burnetii, were screened simultaneously in patient blood samples using anti-pathogen IgM tests. Regression analysis was used to reveal correlations among the pathogens. Our results showed that one or more pathogens were identified in 10,206 patients, and that Mycoplasma pneumoniae, adenoviruses, and influenza B virus were the leading infectious agents. Mixed-infections of pathogens were detected in 2,391 cases, with Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the most frequent pathogen. The most common agents in the co-infections were Mycoplasma pneumoniae and influenza B virus. Regression analysis revealed a linear correlation between the proportion of mixed infections and the incidence of multi-pathogen infections. The prevalence of infectious agents in children with ARTIs was determined. Equations were established to estimate multiple infections by single-pathogen detection. This revealed a linear correlation for pathogens in children with ARTIs. This study provides useful information for improving case prevention and management.

The prevalence of infectious agents in patients with systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by microvascular injury, excessive extracellular matrix deposition, and fibrosis in the skin and internal organs. Bacterial and viral infectious agents have been suspected to be contributing factors in the development and progression of the pathologic features of SSc. In this study, 30 SSc patients who were admitted to the rheumatology unit of the Konya Training and Research Hospital and 30 healthy controls were included. The presence of 9 different antibodies (IgM and IgG) against Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and parvovirus B19 were investigated in sera samples obtained from the 60 participants using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The characteristics of current and past infections with H. pylori, CMV, EBV, and parvovirus B19 were evaluated by determining the seropositivity of the tested bacterial and viral agents. The prevalences of H. pylori, CMV, EBV, and parvovirus B19 were determined to be higher in patients with SSc than in the control group. SSc is associated with a higher rate of certain infections, which deserves further investigation in order to assess the role of infections in disease etiology/pathogenesis.

Microbiological survey of mice (Mus musculus) purchased from commercial pet shops in Kanagawa and Tokyo, Japan.

Information regarding the prevalence of infectious agents in mice in pet shops in Japan is scarce. This information is particularly useful for minimizing the risk of potential transmission of infections to laboratory mice. Therefore, we surveyed infectious agents in mice from pet shops in Kanagawa and Tokyo, Japan. The survey was conducted in 28 mice from 5 pet shops to screen for 47 items (17 viruses, 22 bacteria and fungi, 10 parasites) using culture tests, serology, PCR, and microscopy. The most common viral agent detected was murine norovirus (17 mice; 60.7%), followed by Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (13 mice; 46.4%), and mouse hepatitis virus (12 mice; 42.8%). The most common agent amongst the bacteria and fungi was Pasteurella pneumotropica (10 mice; 35.7%), followed by Helicobacter ganmani and Pneumocystis murina (8 mice; 28.5%, for both). Tritrichomonas muris was the most common parasite (19 mice; 67.8%), followed by Spironucleus muris (13 mice; 46.4%), Aspiculuris tetraptera, and Syphacia obvelata (8 mice each; 28.5%). Remarkably, a zoonotic agent, Hymenolepis nana, was found in 7 mice (25%). Given these results, we suggest that the workers in laboratory animal facilities should recognize again the potential risks of mice outside of the laboratory animal facilities as an infectious source, and avoid keeping mice as pets or as feed for carnivorous reptiles as much as possible for risk management.

Importance of radiological detection of early pulmonary acute complications of liver transplantation: analysis of 259 cases.

Pulmonary complications are common causes of morbidity and mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and consist of atelectasis, pleural effusion, pulmonary oedema, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia. The aim of this paper is to describe the incidence of pulmonary complications after OLT during the first postoperative week and to evaluate the informative value of the chest X-ray (CXR) in clinical practice. Patients who underwent OLT at the Ancona Transplant Centre between August 2005 and August 2012 were included in this retrospective study. The CXR and, if performed, the thoracic computed tomography (TCT) scans performed during the first 7 postoperative days were reviewed, and the radiological findings for atelectasis, pleural effusion, pulmonary oedema, ARDS and pneumonia were independently assessed and quantified by two radiologists according to the Fleischner Society criteria. Cases of pneumothorax after thoracentesis were assessed. Development of pneumonia was defined as the simultaneous presence of positive CXR or TCT and positive serological or fluid samples and clinical symptoms; the prevalence of infectious agents was assessed. The radiological reports produced in the clinical setting were compared with the findings. Among 259 patients included, atelectasis was observed in 227 patients (87.6%); pleural effusion in 250 (96.5%); pulmonary oedema in 204 (78%); ARDS in seven patients (2.6%); and pneumothorax in 37 patients (14%). Pneumonia occurred in 32 cases (12.3%). Pulmonary oedema was underestimated in the radiological reports in 104 cases (40%). Knowledge about postoperative pulmonary complications and collaboration between the radiologist and clinician are essential for improving the management of OLT recipients.

Human papilloma virus to the cervical mucus plug

Human papilloma virus to the cervical mucus plug

Effect of different mangrove-to-pond area ratios on influent water quality and WSSV occurrence in Penaeus monodon semi-intensive farms using the greenwater culture technique

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has been affecting the shrimp industry worldwide for two decades now. It continues to bring economic losses to affected farms. Despite the many studies on its epidemiology, there is no proven treatment or control measure. Diseases, like the WSSV, results from the interaction of three factors: host, pathogen and environment. The environment plays an important role in disease development and determines the health or the immune capacity of the shrimp. High mangrove-to-pond area ratio (MPR) is reported as a protective factor against WSSV. This study investigates if mangroves affect the physicochemical properties of the water and soil as well as the prevalence of infectious agents like the WSSV by monitoring farms with different MPR (0:1, 1:1, 4:1).Results showed that quality of influent water was not significantly better in farms with high MPR. Significantly higher available sulfur was observed in MPR-4; significantly higher percentage green vibrios in the soil in MPR-0. WSSV was detected in farms with MPR-1 and MPR-4 but did not result in an outbreak, suggesting that the presence of mangroves could prevent WSSV outbreak.

Prevalence of infectious agents in indigenous women of childbearing age in Venezuela

The ToRCH syndrome includes the following infectious pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. In susceptible pregnant women, these pathogens can cause abortions and congenital malformation in the newborn babies. The seroprevalence of infection by ToRCH agents was determined in women of childbearing age in several Venezuelan Yukpa indigenous communities. In 2007, 109 samples were selected from 151 women with an age range of 14 to 40 years old. The determination of antibodies against ToRCH agents was carried out through the indirect enzyme immunoassay technique by ELISA´s technique of Smartest Diagnostics. Of the 109 samples, 85.5% presented antibodies against T. gondii, 95.4% for rubella, 75.2% for cytomegalovirus and 97.2% for and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. A relationship between abortion and infection by cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1and 2 was noted in 21.1% and 30.2% of women presented, respectively. The findings show a high prevalence of ToRCH agents in women in childbearing age in Yukpa indigenous communities in Venezuela. Poor sanitary conditions and consumption of water contaminated with oocysts may be an important way of transmission of T. gondii. Overcrowding in the communities, sexual activity at an early age and number of partners and may be related to the presence of cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and 2.