Toxoplasma Gondii IgM Research Articles

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.

Evaluation of toxoplasma IgG avidity results and their correlation with toxoplasma Gondii IgM and IgG, in pregnant women during the first trimester at American Hospital, International Hospital and Cambridge Clinical Laboratories, Albania

Evaluation of toxoplasma IgG avidity results and their correlation with toxoplasma Gondii IgM and IgG, in pregnant women during the first trimester at American Hospital, International Hospital and Cambridge Clinical Laboratories, Albania

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG positive cats in Los Angeles County, California.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG positive cats in Los Angeles County, California. T gondii antibodies are common in sera from cats in most reported studies around the world. Although the majority of infected cats never develop clinical disease, development of acute infection and recrudescence of latent infection secondary to immunosuppression has been reported. Knowledge of the serologic status of T gondii may be important when considering immunosuppressive treatments. T gondii IgM and IgG antibody titers were measured in 225 cats. Sera from owned cats tested at a multispecialty veterinary hospital were included both retrospectively and prospectively (n = 125). Sera from feral cats tested through a collaborating humane society were included prospectively (n = 100). Of the 13 (5.8%) cats with IgM titers, 10 were positive at the minimal cut-off titer (1:64), one cat was clinically ill and none were currently positive for IgG antibodies, suggesting false-positive results for nine cats, giving an adjusted IgM prevalence rate of 1.8% (95% CI 0.7-4.5). A total of five (2.2%) cats were positive for IgG antibodies and no cat was positive for both antibodies. Most studies of T gondii antibodies in cat sera from California have shown higher prevalence rates, suggesting the cats in this municipality have a low risk of exposure. The study emphasizes that serological test results do not necessarily correlate to the presence of clinical illness.

Toxoplasmosis Examination With Anti-Toxo IgM And IgG Results In Petshop Staff

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Infection is most commonly acquired from contact with cats and their feces or raw or undercooked meat. There are several risk factors that favor the occurrence of this infection including the presence of cats in the residence, cleaning of pet litter boxes, hand washing habits and consumption of raw or undercooked food. Petshop is a retail business that sells a variety of pets and also sells pet food, accessories, animal care and maintenance. The purpose of this study was to determine the exposure to toxoplasmosis with the results of Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody examination and Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody in petshop staff.This study is a descriptive study using cross sectional method with 25 respondents from petshop staff. The test method for toxoplasmosis detection used was Rapid (Immunochromatography). The data analysis technique used was univariate analysis to determine the percentage of seropositive results of Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies and Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibodies. Based on the results of the study obtained data 11 respondents seropositive anti-toxo IgG, 14 respondents did not have anti-toxo IgG and anti-toxo IgM and there were no respondents with positive anti-toxo IgM in Petshop officers. Therefore it can be concluded that 11 out of 25 respondents have been infected with Toxoplasma gondii.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies and associated risk factors among pregnant women consulted in three health centers in Dschang, Cameroon

BackgroundToxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan responsible for one of the most common congenital infections in the world. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis in pregnant women consulted in three health centers in the city of Dschang. MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study that was conducted, with a total of 242 participants. A questionnaire was administered after obtaining the free and informed consent of the participants. Blood sample was collected to assay IgG and IgM antibodies specific to Toxoplasma gondii using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, and potential risk factors were evaluated with the administration questionnaire using a binary logistic regression model. Statistical significance was measured at P < 0.05. ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 82.7%,with a seroprevalence of toxoplasma IgG of 62.8% (152), that of IgM at 11.6% (28) and that of IgG/IgM at 8.3% (20). The Saint Vincent Paul Hospital had a seroprevalence of 43.8% IgG and 8.7% IgM; followed by the Dschang District Hospital (11.6% IgG and 2.1% IgM). The seroprevalence of toxoplasma IgG (35.5%) and IgM (6.2%) was higher in multiparous pregnant women, and in the group of women who performed their first toxoplasmosis serology in the first trimester of pregnancy, 70 (28.9%), 9 (3.7%) respectively for IgG and IgM. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the possession of a cat at home or its presence in the neighborhood, the consumption of undercooked or uncooked meat and having a history of blood transfusion were found to be statistically significant risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis seroprevalence among pregnant women. ConclusionThe present study revealed a high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis. Given this high seroprevalence, screening for toxoplasmosis in women of childbearing age should be encouraged.

Disease Surveillance of Cougars (Puma concolor) in Utah, USA.

Adult, free-ranging cougars (Puma concolor) were sampled in three regions of Utah, US, from 2018 to 2021. A total of 68% (23/34) of the sampled cougars had antibodies to feline parvovirus, 15% (5/33) to canine distemper virus, 18% (6/34) to calicivirus, and 22% (8/37) to Yersinia pestis. Forty-one percent (13/32) had IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and 6% (2/33) to feline immunodeficiency virus, and 3% (1/32) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) antigen. All were seronegative for Toxoplasma gondii IgM, feline enteric coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, feline leukemia virus, feline herpesvirus, and Francisella tularensis. Tapeworms and Toxascaris leonina eggs were detected in the feces. The disease exposures detected were similar to what has been reported from cougar populations in other western US states, and the current level of exposures is unlikely to have a negative impact on the state's population.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Consulted at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Cameroon

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection with public health importance. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and its risk factors among pregnant women consulted at the Bamenda Regional Hospital.

Screening for the Detection of Toxoplasma gondii IgG, IgM and IgA in Females of Reproductive Age from Western Romania.

Toxoplasma gondii, a zoonotic protozoan parasite, has the capacity to infect the fetus if the pregnant woman primarily acquires the infection during pregnancy. We evaluated the prevalence of T. gondii IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies in women of reproductive age residing in Western Romania. We also assessed the value of adding a T. gondii IgA test to the serologic panel for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, including the detection of a recently acquired infection. Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii IgG antibodies was conducted in 1317 females aged 15-45 years. T. gondii IgM and IgA antibody tests were performed in those with detectable IgG antibodies and IgG avidity test was performed if IgM and/or IgA screening test results were positive. T. gondii IgG were detected in 607 (46.09%; 95%CI: 43.41-48.79) of 1317 study participants and IgG seroprevalence tended to increase with age from 35.44% (95%CI: 29.89-41.30) in age group 15-24 years to 62.85% (95%CI: 56.57-68.82) in age group 35-45 years, showing a significant age-associated increase (p &lt; 0.001). Of the 607 persons with detectable T. gondii IgG antibodies, T. gondii IgM antibodies were demonstrated in 8.90% (95%CI: 6.88-11.43), T. gondii IgA in 1.65% (95%CI: 0.90-3.01) and both T. gondii IgM and IgA in 0.99% (95%CI: 0.45-2.14). The prevalence of IgA antibodies tended to decrease with increasing avidity, from 75% (95%CI: 19.41-99.37) in samples with low avidity to 11.76% (95%CI: 4.44-23.87) in those with high avidity (p = 0.01). Of the study participants who were positive for both T. gondii IgM and IgA antibodies, 66.67% had low or equivocal IgG avidity test results compared to 6.25% who tested positive for IgM, were negative for IgA and in whom low or equivocal IgG avidity test results were noted (p = 0.001). This study indicates that in Western Romania, T. gondii IgG seroprevalence is high in females of reproductive age and T. gondii IgA antibodies may be rarely detected during a serologic screening. However, in individuals with demonstrable T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies, testing for T. gondii IgA may improve the rate for the detection of a recently acquired toxoplasmosis.

Seroprevalence and systemic immune biomarkers associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in blood donors from Southern Brazil

The high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Blood Banks could be a potential risk for contamination of blood recipients. The discovery of new biomarkers may help to distinguish between seropositive and seronegative donors. This study determined the seroprevalence and profile of systemic immune biomarkers associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection among blood donors from Southern Brazil. Peripheral blood was collected from 510 blood donors (52.2 % male; mean age: 36.61), 310, and 200 from Erechim, and Chapecó municipalities, respectively. Specific Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by Eletrochemioluminescence. Nested PCR and qPCR were performed to detectToxoplasma gondii DNA. Twenty-seven inflammatory factors were analyzed using a high-performance Luminex assay. Among 310 blood donors from Erechim, 44.5 % (138/310) were IgM(−)/IgG(+), and 1.3 % (4/310) were IgM(+)/IgG(+), while out of 200 blood donors from Chapeco, 42.5 % (85/200) were IgM(−)/IgG(+), and 2 % (4/200) were IgM(+)/ IgG(+). We did not find Toxoplasma gondii DNA in the samples analyzed by Nested PCR and qPCR.Additionally, IgM(−)/IgG(+) donors presented higher levels ofdistinct systemic mediators, and were indicated to be high producers of several systemic mediators (CCL11, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL10, IL-1β, IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, IL-10, IL-1Ra, vascular endothelial growth factor/VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor/PDGF, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor/GM-CSF, and IL-7). However, IgM(+)/IgG(+) donors were found as high producers of CXCL8, CXCL10, CCL4, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-9, IL-13, and PDGF, while IgM(−)/IgG(−) donors showed unaltered levels for the most soluble mediators evaluated. These distinct biomarker signatures might help identify potential factors to distinguish between IgM(−) and IgM(+) donors.

Investigation of Toxoplasma Gondii, Rubella virus and Cytomegalovirus Infections in Pregnancy, Retrospective Evaluation of Avidity Tests and Perinatal Follow-up Results

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to investigate Toxoplasma Gondii, Rubella virus and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM and IgG results, the avidity tests and perinatal follow-up results retrospectively. Material and Method: Test results of pregnant women who applied to Gynecology and Obstetrics Polyclinics in 2017-2018 were analyzed retrospectively.When IgM result was positive for any of these infections, IgG avidity indices, ultrasound (USG) findings, prenatal screening results, amniocentesis results, week of gestation that IgM positivity was observed, and if any treatments applied for these infections, were examined from the file records of pregnant women. Results: It was observed that 24.1% of 6719 patients were Toxoplasma IgG, 98.9% were Rubella IgG and 98.7% were CMV IgG positive. When the IgM positivity was examined, it was seen that this rate was 0.46% (n=31) for Toxoplasma, 0.16% (n=11) for Rubella and 0.7% (n=47) for CMV. There was only 9 low avidity test results for Toxoplasma Gondii. But there was no evidence of perinatal infection associated with these infectious agents . Conclusion: In conclusion, screening for toxoplasma, rubella and CMV infections during pregnancy is still a controversial subject and there is no national screening programme in Turkey. Knowing the seroprevalence is of great importance in establishing national screening strategies and providing consultancy to pregnant women about protection from these infections. From this point of view our study is valuable in that it contributes to these data as the first study conducted in Balıkesir region on this subject

Evaluation of sero-epidemiology of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors among antenatal attendees of a referral health facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can infect pregnant women, foetus, women of childbearing age and it is also zoonotic. The sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors in two hundred and seventy-seven gravidae attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was investigated to ascertain the current status of toxoplasmosis in Rivers State. Blood samples were collected from the subjects through veno-puncture, and the blood tests performed using the rapid test kits for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies following manufacturer’s instructions. Commercial pregnancy test kits and HIV test kits were used to confirm their pregnancy and HIV status. Out of the 277 pregnant subjects examined, the overall prevalence was 5(1.8%) for T. gondii IgG antibody and 14(6.9%) positive for HIV. None of the HIV pregnant subjects were positive for toxoplasmosis. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of toxoplasmosis and other variables. The age groups 20 -29 years and 30-39 years had the highest sero-prevalence rates of 3(60%) and 2(40%) respectively for IgG while age group 40-49 years recorded no sero-prevalence. Exposure related sero-prevalence showed that eating of raw vegetables, undercooked meat, and exposure to contaminated soil through farming were more sensitive risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis than others. There was no statistically significant difference observed among those using cat as pets (P&gt;0.05). A higher statistically significant difference was observed among the subjects that ate raw vegetables and drank untreated water (P&lt;0.05) compared to those who ate cooked vegetables and drank treated water. The need for intensified health campaign to enlighten the society and pregnant mothers on the dangers of acquiring this neglected tropical disease- toxoplasmosis- and how to prevent it has been advocated.

Seroprevalence and risk factors predicting Toxoplasma gondii (Toxoplasmosis) infection in pregnant women in Koula-Moutou and surrounding departments in central-eastern Gabon

Serological screening for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Gabon is not always systematic during pregnancy. However, whether in urban, rural or semi-rural areas, hygiene and living conditions are often precarious for these populations at risk. This state of affairs constitutes a favorable terrain for the dissemination of the disease. It is in this context that the objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors predicting Toxoplama gondii infection in pregnant women in the province of Ogooué-Lolo, of which Koula-Moutou is the capital, a semi-rural area in central-eastern Gabon. This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2 to February 28, 2022 in a population of pregnant women from two of the most frequented health centers in the commune of Koula-Moutou: the Centre Hospitalier Régional Paul MOUKAMBI (CHRPM) and the Centre de Santé Urbain (CSU) of Koula-Moutou, in east-central Gabon. From serum/plasma collected from pregnant women, the rapid diagnostic immunological technique “Onsite Rapid Test TOXO IgG/IgM Combo”, a lateral flow chromatography immunological test for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of anti- Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ) IgG and IgM, was used to perform toxoplasma serologies . A pre-established and structured questionnaire on sociodemographic factors and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis was submitted to the participants and the data obtained were analyzed using R software version 3.6.1. The study included 97 pregnant women from the city of Koula-Moutou and surrounding departments, aged 16 to 43 years, with a mean age of 27.9 ± 7.1 years. IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were found in 78 pregnant women, representing a seroprevalence of 80.41% ( n = 78), among whom 5.13% ( n = 4) were diagnosed as seropositive to IgM anti- Toxoplasma gondii in this study. In univariate analysis , pupils/students (COR = 14.65; 95% CI: [1.86–115.24]), women with a small trade (COR = 0.53; 95% CI: [0.12–2.28]), or even those with no professional status (COR = 0.19; 95% CI: [0.05–0.74]), those with primary (COR = 0.28; 95% CI: [0.09–0.83]), secondary (COR = 6.15; 95% CI: [2.1–18.04]) and university (COR = .2; 95% CI: [0.04–0.89]) education, those who were single (COR = 3.21; 95% CI: [0. 98–10.55]) and finally, those with a number of pregnancies ranging from 1 to 5 (OR = 4.11; 95% CI: [1.41–11.99]), were at high risk of Toxoplasmosis, After adjustment of risk factors by multivariate logistic regression , cohabitation with cats and/or dogs, rabbits, mice (Adjusted OR = 0.17; 95% CI: [0.00–0.67]) was identified as the only significant risk factor for Toxoplasmosis ( P = 0.037) in our study population. In order to prevent Toxoplasma gondii infections and protect newborns in Gabon, awareness of the risks of contamination, systematic serological surveillance and hygiene measures are necessary and should be proposed to pregnant women during prenatal consultations.

Histoplasma capsulatum, Toxoplasma gondii, Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae coinfections in an indoor-only Siamese cat

Case summary A 6-year-old male castrated Siamese cat was referred for acute-onset blindness and mydriasis. Physical examination revealed serous retinal detachment with panuveitis and systemic hypertension. Abdominal ultrasound showed suspected dilation of the cisterna chyli and abdominal lymphadenopathy. Aspirates of mesenteric lymph nodes revealed intrahistiocytic yeast organisms with mild-to-moderate pyogranulomatous inflammation. Fungal culture and ITS1 sequencing of the lymph node aspirates confirmed infection with Histoplasma capsulatum. PCR performed on whole blood was positive for Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae, and Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in serum. The cat was prescribed prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg PO q24h), itraconazole (10 mg/kg PO q24h), clindamycin (13 mg/kg PO q12h), amlodipine (0.625 mg PO q24h), prednisolone acetate 1% drops (q6h) and ophthalmic lubricant for both eyes (q6h). The cat was doing well at home after 2 weeks of prednisolone, itraconazole and clindamycin administration, and no abnormalities were detected on repeat abdominal ultrasound 3 months later. The retinal detachment showed mild-to-moderate improvement at that time, but vision was not regained. Relevance and novel information This is the first report of coinfection of H capsulatum, T gondii, B henselae and B clarridgeiae in an indoor-only cat living in a H capsulatum non-enzootic area with no known travel history.

Reversible left ventricular hypertrophy and congestive heart failure due to suspected myocarditis in a cat in the course of FLUTD

A 2.5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat with a past pertinent history of FLUTD treatment 8 days earlier was presented during the night due to apathy and anorexia. Radiographs, ECG, blood pressure measurement and echocardiography revealed left-sided congestive heart failure, left ventricular concentric hypertrophy, left atrial dilation, severe diastolic dysfunction, hypotension, and vagotonus-associated sinus bradycardia with a first degree AV-block as well as a right bundle brunch block. NT-ProBNP and troponin I concentrations were elevated (NT-ProBNP > 1500 pmol/l, Troponin I 32.87 ng/ml). Presumptive diagnosis was acute myocarditis. Bartonella henselae PCR and Toxoplasma gondii IgM titer were negative. Initial IgG titer amounted to 1:32 (reference range: < 1:32) and on later testing this was negative. FeLV and FIV tests exhibited negative results. Coronavirus testing was not performed because the cat was vaccinated accordingly. A metastatic infection with Proteus mirabilis, which had been isolated from the urine, appeared possible. Alternatively, a hypersensivity reaction to drugs or a stress-induced myocarditis was taken into consideration. The hospitalized cat was treated with furosemide (initialy and in the course of further treatment), theophyllin (initially), continuous infusion with lactated Ringer's solution, pimobendan, and the addition of enrofloxacin to the ongoing amoxicillin/clavulanic acid administration. After 4 days, the cat's general condition improved satisfactorily and blood pressure returned to normal range. Left ventricular hypertrophy resolved, however, diastolic dysfunction as well as left atrial dilation persisted. Within the next 8 weeks, echocardiographic findings and cardiac biomarkers returned to near normal values. All medication was tapered and finally discontinued. During the last recheck examination 7 months following initial presentation, no cardiac changes were apparent.

Sero-epidemiological assessment of toxoplasmosis among antenatal attendees of university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital, rivers state, Nigeria

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can infect pregnant mothers and women of child bearing age and is transmitted to the unborn baby. The sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors in two hundred and seventy-seven pregnant subjects attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was investigated to ascertain the current sero-prevalence status of toxoplasmosis in River State. Blood samples were collected from the subjects through a veno-puncture and the blood tests were performed using the rapid test kits for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies following manufactures instructions. Commercial pregnancy test kits and HIV test kits were used to confirm their pregnancy and HIV status. Out of the 277 pregnant subjects examined, the overall prevalence was 1.8% (5/277) positive for T. gondii IgG antibody and 6.9% (19/277) positive for HIV. None of the HIV pregnant subjects were positive for toxoplasmosis. All data were presented in frequency and percentages. The chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of toxoplasmosis and other variables. All the analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The age group of 20 -29 years and 30-39 years had the highest sero- prevalence rates of 3(60%) and 2(40%) respectively for IgG while age group 40-49 years recorded no sero-prevalence. Exposure related sero-prevalence showed that eating of raw vegetables, undercooked meat, and exposure to contaminated soil through farming were more sensitive risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis than others. There was no statistical significance using cat as pets at P&gt;0.05. A Statistical significance difference of toxoplasmosis was higher among the subjects that ate raw vegetables and drank contaminated water (P&lt;0.05) compared to those who ate cooked vegetables and drank treated water. The need for health campaign to enlighten the society and pregnant mothers on the dangers of acquiring toxoplasmosis and how to avoid it is advocated.

Detection of toxoplasmosis in aborted women in Alexandria, Egypt using ELISA and PCR.

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infection that can be acquired through the ingestion of tissue cysts in poorly cooked meat, and/or oblivious intake of sporulated oocysts in cat faeces, and transplacental. The infection in pregnant women is mainly asymptomatic. It produces abortion or congenital infection. The present study aimed to test the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on placental tissues in comparison to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect infections with Toxoplasma gondii in aborted women presented to Al-Shatby Maternity Hospital, Alexandria University, Egypt. Specific Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM were detected in serum by ELISA. Placental tissues from each participant were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR amplification. It was found that overall seroprevalence was 73%, DNA was detected in placenta tissues by using PCR analysis in 46% of cases. {× 2 (p) 18.124(< 0.001)}. Toxoplasma IgG/IgM by ELISA was positive in 23% of the cases, 20% showed amplified DNA by PCR. Positive IgG without IgM was seen in 27% cases, only 2% of them were positive by PCR. Moreover, positive PCR among positive ELISA IgM aborted women was 21 of the 23 cases. Positive PCR was obtained in three seronegative women. Our results showed that PCR sensitivity was 58.90 specificity 88.89, positive predictive value was 93.48%, and negative predictive value 44.44%. Although ELISA assay is still the gold standard of diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, other diagnostic modalities are highly required particularly in those ELISA seronegative cases. PCR can be used as a sensitive and precise modality.

Sero-Epidemiological Assessment of Toxoplasmosis Among Antenatal Attendees of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can infect pregnant mothers, women of child bearing age and it can be transmitted to the unborn baby. The sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis with its associated risk factors in two hundred and seventy-seven pregnant attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital was investigated to ascertain the current status of toxoplasmosis in River State. Blood samples were collected from the subjects through a veno-puncture and the blood tests were performed using the rapid test kits for Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies following manufactures instructions. Commercial pregnancy test kits and HIV test kits were used to confirm their pregnancy and HIV status. Out of the 277 pregnant subjects examined, the overall prevalence was 5(1.8%) for T. gondii IgG antibody and 14(6.9%) positive for HIV. None of the HIV pregnant subjects were positive for toxoplasmosis. All data were presented in frequency and percentages. The chi-square analysis was used to assess the distribution of toxoplasmosis and other variables. All the analysis was done with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The age group of 20 -29 years and 30-39 years had the highest sero- prevalence rates of 3(60%) and 2(40%) respectively for IgG while age group 40-49 years recorded no sero-prevalence. Exposure related sero-prevalence showed that eating of raw vegetables, undercooked meat, and exposure to contaminated soil through farming were more sensitive risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis than others. There was no statistical significance using cat as pets at P>0.05. A Statistical significance difference of toxoplasmosis was higher among the subjects that ate raw vegetables and drank contaminated water (P<0.05) compared to those who ate cooked vegetables and drank treated water. The need for health campaign to enlighten the society and pregnant mothers on the dangers of acquiring toxoplasmosis and how to avoid it is advocated. Funding Statement: This study was self funded by the authors. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval was obtained from University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) Ethical Committee. After the approval, the proposal was further presented to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G), thereafter, informed and written consents were obtained from the volunteers after due consultation.

Evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG Seropositivities in Serum Samples Sent from Pediatric and Adult Hematology/Oncology Outpatient Clinics

Toxoplasmosis, despite its mild course in immunocompetent individuals, it may have a more severe course in immunosuppressed patients such as hematology and oncology patients. This study aimed to contribute to the importance of that issue by evaluating the seropositivity rates of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in Hematology and Oncology patients and sharing the data obtained.&#x0D; Serum samples sent from pediatric and adult Hematology/Oncology outpatient clinic to the Microbiology Laboratory between January 2017 and August 2019 were analysed using Architect Toxo IgG and IgM Reagent Kit with chemiluminescent microparticular enzyme immunoassay method on Architect system.&#x0D; A total of 673 patient samples belonging to 131 pediatric patients and 542 adult patients were analysed in the study. Median age of the study group was 29 (range: 0 - 83) and 53.5% of them were male. While T. gondii IgM positivity was 8% IgG positivity was 28.7%. T. gondii IgG seropositivities in male and female patients were 27.2% and 30.4% respectively (p = 0.44). T. gondii IgM seropositivities in pediatric and adult patients were 6.9% and 8.3% respectively and IgG seropositivities were 24.4% and 29.7% (p = 0.78 and p = 0.46 respectively). T. gondii IgM positivity was found as 8% and IgG positivity as 28.7% in the study group. In conclusion, data obtained from the study were in compliance with both domestic and foreign data and the highest rate of IgM and IgG seropositivity was found in patients with lymphoma.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infections Among Urban Poor Communities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection linked to compromised hygiene and sanitation via the handling of infected cat faeces, eating undercooked contaminated meat or transplacental transmission. We conducted a study to determine seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis among the urban poor communities in Malaysia. The demographic profiles for each participant were obtained through a questionnaire survey prior to blood collection. A total of 389 participants were recruited and blood samples screened for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibody using an ELISA commercial kit, SERION ELISA classic Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM. The overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 69.6% with 56.8% seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG, 7.7% seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and 5.1% seropositive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. The presence of both antibody classes in blood samples indicated high avidity, suggesting latent infection. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations that included; age, ethnicity, location and employment status while, significant lifestyle factors included source of drinking water and eating style. A multifactorial statistical model that incorporated all the significant effects from the first-stage univariate analyses listed above revealed that age and ethnicity were the two dominant and independent effects on IgG seroprevalence. For seroprevalence of IgM, the multifactorial model revealed a significant interaction between work and accommodation. IgM seroprevalence was higher among the unemployed inhabitants of PPR (Program Perumahan Rakyat) than those living in non-PPR accommodation, and higher than among the employed irrespective of their accommodation. High seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in the community calls for increased awareness of disease transmission and improvements in hygiene and sanitation.

Diagnostic significance of C-reactive protein and hematological parameters in acute toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which can be acquired by oral contact and may cause severe health problems especially for pregnant (congenital toxoplasmosis) and immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to verify the diagnostic significance of hematological parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP) for toxoplasmosis acute detection. A case-control study was carried out between December 2017 and May 2018, in samples of convenience independent of age and sex. The case group was formed by 25 patients with positive anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM antibody and the control group was formed by 21 patients with non-positive anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM antibody. The results of the hematological parameters and CRP were analyzed in these patients. The patients with Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody reagent showed higher lymphocytes counting and lower neutrophils counting than the control group. C-reactive protein levels were not different between the groups case and control. ROC curve analysis highlighted that the cut-off value of > 32.00% for lymphocytes and < 57.50% for neutrophils were able to produce specificity higher than 90% for IgM antibody detection. The Naïve Bayes classifier was considered suitable (AUC ≈ 0.700) to separate both groups according to their white cell counting. Changes in lymphocytes and neutrophils may be useful parameters for toxoplasmosis identification and may be used as a tool in the complementary diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.Graphic abstract