IgM Seropositivity Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude and practice on dengue prevention and dengue seroprevalence in a dengue hotspot in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

Dengue has become a global public health problem. Despite reactive efforts by the government in Malaysia, the dengue cases are on the increase. Adequate knowledge, positive attitude and correct practice for dengue control are essential to stamp out the disease. Hence, this study aims to assess the factors associated with dengue knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP), as well as the association with dengue IgM and IgG seropositivity. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a closed, dengue endemic area with multi-storey dwellings . Five hundred individuals (aged 18 years and above) were approached for pre-tested KAP and seroprevalences assessment. The study showed only half of the total participants have good knowledge (50.7%) but they had insufficient knowledge about dengue during pregnancy. 53.2% of people had poor attitude and 50.2% reported poor practice for dengue control. Out of 85 respondents who agreed to participate in the dengue seroprevalence study, 74.1% (n = 63) were positive for dengue IgG and 7.1% (n = 6) were positive for dengue IgM. Among all sociodemographic variable, race is the only independent predicator for all KAP levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, proactive and sustainable efforts are needed to bring a behavioural change among communities in order to fight dengue outbreaks in endemic areas.

Sero-prevalence of human brucellosis in high risk individuals and normal individuals of Sylhet District in Bangladesh

Background: Brucellosis is an important re-emerging zoonosis which remains an uncontrolled public health problem worldwide because of serious diminution of manpower, animals and essential foodstuffs. Transmission to human can occurs through contact with infected animals or animal products. It is a poorly recognised health problem in this country though there is persistence of large reservoirs of the organism among livestock such as sheep, goat and cows creating fertile field for unabated transmission. But data on it’s transmission potential and prevalence in this country specially in Sylhet region remained scarce. In the absence of supportive epidemiological information physicians on most of the cases have to depend on their clinical judgement to suggest relevant tests. &#x0D; Objective: The study was conducted to compare the sero-prevalence of human brucellosis among high risk and normal individuals.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted amongst a total of randomly selected 90 participants including 65 high risk individuals during the period of July 2016-June 2017. Brucella IgM and IgG antibody in the serum were determine by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique.&#x0D; Results: Among the 65 participants of the high risk group, Brucella IgM and IgG seropositivity were found in 6 (9.2%) and 32(49.2%) cases respectively. On the other hand, no IgM seropositivity, but 10 (40.0%) IgG seropositivity cases were found in normal group. No significant difference (p&gt;0.05) was found between the groups. Considering occupations, the highest 11 (61.1%) Brucella IgG seropositivity was found among the 18 dairy farm workers (p&gt;0.05). Participants with 0-5 years duration of job had highest seropositivity 7 (70%) among high risk group and 3 (50%) among normal group. No significant association was identified between seropositivity and duration of occupation, education (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions: Based on the study findings, it may be concluded that the extent of human brucellosis should not be ignored, and measures like awareness building, vaccination, transboundary screening needed to prevent and control the disease in animals and limit human transmission.&#x0D; Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2020; 46(1): 35-40

Diagnostic performance of seven rapid IgG/IgM antibody tests and the Euroimmun IgA/IgG ELISA in COVID-19 patients

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of seven rapid IgG/IgM tests and the Euroimmun IgA/IgG ELISA for antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in COVID-19 patients. MethodsSpecificity was evaluated in 103 samples collected before January 2020. Sensitivity and time to seropositivity was evaluated in 167 samples from 94 patients with COVID-19 confirmed with RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swab. ResultsSpecificity (confidence interval) of lateral flow assays (LFAs) was ≥91.3% (84.0–95.5) for IgM, ≥90.3% (82.9–94.8) for IgG, and ≥85.4% (77.2–91.1) for the combination IgM OR IgG. Specificity of the ELISA was 96.1% (90.1–98.8) for IgG and only 73.8% (64.5–81.4) for IgA. Sensitivity 14–25 days after the onset of symptoms was between ≥92.1% (78.5–98.0) and 100% (95.7–100) for IgG LFA compared to 89.5% (75.3–96.4) for IgG ELISA. Positivity of IgM OR IgG for LFA resulted in a decrease in specificity compared to IgG alone without a gain in diagnostic performance, except for VivaDiag. The results for IgM varied significantly between the LFAs with an average overall agreement of only 70% compared to 89% for IgG. The average dynamic trend to seropositivity for IgM was not shorter than for IgG. At the time of hospital admission the sensitivity of LFA was <60%. ConclusionsSensitivity for the detection of IgG antibodies 14–25 days after the onset of symptoms was ≥92.1% for all seven LFAs compared to 89.5% for the IgG ELISA. The results for IgM varied significantly, and including IgM antibodies in addition to IgG for the interpretation of LFAs did not improve the diagnostic performance.

Association of helicobacter pylori with multiple sclerosis: Protective or risk factor?

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune inflammatory disease in the central nervous system (CNS) without exact pathology. Environmental factors such as infections have a causal or protective role in MS. Helicobacter pylori (HP) is one of the infections in digestive diseases and previous studies reported controversial findings of this infection role in MS. So, we conducted this study to assess the frequency of HP infection in patients with MS in comparison to the healthy population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken between 2015 and 2019. 191 participants including 58 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), 57 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 39 patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and 39 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were tested for the presence of HP immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies (Abs) in their serum sample. Results: The frequency of HP IgG seropositivity in patients with SPMS was significantly higher than patients with CIS [Odds ratio (OR): 6.333, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.522-15.906, P < 0.001], patients with RRMS (OR: 4.583, 95% CI: 1.842-11.407, P = 0.001), and HCs (OR: 8.485, 95% CI: 3.058-23.540, P < 0.001). We did not find a significant difference among other study groups regarding IgG seropositivity. No significant difference among groups regarding HP IgM seropositivity was evident. On univariate model, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score (OR: 1.038, 95% CI: 1.038-1.460, P = 0.017) and SPMS (OR: 4.583, 95% CI: 1.842-11.407, P = 0.001) were predictor for HP IgG seropositivity. On multivariate model, only SPMS had higher risk for HP IgG seropositivity compared to RRMS (OR: 5.554, 95% CI: 1.327-23.253, P = 0.019). We did not find a significant association between clinical and demographic variables with HP IgM seropositivity. Conclusion: Based on our findings, progressive MS and HP infection may have association. Further longitudinal studies with large sample size are needed to determine the role of HP infection in MS.

Comparative studies of rubella virus immunity of immunized and non-immunized pregnant women visiting Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, North Central Nigeria

ABSTRACT Rubella is endemic worldwide and poses a serious threat to infants and pregnant women. Although the disease has been widely reported in parts of the country, there is currently no documented evidence of the disease in Anyigba. A comparative study of rubella immunity was conducted among immunized and non-immunized pregnant women visiting the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital, Anyigba. In a cross-sectional study, blood samples collected from 300 pregnant women (immunized = 127; non-immunized = 173) were tested for rubella antibodies using ELISA kit. Overall, anti-rubella-IgM and IgG seroprevalence rates of 38 (12.7%) and 83 (27.7%) were detected. Seventy (55.1%) of the immunized against 13 (7.5%) of non-immunized women had detectable IgG. The non-immunized women were significantly more seropositive for IgM than the immunized who recorded higher prevalence of IgG. Immunized and non-immunized women aged 23–32 years had higher IgG and IgM positivity rates. The difference in IgM and IgG seropositivity rates in relation to vaccination was statistically significant (P < 0.05) between the immunized (0.8%, 55.1%) and vaccine-naïve subjects (21.4%, 7.5%). Low level of awareness and high susceptibility to rubella virus infection especially among the non-immunized women was confirmed in study area, thus the need for government to strengthen education of masses and to make rubella vaccination freely available for women of childbearing age.

Detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection among diabetic patients in Turkey

BackgoundIn some recent studies, it has been suggested that there may be a relationship between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T. gondii is of greater significance in these patients. ObjectivesIn the present study, it was aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in T2DM patients. MethodsTo define Toxoplasma IgG and IgM seropositivity and determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in patients presenting at the Internal Diseases outpatient clinic of the Healthcare Application and Research Hospital, where the ELISA method was used. 200 T2DM patients and 100 healthy individuals with no complaints took part in the study. ResultsToxoplasma IgG positivity was determined in 53% of the 200 T2DM patients and Toxoplasma IgM positivity in 13%. While in the control group, Toxoplasma IgG positivity was determined in 27% and Toxoplasma IgM positivity in 1%. The risk of toxoplasmosis infection in T2DM patients was two folds higher than healthy controls according to the IgG results. IgM results were further differentiated. ConclusionsWe believe that the seroprevalence of T. gondii is high in the T2DM patient group and that the causes should be investigated in more detail.

Seroprevelance of Toxoplasma gondii (IgM,IgG) among Aborted Women in Some Karbala Hospital by using ELISA Technique and Microscopic Examination

In this study, 100 pregnant women experiencing unnatural birth cycle go to the Karbala Maternity and Children Hospital from October/2018 to April/2019. These women submit to a history and physical examination . Blood tests from pregnant ladies were tried for IgG and IgM. Antibodies and suicide Mo graphic information’s were gathered. Their normal age was 29 years. The investigation demonstrated that enemy of Toxoplasma IgG, IgM, and by and large seropositivity of all antibodies were 42.85% and 57.14% separately. There was noteworthy impact of age on extent rate .The most noteworthy disease rates were found at 20-25 age gathering, while the least contamination rate found at 36-40 age gatherings. The all out predominance was more in Second Trimester of pregnancy (12.22%). IgG was increasingly amassed in Second Trimester (13.33%) than IgM (11.11%). No noteworthy distinction was found among residency and the commonness of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in both rustic and urban territories. Watchwords: Toxoplasma gondii Infection, Toxoplasmosis. Using a microscopic sample of blood samples, 14 positive blood samples from 100 were found and the infection was identified by its characteristic characteristics .

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in women admitted to an education and research hospital in eastern anatolia after the syrian crisis

Aim: Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a zoonotic disease which is generally asymptomatic. However, it causes serious symptoms in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. About one third of the people worldwide are seropositive. Due to the civil war in Syria, Turkey has been home to more than 4 million refugees. This unexpected increase in the Syrian population in particular increases the risk of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, antitoxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in local and Syrian women, who were admitted to Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Malatya Education and Research Hospital, which is a tertiary care hospital in eastern part of Turkey, between January 2015 and July 2019.Material and Methods: The anti-toxoplasma IgG and anti-toxoplasma IgM antibody values of women who were admitted to our hospital and evaluated in terms of toxoplasma, determined by using “Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)” method, were investigated retrospectively.Results: According to the results analyzed in a total of 11.025 women, including 743 Syrian refugees, the seropositivity of antitoxoplasma IgG and IgM were found to be 25.8% (2.819/10.932) and 1.6% (180/11.025), respectively. Among these patients, the seropositivity of anti-toxoplasma IgG was found to be 25.3% (190/750) and the seropositivity of anti-toxoplasma IgM was found to be 2.5% (20/797) in pregnant women. Anti toxoplasma IgG and IgM seropositivity were found to be 27.9% and 0.5%, respectively, in Syrian women. In Malatya, a city located in eastern Turkey, Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity was found to be common to the extent that it could not be neglected in both local women and Syrian refugees. No statistically significant difference could be found in Syrian female refugees living in Malatya in terms of carrying toxoplasma antibodies when compared with the local women. More than 70% of pregnant women were observed to be seronegative and they were at serious risk for toxoplasmosis. In particular, it was concluded that women at childbearing age, who constitute the risk group, should be made aware of the disease and serological tests should be performed routinely for toxoplasma.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis among Human Immunodeficiency Virus infected pregnant women in Abuja Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Introduction. Toxoplasmosis is a neglected parasitic infection that has economic and epidemiological significance. Data on toxoplasmosis seroprevalence among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected pregnant women may be of obstetric and neonatal concern. Aim. The study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis and associated risk factors in HIV-positive pregnant women attending the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Northcentral Nigeria. Material and methods. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. A total of 160 HIV seropositive pregnant women were recruited. Blood samples were collected and tested for anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Structured questionnaires were used to collate the sociodemographic variables of participants. Results. Out of the 160 of HIV seropositive pregnant women, the seroprevalence anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM were 29.4% and 4.4%, respectively. There was no significant association between anti-T. gondii and all sociodemographic variables studied (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion. The overall result of this study revealed that the majority of pregnant women were exposed to toxoplasmosis much earlier in life. Hence, these findings will assist obstetricians and gynecologists in the early diagnosis and management of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women, especially HIV coinfected ones with IgM seropositivity.

Research of hepatitis a virus antibodies in children 0-18 aged in the province of Erzurum, Turkey

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the anti-HAV IgG and Anti-HAV IgM seropositivity in children aged 0-18 in Erzurum with studies in our country and other countries, and also to evaluate the effect of seasons on hepatitis A infection.Material and Methods: The study was conducted on the serum samples of 5086 patients aged 0-18 years, who were considered to have Hepatitis A or who applied with different complaints as a result of the examination of family physicians in Erzurum between 2015 and 2018. The results of these patients, obtained from Anti-HAV IgM and Anti-HAV IgG analysis by ELISA method in the Public Health Microbiology Laboratory, were evaluated retrospectively. Pearson chi-square test was used to analyze the categorical data such as gender, age and seasonal differences in anti-HAV IgM and Anti-HAV IgG positivity rates and p 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Anti-HAV IgG seropositivity was 69.0% (3510/5086) and Anti-HAV IgM positivity was 0.7% (33/5063). Anti-HAV IgM was positive in 1.1% of girls and 0.1% of boys. Anti-HAV IgG positivity was 89.9%, 83.3%, 62.5% 61.9% and 74.5% in the 0-3 age group, 4-7 age group, 8-11 age group, 12-15 age group and 16-18 age groups, respectively. Anti-HAV IgM positivity was 0, 0.2%, 0.2%, 1.0%, 0.9% in the 0-3 age group, 4-7 age group, 8-11 age group, 12-15 age group and 16-18 age groups, respectively. The highest anti-HAV IgM positivity was found in November (1.7%).Conclusion: Total anti-HAV IgG seropositivity rate in our province showed many similarities with studies in Turkey and developing countries. The prevalence of anti-HAV IgM was the highest in November.

Immunological and epidemiological evaluation of EBV infections among HIV-1 infected individuals in Abakaliki, Nigeria supports the potential use of neutrophils as a marker of EBV in HIV disease progression and as useful markers of immune activation

ABSTRACTHuman herpesvirus 4 which is commonly known as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the opportunistic pathogens that affect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals and it is the leading cause of death and cancer in humans. The study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of EBV among HIV-1 infected individuals in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of 91 HIV-1 infected individuals were collected from Mile 4 Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. ELISA was used to determine the Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen (EBNA) IgG and IgM antibodies. Full blood count (FBC), white cell count (WBC) and differential counts were also determined using standard hematological methods. Of the 91 serum samples obtained from HIV-1 infected individuals, 87(95.6%) and 20(22.0%) samples were found to be positive for EBVNA IgG and IgM antibody respectively. All the age groups had significant IgG prevalence, but age groups ≤ 20 years, and ≥ 41 had the highest prevalence while age group 21–30 years was found to have a less rate of prevalence. Also, the highest seropositivity for IgM antibodies was observed in the age group 31–40 years (32.4%) while the age groups ≤20 years (0.0%) is the lowest. However, these differences were not statistically associated with PVL and EBVNA IgG (p = .4311) and IgM antibodies (p = .4861).Higher seropositivity of EBVNA IgG occurred among those with PVL 41–10,000 copies/mL (100.0%) and PVL 10,001 copies/mL and above (100.0%) compared to those with PVL less than or equal to 40 copies/mL (95.0%). While regarding EBVNA IgM antibodies, higher seropositivity of EBVNA IgM occurred among those with PVL less than or equal to 40 copies/mL (25.0%) compared to those with PVL 41–10,000 copies/mL (20.0%) and PVL 10,001 copies/mL and above (8.3%). There was a significant difference in Neutrophils p < .026 between the mean of females and males (40.9 ± 11.7 and 36 ± 31.1) infected with EBV IgM in HIV individuals. There was also a significant positive correlation between CD4 counts and the WBC, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils and the neutrophil among the HIV-1 individuals used for this study. The correlations observed between both CD4+ count and neutrophil support the potential use of neutrophils as a marker of EBV in HIV disease progression and as useful markers of immune activation.

Serodiagnosis of Torch Infections among Aborted Women in Duhok City/ Kurdistan Region /iraq

ABSTRACT: TORCH syndrome is a cluster of symptoms caused by congenital infection with (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus, and other pathogens such as Hepatitis B virus antigen and syphilis) during the gestation period of pregnancy. The infection might lead to fetal abnormalities or abortion. Objective: The current study was done to detect TORCH pathogens, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis antigens in women with a previous history of recurrent abortion using serological test in Duhok city. Materials and method: A direct rapid test was used as a serological method for the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against TORCH pathogens as well as the seropositivity of HBV antigen and syphilis. A total of 90 pregnant women with bad obstetric history were included in the current study throughout April–August 2017 in Duhok City/ Kurdistan Region/Iraq. Results: The total seropositivity of anti-pathogens (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes virus) were 19/90(21.1%), 17/90(18.9), 16/90(17.8), 16/90(17.8%) and for HBs Ag and syphilis 3/90 (3.3%) and syphilis 1/90(1.1%) respectively. The IgM and IgG seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes viruses were (13.3% and 7.8%), (10.0% and 8.9%), (10.0% and 7.8%), and (10.0% and 7.8%) respectively. Seroprevalence of anti-pathogens IgG and IgM antibodies associated with socioeconomic and demographic characteristics were indicated in the results section. Conclusion: A previous history of pregnancy wastage and the serological test for TORCH infection in addition to HBs Ag and syphilis during current pregnancy must be considered while managing BOH cases as to reduce the adverse fetal outcomes, the early diagnosis of TORCH using serological methods is highly significant.

Treponema pallidum infection predicts sexually transmitted viral infections (hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus-2, and human immunodeficiency virus) among pregnant women from rural areas of Mwanza region, Tanzania

BackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a global health problem with increased risk and morbidities during pregnancy. This study investigated the magnitude of viral STIs among pregnant women from three rural hospitals/clinics providing antenatal care in Mwanza region, Tanzania.MethodsBetween February and May 2018, a total of 499 pregnant women were enrolled and tested for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) using rapid immunochromatographic tests and for syphilis using non-treponemal and treponemal antibody test.ResultsThe median age of enrolled women was 25 (IQR: 22–31) years. Seventy eight (15.6, 95% CI: 12–18) of women tested had at least one sexually transmitted viral infection. Specific prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, HSV-2 IgG and HSV-2 IgM were found to be 25(5.0%), 29(5.8%), 2(0.4%), 188(37.7%) and 24(4.8%), respectively. The odds of having viral infection was significantly high among women with positive T. pallidum serostatus (adjusted odd ratio (aOR): 3.24, 95%CI; 1.2–85). By multivariable logistic regression analysis, history of STIs predicted HSV-2 IgM seropositivity (aOR: 3.70, 95%CI: 1.43–9.62) while parity (aOR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.04–1.46) predicted HBV infection and syphilis positive results (aOR: 8.63, 95%CI: 2.81–26.45) predicted HIV infection.ConclusionA significant proportion of pregnant women in rural areas of Mwanza region has at least one sexually transmitted viral infection which is independently predicted by positive T. pallidum serostatus. The strengthening and expansion of ANC screening package to include screening of STIs will ultimately reduce the viral STIs among pregnant women hence reduce associated morbidities and mortalities.

A Case-Control Study of Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Dementia Patients in Arak and Hamadan, West of Iran

Background: Toxoplasmosis is one of the common parasitic infections in the human population. It has been estimated that one out of every three persons is infected with this organism. The role of toxoplasmosis has been evaluated in neurological disorders such as migraine, schizophrenia, Parkinson, Alzheimer’s disease and recently, dementia. Dementia has a wide distribution in the elderly. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the possible role of Toxoplasma infection in dementia patients in Arak and Hamadan cities, West of Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, 100 dementia patients referring to hospital settings in Arak and Hamadan and 99 healthy controls were selected under the supervision of neurologists. Their blood samples were transferred to the Research Laboratory of Arak University of Medical Sciences under the cold chain. Serum specimens were isolated and frozen at-20°C until use. T. gondii IgG and IgM were analyzed in serum samples using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay. Results: The total prevalence of T. gondii infection among dementia patients and healthy controls were 59 (59/100) and 39.3 (39/99), respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis between the case and control groups (P = 0.002). IgG seropositivity was higher among patients from Hamadan than among those from Arak (68 versus 50). IgM seropositivity was determined in two patients from Arak. There was a significant correlation between the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and the presence of cats in their neighborhood and meat consumption. Conclusions: The possible effect of T. gondii on dementia can lead to significantly higher seropositivity of IgG in dementia individuals than in controls. Control measures are essential to prevent toxoplasmosis, especially in people with dementia. © 2019, Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Acute human cytomegalovirus infection among voluntary blood donors in the Lake Victoria zone blood transfusion centre: should it be considered in screening?

Despite blood transfusion being a lifesaving option, it may be associated with blood borne infections including human cytomegalovirus(HCMV). The World Health Organization recommends screening of blood products for HCMV before transfusion to pregnant women, neonates and immunocompromised patients. However, this is not routinely practised in many resource limited countries. This study aimed at determining seroprevalence of specific HCMV IgM antibodies among volunteered blood donors at the Lake Victoria zone blood transfusion centre. A total of 228 sera from volunteered blood donors were analyzed using HCMV IgM µ capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay as per manufacturer's instructions. Data were analyzed by STATA version 13. The median age of the study participants was 19 interquartile range (IQR): 18-23 years. The seroprevalence of specific HCMV IgM antibodies was found to be 23/228 (10.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6-14. None of the factors was found to be associated with HCMV IgM seropositivity among blood donors. One out 10 blood donors in the Lake Victoria zone blood transfusion centre is acutely infected with HCMV. There is a need to consider screening of HCMV before blood transfusion particularly in resource limited countries where HCMV is endemic.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis at a Tertiary Care Centre in North India from 2004 to 2014

AbstractPurpose: This study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in different groups of patients at a tertiary care hospital in North India. Materials and Methods: Clinical and demographic data such as age and gender of patients who had undergone testing for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies between January 2004 and October 2014 were retrospectively analysed. Results: Amongst the 8397 serum samples, an overall seropositivity of 21% (n = 1763) and IgG and IgM seropositivity of 5.7% (n = 481) and 15.3% (n = 1282) were respectively observed. Compared to the period of 2004–2012 (median seroprevalence: 23.6%), a decline in seropositivity to 9.7% in 2013 and 8.1% in 2014 was noted. A rising seroprevalence with age and a higher seroprevalence in females versus males (29.5%, n = 1179 vs. 13.3%, n = 584) were recorded. The highest seroprevalence was observed in suspected ocular toxoplasmosis (47.2%, n = 47), followed by neurological (26.8%, n = 77), human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (18.9%, n = 267), post-transplant (17.1%, n = 12) and congenital (7.2%, n = 144) toxoplasmosis. In patients screened for Toxoplasma exposure, the seropositivity was 47.8% (n = 11) in transplant screening and 44.9% (n = 781) in antenatal screening. Conclusion:Toxoplasma infection is highly prevalent in the population of North India across various clinical categories of patients. Future studies focusing on continuous monitoring of seroprevalence trends and elucidation of the risk factors associated with seropositivity in more defined groups of patients are needed.

Distribution of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibody seropositivity among age groups and gestational periods in pregnant women

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic disease. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and geographic distribution of toxoplasmosis as well as determine the percentage of toxoplasmosis-associated IgM and IgG seropositivity among different age groups. In addition, it aimed to estimate the proportion of toxoplasma IgM seropositivity among pregnancy trimesters. Methods: A total of 500 pregnant women were included in this study. From each participant, a 5-ml venous blood sample was collected and centrifuged to obtain serum that was tested for Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using immunochromatographic testing and ELISA. Results: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 24.8%. Out of the total of 500 participants, only 8% had a serological marker of acute toxoplasmosis). There is a statistically significant difference in the seroprevalence of disease among the study areas. Amongst positive cases of every trimester, 54.34% of first trimester positive cases had a serologic marker for acute toxoplasmosis. Conclusions: In this study, there is a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis. Therefore, it is necessary to test every pregnant woman for toxoplasmosis and distinguish the type of infection, as well as the conduction of public health education programs to generate the awareness.

Toxoplasma Screening Results of 84587 Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Referral Center in Turkey

Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in a tertiary referral center in Turkey and to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of routine antenatal screening.Materials and methods: A serologic test for Toxoplasma is free of charge for all pregnant women as part of routine antenatal care at their first prenatal visit. The study was conducted between 2008 and 2017.Results: The frequency of Toxoplasma IgG and IgM seropositivity was 22.3% and 0.64%, respectively. Low avidity was detected in 142 patients and 60 PCR tests were performed with no positive result. A total of 33 mothers with low IgG avidity and negative PCR received prophylactic treatment, and no congenital toxoplasmosis was documented in this study.Conclusion: Universal screening for Toxoplasma in pregnancy is a subject of debate. As the prevalence in Turkey is higher compared to other countries, more studies are needed to identify the necessity of routine screening.

Distribution of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibody seropositivity among age groups and gestational periods in pregnant women.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic disease. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and geographic distribution of toxoplasmosis as well as evaluate the role of animal contact in disease development and determine the percentage of toxoplasmosis-associated IgM and IgG seropositivity among different age groups. In addition, it aimed to estimate the proportion of toxoplasma IgM seropositivity among pregnancy trimesters. Methods: A total of 500 pregnant women were included in this study. From each participant, a 5-ml venous blood sample was collected and centrifuged to obtain serum that was tested for Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using immunochromatographic testing and ELISA. Results: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 24.8%, with rates of acute infection of 8%. Among positive cases of every trimester, 54.34% of first trimester positive cases had a serologic marker for acute toxoplasmosis. Among the overall positive cases, out of the 35 pregnant women with previous history of cow/buffalo contact and toxoplasmosis, 45.7% were seropositive for toxoplasma IgM; and out of 15 women with prior history of dog contact, 33.3% had a serological marker of acute toxoplasmosis. Conclusions: In this study, there is a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis and contact with domestic animals is a risk factor of this illness. Therefore, it is necessary to test every pregnant woman for toxoplasmosis and distinguish the type of infection, as well as the conduction of public health education programs to generate the awareness.

Distribution of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibody seropositivity among age groups and gestational periods in pregnant women

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic disease. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and geographic distribution of toxoplasmosis as well as determine the percentage of toxoplasmosis-associated IgM and IgG seropositivity among different age groups. In addition, it aimed to estimate the proportion of toxoplasma IgM seropositivity among pregnancy trimesters. Methods: A total of 500 pregnant women were included in this study. From each participant, a 5-ml venous blood sample was collected and centrifuged to obtain serum that was tested for Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies using immunochromatographic testing and ELISA. Results: The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 24.8%. Out of the total of 500 participants, only 8% had a serological marker of acute toxoplasmosis). There is a statistically significant difference in the seroprevalence of disease among the study areas. Amongst positive cases of every trimester, 54.34% of first trimester positive cases had a serologic marker for acute toxoplasmosis. Conclusions: In this study, there is a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis. Therefore, it is necessary to test every pregnant woman for toxoplasmosis and distinguish the type of infection, as well as the conduction of public health education programs to generate the awareness.