Tissue Cysts Research Articles

Behavioral Changes Induced by Latent Toxoplasmosis Could Arise from CNS Inflammation and Neuropathogenesis.

Chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a neurotropic parasite, has been linked to multiple behavioral changes in rodents and humans. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying these correlations are not known. I discuss here from animal studies the distribution of tissue cysts, the constant immune surveillance, the critical role of cyst burden, and the time-dependent consequences, which I believe are crucial to explaining the behavioral changes. In line with the brain-wide distribution of tissue cysts and chronic neuroinflammation, infected mice displayed a broad range of behavioral phenotypes. Many studies suggest that behavioral changes in mice are directly associated with tissue cyst presence or cyst burden and the host immune response. Cyst burden may not exert direct effects; however, the mechanisms causing behavioral and neuropathological changes are potentially the consequence of cyst burden over time, such as the neuroinflammation required to control the reactivation of tissue cysts. The reduction of neuroinflammation has proven that neuropathogenesis and behavioral abnormalities can be reversed, at least partially, in infected mice. Overall, Toxoplasma-induced behavioral changes are likely to be an indirect consequence of the host immune response in a parasite burden-dependent manner.

The Protective Effects of Trans-Anethole against Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Induced Histopathological and Metabolic Changes in Rat.

BackgroundAim of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of trans-anethole, against polycystic ovary syn- drome (PCOS) induced histopathological and biochemical changes in female Wister rats.Materials and MethodsIn this experimental study, forty-eight animals were randomly assigned into 6 groups: con- trol; PCOS; PCOS+trans-anethole (20, 40, 80 mg/kg); and PCOS+metformin (300 mg/kg). Testosterone (1 mg/kg/ day) was injected intraperitoneally for 35 days to induce PCOS. After PCOS induction, animals were treated by trans- anethole and metformin (30 days oral gavage). Finally, serum oxidative stress and insulin levels as well as histological changes in ovaries, kidneys and liver were evaluated.ResultsIn PCOS group, the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was 1.391 ± 0.18 mmol/L and significantly increased (P=0.000) compared to the control group with the MDA level of 0.35 ± 0.08. Meanwhile the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and total thiol levels were significantly decreased (P=0.000 for all groups), compared to the control group. In the trans-anethole (80 mg/kg) treated group, insulin (P=0.000) and MDA (P=0.000) levels were significantly decreased while total thiol (P=0.001) and activity of SOD (P=0.000) and CAT (P=0.007) were significantly increased compared to the PCOS group. In the metformin treated group the insulin level (P=0.03) decreased compared to the PCOS group. Histological evaluation showed multiple cysts in the ovarian tissue, an increase in inflammatory cells in the liver, and a loss of order in the structure of the tubules and glomeruli of the kidney in the PCOS group. Tissue damage was reduced in the trans-anethole treated group.ConclusionTarns-anethole at a dose of 80 mg/kg improved metabolic status, oxidative stress, liver and kidney dam- age as well as the cystic mass of ovarian tissue. To understand the exact protective effects of trans-anethole in PCOS, more experimental or clinical studies are suggested.

Orbital dermoid cyst.

Background:Dermoid cyst, a developmental benign choristoma, is the most common orbital tumor of childhood, arising from ectodermal sequestration along the lines of embryonic fusion of mesodermal processes, lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and expanding slowly due to constant desquamation and dermal glandular elements. Approximately 80% are found in the head and neck region and comprise 3-9% all orbital masses.Purpose:It is mandatory to know about the variable presentations of orbital dermoids and the surgical techniques that can be adopted based on the site, extent, age and aesthetic needs, presence of inflammation and possibility of intraoperative rupture.Synopsis:Orbital dermoids can be classified as juxta-sutural, sutural or soft tissue cysts; superficial or deep; intraosseous or extraosseous, and intraorbital or extraorbital. These smooth, painless, mobile or partially mobile lesions mostly present at the fronto-zygomatic suture with proptosis, displacement, ptosis or diplopia, depending on depth and extent. Therefore, it is important to understand the various presentations and the appropriate surgical techniques.Highlights:We describe the embryological origin, types and clinical features of dermoids in this video and demonstrate the surgical and minimally invasive techniques for their management.Video link: https://youtu.be/-q3xD2igjcQ

The Accuracy of Developed Peroxidase Toxoplasma gondii IgG ELISA Plates for Evaluating Toxoplasmosis in Sheep

One of the main sources of human toxoplasmosis is mutton from chronically infected sheep. The accuracy of the developed T. gondii IgG ELISA plates (IgG/POD) were evaluated. A total number of 311, both blood and the matching tissue sheep samples were collected. Serological detection of toxoplasmosis in all samples with IgG/POD plate compared with the Latex agglutination test (LAT), Sabin Feldman dye test (SFDT), and conventional ELISA. The identical tissue samples to seropositive sera were bio-assayed through a mouse viability test to define the LD50 and LD100, and the histopathological assay was also done. The designed IgG/POD ELISA plate confirms higher accuracy against the total positive percentage of IgG compared to a conventional ELISA (44 and 38%). It also recognized the highest rates of IgG (48 and 26%). LAT-positive serum markers were (53, 33, and 49%) versus SFDT (68, 41, and 63%), while (12.5, 22 and 14%) were the result percentages of positive microscopic exam of ewes, rams, and total sheep. The mice viability test successfully isolated tachyzoites from 11(9 ewes and two rams) isolates. However, bio-typing detected (27%) of isolates of Type II and (73 %) of isolates of Type III. Finally, tachyzoites and tissue cyst stages were histo-pathological demonstrated within the experimentally infected mice and mutton tissues, respectively. In this study, the IgG/POD developed plate confirmed greater accuracy against IgG compared to the reference ELISA test. This test, along with mouse viability and the histopathological confirmation, are excellent bio-indicators reflecting the zoonotic hazard via the spotted mutton harboring T. gondii virulent strains.

Cystoisospora belli, liver disease and hypothesis on the life cycle.

Cystoisospora belli causes chronic diarrhoea, acalculous cholecystitis, cholangiopathy and disseminated cystoisosporosis in patients with AIDS. Clinical manifestations and histological stages during C. belli infection in a patient with AIDS and liver disease were described. It was possible to identify sporozoite-like structures in the villus epithelium of the duodenum, close to the vascularization that underlies the basal membrane and unizoite tissue cysts near to the vascularization in the lamina propria. Unizoite tissue cysts were found inside of sinusoids in the liver communicating with the central vein and with a bile canaliculus and portal spaces. Based on these findings a hypothesis on C. belli life cycle could consider that the route of migration of unizoite tissue cysts up the liver is via the portal blood. The unizoite tissue cysts located in hepatic portal vein could migrated via sinusoid to central vein and general circulation through the venous system. The unizoite tissue cysts could also return via bile canaliculus to bile duct to portal triad. This hypothesis allows to understand the presence of unizoite stages in blood, the pathway by which the bile ducts become infected and unizoites in the liver being able to behave like hypnozoites that favour relapses and treatment failures.

Anatomical distribution of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally and experimentally infected lambs.

Consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts is one of the main sources of infection for humans worldwide. Among the various species intended for human consumption, sheep appear to be a high risk for human infection. The present study focused on the detailed anatomical distribution of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally and experimentally infected lambs using fresh and frozen samples of various pieces of meat, from a public health perspective. The first objective was to rank the edible parts intended for human consumption according to the detectable parasite burden by real-time PCR targeting the 529-bp repeated element. The second objective was to evaluate the impact of freezing by comparing the detection efficiency of the quantitative PCR between fresh and frozen tissues, as imports of lamb carcasses/cuts may arrive frozen or chilled. The highest estimated parasite loads were observed in skeletal muscles, and more particularly in edible portions such as quadriceps femoris muscle, intercostal muscles, deltoid muscle and diaphragm, with a significant difference in detectable parasite burden between fresh and frozen samples (p < 0.0001) or natural and experimental infection (p < 0.0001). Thoracic and pelvic limbs (3278–1048 parasites/g muscle) were ranked at the top of the list. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in all the edible parts of lamb studied. These results suggest that lamb meat represents a risk for consumers. Further investigations are needed in order to confirm these differences in larger numbers of animals and in different breeds.

Unilateral Cystic Teratoma of the Ovary in Children: A Case Report

Teratoma is a type of extracranial germ cell tumor that often occurs and correlates with age and anatomical location. Mature Cystic Teratoma (MCT) is the most common ovarian tumor in children and adolescents. The most common sites for teratomas are the sacrococcygeal region and the ovaries. Laparoscopy is by far the surgical treatment of choice for teratomas. We report a case of a 9-year-old girl with a chief complaint of left lower quadrant abdominal pain 1 week before hospital admission. The patient appears weak and has decreased appetite, accompanied by weight loss, and painful urination. Physical examination of abdominal distension (+), tenderness, and release in the left lower quadrant (+). The patient had not menstruated, and a history of vaginal discharge was denied. On MSCT-scan examination of the abdomen with contrast, a cystic mass was found that adhered to and pushed the surrounding bowel structures in the lower abdominal region. On histopathological examination taken from the left ovary preparation, a macroscopic examination found cyst tissue of 9.5 x 6.5 x 5 cm. The cyst is gray-black, filled with blood and a white pulp mass with hair. On microscopic examination found cysts with fibrous connective tissue stroma containing vascular. The treatment is in the form of laparoscopy and after surgery, currently, the patient is in good condition and will be followed up again every 3 months.

Anthelmintic lead compounds and their targets for drug development

Helminthiasis is a major health issue worldwide. Over 200 million peoples and 600 million school age children are manifested by these parasites. It is a wide spread neglected tropical decease of developing countries and affect majorly poor peoples. The helminthic parasites weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria. Trematode (flukes), cestode (tapeworm) and nematodes (round worm) are the members of helminth infection. Ascaris lumbricoides, Nector americanus, Ancyclostoma duodenale and Trichuris trichuria are are the parasites which spread infection without any vector and cause serious complications in lungs and CNS. Schistosoma species (trematodes or flukes) are mainly transmitted by contaminated fresh water. Cestodes (Taenia solium, Taenia saginata) transmit infection through contaminated and uncooked red meat and cyst in different tissue. Cyst in CNS results in pathological changes called neurocysticercosis. Nature is a big store house of remedies for ailments of mankind. Due to toxic effects of synthetic drugs, there’s a great need to invent new bio-active constituents and plants can complete this need effectually.

RHINOCEREBRAL MUCORMYCOSIS CASE IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM

Introduction&#x0D; Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is a rare disease, which causes serious and life-threatening fungal infections.The disease usually develops in immunocompromised individuals and usually begins by mimicking cellulite, especially in the face area, and shows a very rapid course. &#x0D; Case Report&#x0D; A 75-year-old male patient previously admitted to an external center with 3-4 days complaints of headache, numbness in the right half of his face and closure of his left eye was brought to our emergency department for further investigation.The cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed suspected opportunistic fungal infection or malignancy in the ethmoidal and sphenoidal sinuses.The patient was hospitalized with the diagnosis of opportunistic fungal infection after consultations to relevant clinics. Biopsy revealed polypes and mucocele like cystic tissues. The patient, followed-up and treated with rhinocerebral mucormicosis, was transferred to intensive care unit after deterioration of his general condition.After approximately 45 days of follow-up and treatment, the patient was lost due to multiple organ failure. &#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is an emergency that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Presence of one or more of the non-traumatic orbital apex syndrome findings should alert emergency physicians. In this and similar infections with high mortality rates, early diagnosis and treatment may lead to good results.

Innocuous Lesions and Not so Innocuous Lesions of the Skin and Soft Tissue

Background: Cystic lesions of the skin and soft tissue are often neglected and thought to be innocuous or harmless. These lesions need to be excised to exclude malignancy. The lesions may present in unusual sites and may also be of infective origin. Thus, there is an urgent need to determine the prevalence and identify the histopathological features of the cystic lesions as the innocuous appearing lesions may actually not be so innocuous. In addition, it is the histopathological features that determine the treatment modality.&#x0D; Aim: To determine the features and prevalence of the types of cysts in skin and soft tissue.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of the cystic lesions of the skin and soft tissue was conducted. The records from the Department of Pathology, Saveetha Medical College were retrieved and reviewed for patients with cystic lesions of the skin and soft tissue over a one year period extending between January 2019 and December 2019. The records were examined for the following data : age, sex, type of lesion, clinical and histopathological diagnosis.&#x0D; Results: In all 109 cases with skin and soft tissue swellings were analyzed. Among these 53 were males and 56 were more females reported (51 %) of cystic swellings as compared to males (48%). Cystic lesions were most commonly encountered in the age group of 18 to 40 years, which suggests that there may be a role for trauma or occupation related occurrence. A variety of cysts were encountered such as epidermoid cysts (70%), Trichilemmal cyst (7%), and Ganglion (7%).Phaeohyphomycotic cyst, mucous retention cyst, hemangioma and pilomatrixoma. Epidermal cysts were more frequently encountered in males (54%) than females (46%).Most lesions occurred in the back.&#x0D; Conclusion: Epidermal cysts may frequently be associated certain syndromes, hence it is important to evaluate these cysts. In addition phaeohyphomycotic cysts may be mistaken for Ganglion, so histopathological examination is necessary to initiate appropriate therapy.

The Redox Homeostasis of Skeletal Muscle Cells Regulates Stage Differentiation of Toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular parasite that causes persistent infections in birds and mammals including ~30% of the world’s human population. Differentiation from proliferative and metabolically active tachyzoites to largely dormant bradyzoites initiates the chronic phase of infection and occurs predominantly in brain and muscle tissues. Here we used murine skeletal muscle cells (SkMCs) to decipher host cellular factors that favor T. gondii bradyzoite formation in terminally differentiated and syncytial myotubes, but not in proliferating myoblast precursors. Genome-wide transcriptome analyses of T. gondii-infected SkMCs and non-infected controls identified ~6,500 genes which were differentially expressed (DEGs) in myotubes compared to myoblasts, largely irrespective of infection. On the other hand, genes related to central carbohydrate metabolism, to redox homeostasis, and to the Nrf2-dependent stress response pathway were enriched in both infected myoblast precursors and myotubes. Stable isotope-resolved metabolite profiling indicated increased fluxes into the oxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway (OxPPP) in infected myoblasts and into the TCA cycle in infected myotubes. High OxPPP activity in infected myoblasts was associated with increased NADPH/NADP+ ratio while myotubes exhibited higher ROS levels and lower expression of anti-oxidants and detoxification enzymes. Pharmacological reduction of ROS levels in SkMCs inhibited bradyzoite differentiation, while increased ROS induced bradyzoite formation. Thus, we identified a novel host cell-dependent mechanism that triggers stage conversion of T. gondii into persistent tissue cysts in its natural host cell type.

Identification of Oocyst-Driven Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Humans and Animals through Stage-Specific Serology-Current Status and Future Perspectives.

The apicomplexan zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii has three infective stages: sporozoites in sporulated oocysts, which are shed in unsporulated form into the environment by infected felids; tissue cysts containing bradyzoites, and fast replicating tachyzoites that are responsible for acute toxoplasmosis. The contribution of oocysts to infections in both humans and animals is understudied despite being highly relevant. Only a few diagnostic antigens have been described to be capable of discriminating which parasite stage has caused an infection. Here we provide an extensive overview of the antigens and serological assays used to detect oocyst-driven infections in humans and animals according to the literature. In addition, we critically discuss the possibility to exploit the increasing knowledge of the T. gondii genome and the various ‘omics datasets available, by applying predictive algorithms, for the identification of new oocyst-specific proteins for diagnostic purposes. Finally, we propose a workflow for how such antigens and assays based on them should be evaluated to ensure reproducible and robust results.

Computer Aided Image Processing to Facilitate Determination of Congruence in Manual Classification of Mitochondrial Morphologies in Toxoplasma gondii Tissue Cysts.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that chronically infects about a third of the world's population. During chronic infection, the parasite resides within tissue cysts in the form of poorly understood bradyzoites which can number in the thousands. Our prior work showed that these bradyzoites are metabolically active exhibiting heterogeneous replication potential. The morphological plasticity of the mitochondrion potentially informs about parasite metabolic state. We developed an image processing based program to assist manual classification of mitochondrial morphologies by trained operators to collect data and statistics from the manual classification of shapes. We sought to determine whether certain morphologies were readily classifiable and the congruence among manual classifiers, i.e. the degree to which different operators would place the same objects within the same class. Results from three operators classifying mitochondrial morphologies from 5 tissue cyst images showed that among the four classes, one (Blobs) were the easiest to classify. There was remarkable congruence between 2 of the 3 operators in classifying the objects (96%), while the agreement among all 3 operators was somewhat modest (57%). Such information would be valuable for biologists studying these parasites as well as in development of fully automated methods of morphological classification.

Sarcocystis calchasi in a captive Patagonian conure (Cyanoliseus patagonus) in Finland

Sarcosystis calchasi is an emerging pathogen causing encephalitis in many avian species and has been documented in North America, Germany and Japan. In November 2019, a captive Patagonian conure (Cyanoliseus patagonus), kept in a zoological aviary in Finland, was euthanized due to acute respiratory distress. At necropsy, histopathological examination revealed numerous parasitic tissue cysts in the skeletal muscles and myocardium, chronic moderate multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic meningoencephalitisand acute moderate multifocal purulent pneumonia caused by aspiration of foreign material. By light and transmission electron microscopy, tissue cysts had structures typical of Sarcocystis organisms. The ultrastructure of the cyst wall was compatible with S. calchasi and Sarcocystis columbae. S. calchasi-specific semi-nested polymerase chain reaction testing resulted in amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene, which had 100% identity with S. calchasi ITS sequences. This is the first report of S. calchasi in Fennoscandia and of a naturally-occurring S. calchasi infection in a captive psittacine bird in Europe. Our finding suggests that captive psittacine birds kept in outdoor facilities may be at risk of S. calchasi infection throughout the Holarctic.

Indirect Hemagglutination Test in the Detection of Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in Venezuelan Felids

Current knowledge of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Venezuelan ecosystems is limited. Mammals and birds are intermediate hosts and felid species are definitive hosts. In most human-altered habitats, the domestic cat is the predominant definitive host. Cats are important in the epidemiology of T. gondii infection because they are the only hosts that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts. Other carnivores can be infected by the consumption of tissue cysts when feeding on infected animals and by incidental ingestion of oocysts from environmental contamination. This study aimed to quantify the values of antibodies for T. gondii in blood serum of some felids species employing the technique of indirect hemagglutination. In the present study, seropositivity of T. gondii was determined in serum of 35 animals (22 stray cats and 13 wild cats) from Venezuela, South America. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 21 of 22 (95,45 %) stray cats’ titers of 1:64 in four, 1:128 in four, 1:256 in one, 1:512 in one, 1:1024 in three, and 1:2048 or higher in eight. In four of six (66,67 %) ocelots’ titers of 1:64 in one, 1:256 in one, 1:1024 in one, and one with titers 1:2048. In three of four (75,00 %) jaguars’ titers of 1:512 in one, and two with titers 1:2048. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference between species (H = 8,413, p = 0,015).

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii specific repeat element in blood of recurrent aborted women by real-time PCR

Toxoplasmosis caused by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat contains tissue cyst or contaminated food or water with oocyst of Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is prevalent in humans, domestic and wild animals and is causative agent of abortion and congenital abnormalities. Methods: From october-2019 to April 2020, blood and serum samples were collected from 63 women with recurrent abortion. Serum samples were used for identification of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA technique. Real time- Polymerase Chain reaction technique utilized for revealing of the DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in the blood specimens. Presented study results showed the high aborted women 33 (52%) in age group (20-29), and high number of aborted women 36 (57%) have 3-6 abortions. Serodiagnosis results of 63 aborted women showed that 19 (30%) were seropositive for only IgG antibody, 6(10%) were seropositive for IgM antibody, and 6 (10%) were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Molecular diagnosis of T. gondii DNA infection by RT- PCR for amplification of repeat region 529 bp of T. gondii DNA, revealed that only 7 (11.1%) blood samples were positive. RT-PCR assay was more sensitive and specific than serologic ELISA method in diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in recurrent aborted women.

Comprehensive Overview of Toxoplasma gondii-Induced and Associated Diseases.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a prevalent protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary significance. It is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a neglected disease in which incidence and symptoms differ between patients and regions. In immunocompetent patients, toxoplasmosis manifests as acute and chronic forms. Acute toxoplasmosis presents as mild or asymptomatic disease that evolves, under the host immune response, into a persistent chronic disease in healthy individuals. Chronic toxoplasmosis establishes as latent tissue cysts in the brain and skeletal muscles. In immunocompromised patients, chronic toxoplasmosis may reactivate, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition. Recently, the association between toxoplasmosis and various diseases has been shown. These span primary neuropathies, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, and different types of cancer. Currently, a direct pre-clinical or clinical molecular connotation between toxoplasmosis and most of its associated diseases remains poorly understood. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on Toxoplasma-induced and associated diseases with a focus on available knowledge of the molecular players dictating these associations. We will also abridge the existing therapeutic options of toxoplasmosis and highlight the current gaps to explore the implications of toxoplasmosis on its associated diseases to advance treatment modalities.

Severe deforming dermatitis in a kitten caused by Caryospora bigenetica

BackgroundCaryospora bigenetica is an intracellular protozoan parasite, which in its primary hosts, typically snakes, is found it the intestine. Extraintestinal multiplication with the development of tissue cysts takes place in secondary hosts, which are normally prey for snakes. Natural infection in domestic animals has been reported only in dogs; this is the first report of C. bigenetica infection in a cat.Case presentationA stray kitten developed nodular dermatitis after being adopted by a shelter. Firm swelling, nodules, and crusts were present mainly on the nasal bridge, eyelids, and pinnae. Histopathology and cytology revealed severe pyogranulomatous inflammation with abundant intracellular organisms suggestive of apicomplexan protozoa. Treatment with clindamycin 13 mg/kg twice daily was initiated, but the cat was euthanized because of the worsening condition. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed parasite’s apicomplexan origin postmortem, and the causative agent was identified as C. bigenetica by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.ConclusionsWe present the first case of a naturally occurring infection with C. bigenetica in a cat. Although the definitive etiological diagnosis relied on molecular identification, the abundance of unsporulated oocysts and caryocysts and the parasite's effective reproduction within macrophages and in several other cell types might have enabled differentiation from other protozoal infections and allowed a presumptive diagnosis through cytology and histopathology.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii in Retail Fresh Meat Products from Free-range Chickens in Spain.

IntroductionToxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasites worldwide and affects the vast majority of warm-blooded animal species, including humans. Postnatal infection in humans occurs through the ingestion of sporulated T. gondii oocysts or via the oral intake of parasite tissue cysts during the consumption of raw or undercooked meat. In this regard, given their high exposure to oocysts, chickens (Gallus domesticus) raised on the ground constitute a potential source of T. gondii.Material and MethodsFor the first time in Spain, a survey was undertaken in commercial retail free-range poultry. A total of 50 thighs from different animals were analysed. The samples were homogenised and an acid pepsin digestion procedure was applied prior to molecular analysis. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was isolated from meat by qPCR. Two sets of primers were used for DNA amplification targeting the specific sequence of a 529 bp repeat element and another set of primers was utilised for the surface antigen protein-1 gene.ResultsDNA extracted from 5 out of 50 tissue samples was positive for both genes by qPCR amplification.ConclusionThe 10% prevalence of Toxoplasma infection found in commercial free-range chickens raises public health issues.

Behavioral alterations in long-term Toxoplasma gondii infection of C57BL/6 mice are associated with neuroinflammation and disruption of the blood brain barrier.

The Apicomplexa protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a mandatory intracellular parasite and the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This illness is of medical importance due to its high prevalence worldwide and may cause neurological alterations in immunocompromised persons. In chronically infected immunocompetent individuals, this parasite forms tissue cysts mainly in the brain. In addition, T. gondii infection has been related to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as mood, personality, and other behavioral changes. In the present study, we evaluated the kinetics of behavioral alterations in a model of chronic infection, assessing anxiety, depression and exploratory behavior, and their relationship with neuroinflammation and parasite cysts in brain tissue areas, blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity, and cytokine status in the brain and serum. Adult female C57BL/6 mice were infected by gavage with 5 cysts of the ME-49 type II T. gondii strain, and analyzed as independent groups at 30, 60 and 90 days postinfection (dpi). Anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and hyperactivity were detected in the early (30 dpi) and long-term (60 and 90 dpi) chronic T. gondii infection, in a direct association with the presence of parasite cysts and neuroinflammation, independently of the brain tissue areas, and linked to BBB disruption. These behavioral alterations paralleled the upregulation of expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and CC-chemokines (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β and CCL5/RANTES) in the brain tissue. In addition, increased levels of interferon-gamma (IFNγ), TNF and CCL2/MCP-1 were detected in the peripheral blood, at 30 and 60 dpi. Our data suggest that the persistence of parasite cysts induces sustained neuroinflammation, and BBB disruption, thus allowing leakage of cytokines of circulating plasma into the brain tissue. Therefore, all these factors may contribute to behavioral changes (anxiety, depressive-like behavior, and hyperactivity) in chronic T. gondii infection.