Seroprevalence Of Toxoplasmosis Research Articles

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Toxoplasmosis is a serious endemic zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy can result in congenital transmission and serious fetal and neonatal complications. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its determinants among pregnant women in African countries. All articles reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in African countries and published from 2010 to 2023 were searched using various databases. The pooled prevalence of toxoplasmosis was calculated using a random-effect model. The variation between the included studies was assessed using a funnel plot and I2 heterogeneity statistics. To identify the sources of heterogeneity, sub-group analysis was further conducted by country, diagnostic method, and sub-African region. The association of prevalence rates with the socio-economic level and geoclimatic parameters was also explored. In total, 29,383 pregnant women from 60 articles were included for analysis. The pooled T. gondii seroprevalence was 42.89% with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.4%, P < 0.001). Sub-group analysis revealed variation by country (ranging from 2.62% in Namibia to 80.28% in Congo), diagnostic method used (from 8.66% in studies using a rapid diagnostic test to 55.69% in those using an agglutination test), and sub-African region (from 4.14% in regions of Southern Africa to 53.96 in Central Africa). Cat ownership (OR = 1.58) and the consumption of raw meat (OR = 1.50) and raw vegetables (OR = 1.48) had a statistically significant combined effect on T. gondii seroprevalence. No association was found between T. gondii prevalence and the level of income of the country or geoclimatic parameters. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis infection among pregnant women in Africa is high, particularly in Central and Eastern Africa. The determinants of prevalence are multifactorial. Therefore, efforts should be made to increase the awareness of women concerning the risk factors for toxoplasmosis.

Seroprevalence of Fasciola sp. and Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Rural and Urban Inhabitants of Jolfa County, Northwest Iran.

Fascioliasis and toxoplasmosis are the two important zoonotic diseases that are endemic in Iran and share some common transmission routes. The present study is aimed at determining the seroprevalence of human fascioliasis and toxoplasmosis in rural and urban areas of Jolfa County, Northwest Iran. In a cross-sectional study, 600 human sera were collected randomly from humans living in Jolfa County including three cities and 13 villages from 2017 to 2018. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and anti-Fasciola sp. IgG tests have been performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Four (0.7%) out of 600 human sera showed positive levels of anti-Fasciola IgG. Three out of four seropositive humans were from an urban area, and one (25%) was from rural inhabitants. Considering T. gondii infection, 45% of studied human sera were seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG. In conclusion, this is the first study reporting Fasciola seropositivity in the area. Based on the findings, human fascioliasis is present in the studied area, Northwest Iran, granted in low prevalence. Considering T. gondii seropositivity, the prevalence is high, yet close to the reports from other regions in the province.

TOXOPLASMOSIS: SEROPREVALENCE IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE AND APPROACH IN PREGNANCY

Objective: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitosis that is mostly asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. It can lead to severe clinical conditions in immunosuppressed patients who had infections that mostly develop through reactivation, or in congenital infections that develop in fetuses infected as a result of vertical transmission. Since it is possible to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis with appropriate follow-up and treatment, our study aimed to determine the susceptible population and seroprevalence of our region and to evaluate the course of infections in this group. Material and Method: Patients of childbearing age who were evaluated in the last five years in our tertiary hospital were included in our study, and Anti Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG results in these patients were evaluated. The course of pregnant women who were thought to have primary infection, the follow-up of these patients and the treatments applied were evaluated. In addition, the follow-up of non-pregnant patients examined were also evaluated. Results: The seropositivity rate was found to be 30.7% (n=1703) in 5545 women included in the study, and the seropositivity rate was 31% (n=1399) in 4503 pregnant women. After detailed evaluations, of 16 pregnant women who were thought to have primary infection during pregnancy and were followed up in our hospital; one underwent medical abortion at the request of the family, and only four used the recommended treatment until the end of pregnancy, and congenital toxoplasmosis was not detected in any newborn. Since the many of pregnant women with possible primary infection (n=28) were not referred to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic, this group was not evaluated in detail and could not be monitored. Of the patients included in the study, 26 (0.4%) were examined to investigate the etiology of fever, 37 (0.6%) were examined to investigate the etiology of lymphadenopathy (LAP), and 29 (0.5%) were examined to investigate the cause of elevated liver function tests. Among the patients monitored with LAP, four (10.8%) were diagnosed with acute toxoplasmosis. Conclusion: As a result, it is very important to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis, to detect possible primary infections, especially in pregnant women, and to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis by clinicians to guide patients correctly so that the follow-up and treatment of this group of patients is not interrupted.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Different Areas of Pakistan

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Different Areas of Pakistan

Seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in the M’saken region (Tunisia)

Seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in the M’saken region (Tunisia)

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Humans: A Comprehensive Approach Involving the General Population, HIV-Infected Patients and Intermediate-Duration Fever in the Canary Islands, Spain.

A prior investigation in 1993 identified a high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis (63%) in the Canary Islands. This study aims to assess the current prevalence of the disease in diverse population groups. The study was based on a population-scale screening involving 273 residents utilizing T. gondii IgG ELISA and a 20 year retrospective study (1998-2018). This included AIDS/HIV outpatients (1357, of which 324 were residents), AIDS/HIV hospitalized patients (741) and patients with fever of intermediate duration (158). The seroprevalence in the resident population was 37%, with significant differences between islands. Among resident outpatients with AIDS/HIV, 14.2% had specific anti-T. gondii IgG, and three had anti-T. gondii IgM; however, IgG avidity testing indicated non-active infection. In patients hospitalized for AIDS/HIV, T. gondii causing encephalitis was detected in 2%. Among patients with fever of intermediate duration, 28.5% were positive for T. gondii IgG, and four also showed IgM positivity, although the infection was non-active. The study reveals a decrease in human toxoplasmosis over the past 30 years. However, the current seroprevalence, which stands at 37%, together with the substantial risk that T. gondii represents for immunocompromised individuals, highlights the need to implement preventive and control strategies to control the threat that this infection can pose to public health in the Canary Islands population.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among children with autism

BackgroundToxoplasmosis is considered one of the most common public health troubles. Among these health troubles, toxoplasmosis was recently linked to many neuropsychiatric and behavioral disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in children with ASD.MethodsThe study was conducted on 100 children, grouped in two groups; group 1 (patient group) included 50 children with ASD and group 2 (control group) included 50 healthy children. ASD in the patient group was diagnosed according to DSM 5 criteria of ASD. Every child involved in this study underwent a history taking, a clinical examination, and laboratory investigations to detect serum anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. Children of the patient group were further assessed using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale to evaluate the severity of their symptoms.ResultsThe seroprevalence of IgG among ASD children was highly significant compared to the healthy children. The detected difference between the 2 groups regarding seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies was insignificant. No significant correlation could be demonstrated between Toxoplasma infection and severity of autistic symptoms in the ASD group. Furthermore, the study revealed an increase in anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in ASD children with positive family history of ASD rather than those with no such history. In addition, an increase in seroprevalence of both anti-Toxoplasma antibodies among children with low socioeconomic standards compared to children with moderate or high standards.ConclusionsThe study revealed that the old but not the recent infection with Toxoplasma in children could be linked to their ASD.

Seroepidemological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in Northeastern India.

Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. are critical tissue-dwelling foodborne zoonotic parasites associated with pork consumption and pig rearing. Despite being a major pig-rearing region in the country, Northeastern India has not undergone any investigation regarding the presence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs. Therefore, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. and identify associated risk factors in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in the northeastern region of India. In a cross-sectional serological survey, 400 pigs from 400 households across five northeastern states of India underwent testing for the seroprevalence of porcine toxoplasmosis and trichinellosis. Serum samples (80 from each state) were analyzed using commercially available ELISA assays. Data on backyard farm characteristics and various management aspects were collected, and risk factors linked with prevalence were analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that the apparent and true prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies were 45% (40.12-49.88, 95% CI) and 45.7% (40.7-50.69, 95% CI), respectively. As for anti- Trichinella antibodies, both the apparent and true prevalence were 0.75% (-0.1-1.6, 95% CI). The univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that age above 24 months (OR 7.20, 95% CI 2.45-23.71), exposure to cats (OR = 5.87, 95% CI 2.55-14.05), and farms operating for breeding purposes (OR = 5.60, 95% CI 3.01-11.04) were significant risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii. This study marks the initial documentation of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities in Northeastern India. The results emphasize the significance of these parasites as foodborne zoonotic threats in the region, potentially posing substantial public health risks, especially within tribal and rural communities. The insights derived from this research could be valuable in formulating targeted preventive and control strategies against T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs, not only in this region but also in areas with similar rearing practices.

Genetic diversity and seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in COVID‑19 patients; a first case-control study in Iran

BackgroundToxoplasmosis is a serious or life-threatening disease in immunosuppressed patients and pregnant women. This study examined the likely association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and COVID-19 patients with moderate illness.MethodsSeventy blood samples were collected from patients at the Health Reference Laboratory of Tabriz, Northwest Iran from April 2021 to September 2021. In addition, 70 healthy subjects of the same age (37 ± 15 years) and sex distribution were ethnically matched. Sera samples were examined for the detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies using ELISA. Nested-PCR targets were amplified based on the B1 and GRA6 genes. GRA6 amplicons were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsThe seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis based on IgG titer was 35.7% in the COVID‑19 patients and 27.1% in the control group, representing not to be associated with the Toxoplasma seropositivity in COVID‑19 patients (P = 0.18) compared to healthy subjects. Anti-T. gondii IgM was not found in any of the patients and healthy individuals. According to PCR amplification of the B1 and GRA6 genes, the frequency of T. gondii in COVID-19 patients was 14.2% (10/70). However, no T. gondii infection was detected in the healthy group. The CD4+T cell count was relatively lower in toxoplasmosis-infected patients (430–450 cells/mm3) than in control group (500–1500 cells/mm3). High genetic diversity (Hd: 0.710) of the type I strain of T. gondii was characterized in the patients. Present results showed that consumption of raw vegetables and close contact with stray cats can increase the transmission of T. gondii to COVID-19 patients (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe current study revealed that T. gondii type I infection is unequivocally circulating among the COVID-19 patients in Tabriz; However, no significant association was observed between the occurrence of Toxoplasma and the severity of COVID-19. To make more accurate health decisions, multicenter investigations with a larger sample size of different ethnic groups of the Iranian population are needed.

Pre-Transplant Seroprevalence, Associated Factors, and Post-Transplant Incidence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection Among Heart Transplant Recipients in Japan

Among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, heart transplant (HT) recipients are at a higher risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection. As Toxoplasma seroprevalence varies by geographic location, updated local epidemiology is essential to guide preventive and therapeutic strategies. However, the Toxoplasma seroprevalence and incidence of post-transplant toxoplasmosis among SOT recipients in Japan are unknown. We performed a single-center retrospective observational study at an HT center in Tokyo, Japan. All HT recipients aged ≥18 years between 2006 and April 2019 were included. We reviewed patient charts and conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate the risk factors for infection. Among 105 recipients included in the study, 11 (10.5%) were seropositive before transplant. Ninety-five recipients (90.5%), including all pre-transplant seropositive recipients, answered the questionnaire. The recipients who had lived in Okinawa (odds ratio [OR] 7.5 [95% CI 1.42-39.61]; P = .032) and who reported raw-meat eating habits (OR 4.64 [95% CI 1.04-23.3]; P = .021) were more likely to be seropositive. None of the patients developed symptoms of toxoplasmosis. The post-transplant incidence of other major adverse outcomes was not significantly different according to the pre-transplant serostatus. About 10% of HT recipients at an HT center in Tokyo were seropositive for Toxoplasma pre-transplant, and none developed symptomatic toxoplasmosis post-transplant on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The history of raw meat consumption was associated with seropositivity; therefore, avoiding it might be recommended for HT recipient candidates.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among Aborted Women Admitted to Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite responsible for causing congenital toxoplasmosis. Congenital infection during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy may result in spontaneous abortion, mental retardation, and cerebral calcifications, while the severity of fetal damage is decreased during the third trimester.&#x0D; &#x0D; Objectives: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and its association with clinical-obstetric determinants and sociodemographic factors in aborted women.&#x0D; &#x0D; Materials and Methods: The present study was a Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study comprised 100 women who admitted to Erbil Maternity Hospital with a spontaneous abortion. A questionnaire was filled by the researchers after verbal consent, and 5 ml of venous blood was collected from each participant, centrifuged at 3500 rpm, and stored in 2 Eppendorf tubes, and tested by ELISA and Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay by Cobas e 411 for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM according to Manufacturer’s instructions.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The highest seroprevalence for toxoplasmosis was observed in illiterate females aged 26-35 and living in Erbil City's urban areas. A statistically significant association was recorded regarding seropositivity to Toxoplasma IgG and having a history of abnormal babies (P=0.023), Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity and a history of having toxoplasmosis (P=0.016), and seropositivity to Toxoplasma IgM and parity of the females (P=0.037).&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions: Screening for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is crucial for all women for the prevention of disease progression. Although there are various screening methods for the detection of toxoplasmosis, not all the methods are applicable and financially suitable for the patients.

Newly optimized ELISA kit and LAT reveal significantly higher seroprevalence in sheep raised in agro-ecological zone as against range-ecological zone, with a significant association of meteorological parameters.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic and foodborne intracellular parasite capable of inducing congenital infections, stillbirths and abortions in humans and animals, globally. The consumption of undercooked or raw mutton is "one of the vital risks" for acquiring toxoplasmosis: an asymptomatic condition in healthy persons, while life-threatening in immunodeficient individuals like "HIV/AIDS" patients. The current study has multiple objectives: to optimize a newly ELISA kit for Sheep, to find out the seroprevalence of ovine toxoplasmosis of two ecological zones of the Punjab, Pakistan through LAT and newly Optimized Sheep ELISA kit, to do the comparison of efficacies of various tests (LAT with newly Optimized ELISA kit and newly Optimized ELISA kit with commercial ELISA kit) and to determine the different meteorological parameters as the risk factors for T. gondii infection in sheep. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 sheep sera, 200 were collected from sheep raised on open grazing system by local farmers in the adjoining areas of Civil Veterinary Dispensaries (CVDs) of range-ecological zone i.e. tehsil Kot Chutta (Dera Ghazi khan). Similarly, the remaining 200 were collected from agro-ecological zone i.e. tehsil Sharaqpur (Sheikhupura), to evaluate the comparative efficacy of LAT with optimized ELISA kit and newly optimized ELISA kit with commercial ELISA kit. The newly ELISA kit optimized against a commercial ELISA kit was found to have 100% sensitivity, 97.6% specificity with 98% Positive Predictive Value, 100% Negative Predictive Value, Cut off value = 0.505, 28.28 LR+, 0.0104 LR-, and 2719.23 DOR. Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was detected significantly (P < 0.01; χ2) higher in Sharaqpur (44.5% by LAT; 35.5% by ELISA) as compared to that in Kot Chutta (39.5% by LAT; 31% by ELISA). The highest seroprevalence was seen in the sheep of the 1-2 years age group (P < 0.01; χ2), whereas the lowest in the oldest animals (≥ 4 years). Investigation of meteorological data of both the regions reveals that the zone with higher seroprevalence has relatively higher rainfall, higher humidity, lower environmental temperatures, and higher altitude as the critical factors, potentially behind the significant difference seen in seroprevalence level. The partial correlation of both tests (newly optimized ELISA kit and LAT) was 0.991 at maximum temperature in Sharaqpur while it was 0.981 in Kot Chutta. A novel significant correlation was found between the meteorological parameters (relative humidity, minimum, maximum, and average temperatures) divided into yearly units of both the ecological zones, and year-wise seroprevalence (birth years of age-wise groups) of the corresponding regions. We hypothesize that such environmental conditions increase the risk of toxoplasmosis in grazing sheep, owing to a more favorable environment for coccidian oocyst survival. The ELISA kit optimized in this study will be helpful for the detection of seroprevalence of ovine toxoplasmosis in other ecological zones of Pakistan as well as of any other country in the world. More studies are recommended involving regions from other ecological zones of Pakistan to further explore the seroprevalence of ovine toxoplasmosis and to ratify the novel correlation of meteorological parameters with seroprevalence.

Comparison of Toxoplasmosis Seroprevalence in Multi Partner, Married (Monogamous) and Virgin Iranian Women.

Toxoplasmosis could lead to serious outcomes during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate serologic toxoplasmosis in three groups of women according to number of sexual partners. The frequency of anti-Toxoplasma IgG from 471 women (101 virgin girls, 240 married women and 130 multi partner women) were determined by ELISA method from referred participant to medical centers of Tehran, Iran in 2020. The results were analyzed by chi-square and logistic regression tests. Prevalence of toxoplasmosis was significant with the number of sexual partner according to chi square test (P<0.001) and the highest one was observed in multi partners' women (56.2%) and the lowest one in virgin girls (17.8%). ORs of virgin girls and multi partners' women were 0.594 and 3.758 respectively, compared to married women. The effect of age on the frequency of anti-Toxoplasma IgG in married women was significant but it was not significant in multi partners' women. In addition to IgG frequency in married women and multi partners' women had no significant relationship with the number of children. Having sexual activity after marriage and having multi partner in sexual activity may possibly be a novel risk factor for toxoplasmosis infection or increasing the IgG frequency.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Blood Donors: An Investigation from the Endemicity. Non-systematic Review

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis, the most common parasitic disease in the world, which infects humans and animals. It is transmitted through cat feces through the process of excretion and ingestion of oocysts. Humans become infected by eating improperly washed vegetables, raw or undercooked meat, contaminated water, the soil or area where the cat defecates, or by transfusing infected blood. The study aims to identify, through scientific evidence, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in blood donors, considering its global endemicity. A non-systematic documentary review was used for searching articles worldwide on the topic of T. gondii seroprevalence in blood donors, in different databases such as SciELO, Google Academics, etc. A total of 27 articles that had the required information; grouping the seroprevalence results by region, obtained positive IgG and IgG + IgM. Calculating the prevalence, it was identified in Asia at 7.8%, America 32.8%, Africa 40.7%, Oceania 34%, and Europe 38.1%. In conclusion, it is convenient to carry out this type of study in each country to verify the prevalence and, in addition, to determine the incidence of infection in blood donors to calculate the risk of transmission.&#x0D; Keywords: Toxoplasma, seroepidemiologic studies, antibodies, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, blood donors.&#x0D; Resumen &#x0D; Introducción: Toxoplasma gondii en un protozoo intracelular causante de la toxoplasmosis, la enfermedad parasitaria más frecuente del mundo la cual infecta a humanos y animales, se trasmite por medio de las heces de los gatos mediante el proceso de excreción e ingestión de los ooquistes. Los humanos se infectan al ingerir vegetales mal lavados, carne cruda o poco cocida, agua contaminada, el suelo o área donde defeca el gato, o al transfundir sangre infectada. Objetivo: identificar mediante evidencias científicas la seroprevalencia de T. gondii en donantes de sangre, considerando su endemicidad global. Metodología: se empleó una revisión no sistemática, documental realizando la búsqueda de artículos a nivel mundial del tema seroprevalencia de T. gondii en donantes de sangre, en diferentes bases como SciELO, Google Academics, etc. Resultados: un total de 27 artículos que contaron con la información requerida; agrupando los resultados de seroprevalencia por región, anticuerpos positivos IgG e IgG + IgM. Calculando la prevalencia se identificó, en Asia 7,8%; América 32,8%; África 40,7%; Oceanía 34% y Europa 38,1%. Conclusión: es conveniente realizar este tipo de estudio en cada país para comprobar la prevalencia y, además, determinar la incidencia de la infección en donantes de sangre para calcular el riesgo de transmisión.&#x0D; Palabras Clave: Toxoplasma, estudios seroepidemiológicos, anticuerpos, inmunoglobulina G, inmunoglobulina M, donantes de sangre.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis at referral hospitals in the northwestern region, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is induced by Toxoplasma gondii, which affects 30 percent of the global population and is responsible for deaths related to foodborne pathogens. This study aimed to describe the seroprevalence of T. gondii infections in patients attending referral hospitals in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The serology test results for T. gondii antibodies of 797 patients were retrospectively analyzed using the hospitals' database. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and/or IgM). RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 8.3%. Higher (9.9%) prevalence of positive results among patients aged 30 years and above was observed. Statistically, the various age groups (P = 0.031) were found to be significant. Female was noted to have increased (8.1%) seroprevalence, and the incidence of infection occurred largely among participants living in rural areas (8.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasmosis remains a public health concern. The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was relatively low in the study area. IgG antibodies to T. gondii were mainly detected. Increasing awareness on the mode of transmission, source of infection, and disease prevention through health education and dissemination is vital to reduce or eliminate toxoplasmosis.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Uyo Nigeria

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Uyo Nigeria

An In house ELISA using recombinant GRA1 and BAG1 proteins as antigen successfully detected Toxoplasma gondii infection in a flock of sheep suffering from abortions

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the main pathogens causing abortion in sheep. In this study, an in house ELISA using recombinant GRA1 and BAG1 proteins as antigen was used to detect T. gondii infection in a flock of sheep suffering from abortions. Serum samples collected from sheep (n = 23) the day after abortion were initially analyzed with a commercial ELISA using recombinant P30 (SAG1) protein as antigen and then by the in house ELISA using recombinant GRA1 and BAG1 proteins as antigen. Commercial ELISA detected anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in 20 samples whereas in house ELISA detected anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in 19 samples. The results of the remaining three serum samples that were seronegative by commercial ELISA were also seronegative by in house ELISA. According to the results of commercial ELISA and in house ELISA, the seroprevalence of ovine toxoplasmosis was 86.9% and 82.6%, respectively. When we accept the validated commercial ELISA as a reference method, the sensitivity and specificity of in house ELISA can be considered as 95% and 100%. These preliminary results show that in house ELISA using recombinant GRA1 and BAG1 proteins as antigen can detect ovine toxoplasmosis successfully.

The Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of &lt;i&gt;Toxoplasma gondii&lt;/i&gt; among Abattoir Workers in Rivers State, Nigeria

Toxoplasma gondiiis an obligate, intracellular, parasitic protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis. Infection in humans can occur through contact with contaminated soil, water, or unwashed raw vegetables and ingestion of bradyzoites from infected intermediate hosts’tissue, which is a potential route of transmission to meat handlers, including abattoir workers. This study aimed to determine the relationship between risk factors and seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among abattoir workers. The cross-sectional study composed of 160 participants from various abattoir locations in the state. The participants were randomly selected and via a well-structured questionnaire, data for possible risk factors were obtained. Blood Samples were also collected for IgM and IgG antibodies measurement for Toxoplasma gondii. The results indicated a high seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies (43.8%) in abattoir workers in Rivers State. Risk factors observed to be significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity in this study were the animal type slaughtered (birds, cows, and goats), and washing of hands/practicing good hygiene. The study demonstrated a high level a high seroprevalence of T. gondii among abattoir workers in Rivers State. There is a need for the Rivers State government to establish enlightenment and prevention programs for these occupationally exposed and other populations at risk of T. gondii infection.

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

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

Seroprevalence of Human Toxoplasmosis in Gujranwala Punjab, Pakistan

Toxoplasmosis, transmitted by Toxoplasma gondii, is a disease caused by water pollution. Consuming undercooked food or drinking polluted water can lead to severe infections, including seizures, cerebral necrosis, and hearing loss. Objective: To find out the prevalence of human toxoplasmosis in Gujranwala Punjab Pakistan. Methods: Human blood samples were obtained at random from various locations in Gujranwala. About 5ml blood was draw by puncturing the vein using the sterilized syringe and collected in EDTA vials. Serum was separated from collected blood by centrifugation at 3000rpm for 15 minutes and was collected in serum cup. The Latex Agglutination Test Kit was used to find the presence or absence of T. gondii in the collected serum. Results: The overall seroprevalence of human toxoplasmosis was 34.25%, with the highest prevalence found in the age group of 15-25 years (41.26%) and the lowest in 65-70 years (28.57%). The prevalence was found to be 36.5% in males and 32% in females, with the highest prevalence found in the age group of 15-25 years (41.26%). The prevalence was also higher in the age group of 65-70 years (28.57%). Factors contributing to the prevalence of toxoplasmosis include employment, direct contact with pets, drinking from tape water/supply water (51.38%), mud houses (60.46%), and eating raw vegetable and undercooked meat (81.81%) as compared to cooked fully cooked meat and vegetables (13.25%). Conclusions: The study highlights the complicated prevalence of toxicity in the Gujranwala community, affecting factors like age, education, employment, water supply, housing, and nutrition, requiring targeted interventions.