Toxoplasma Gondii Infection In Women Research Articles

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in women with spontaneous abortion.

The present study aimed to use the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique in comparison with serological tests to determine the rate ofT. gondii infection in women suffering from spontaneous abortion (SA). A total of 140 women suffering from their first SA were included in this study. The collected aborted fetal remains and blood samples from each patient were examined in sterilized conditions using the LAMP technique and ELISA. Of the 140 women, 80 (57.1%) tested seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies by ELISA, 72 (51.4%) women tested seropositive for the IgG antibody, 8 (5.7%) tested seropositive for the IgM antibody. Among the eight women who'd had their first SA who tested seropositive for IgM antibody by ELISA, only five cases (62.5%) reported positively to the LAMP test. The difference in the frequency distribution of the LAMP results for measuring the Toxoplasma infection in pregnant women under study was statistically significant (P < 0.001) from the results of the serological test (ELISA). Although there was a significant difference between age and positivity in the LAMP test (P = 0.017), no significant difference was observed between positivity in the LAMP test and other variables. The findings of the present investigation suggest that LAMP is a preferred method for determining Toxoplasma infection in pregnant women suffering from SA compared with other routine serological tests. Even in a field with limited facilities and equipment, this technique can be effective and efficient in accurately and specifically diagnosing Toxoplasma infections in women at high risk of SA.

Association between vitamin D deficiency and Toxoplasma gondii infection in women of childbearing age

To explore the association between the risk of vitamin D deficiency and the infection of Toxoplasma gondii in women of childbearing age. Based on a Women&apos;s Reproductive Health Cohort Study performed from 2007 to 2010 in four counties of Henan Province, Toxoplasma gondii infection were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). A total of 1151 women with pregnancy outcomes were followed up and pre-pregnancy vitamin D level was measured with serum samples. Case-control study was used to examine the association between the risk of vitamin D deficiency and Toxoplasma infection. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 61. 5%(95% CI 59. 2%-64. 9%) and Toxoplasma infection was 9. 6%(95% CI 7. 9%-11. 4%), among which IgG positive, IgM positive and both positive were 7. 6%, 2. 3% and 0. 3%, respectively. After adjusting confounding factors, including education, family annual income, and dietary intake frequencies. , it was found that the risk of vitamin D deficiency in women infected with Toxoplasma gondii recently or previously was 1. 75 times higher than that of uninfected women(95% CI 1. 11-2. 77). There is association between the risk of vitamin D deficiency and the infection of Toxoplasma gondii in women of childbearing age.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in women with recurrent fetal loss from the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

In women with a bad obstetric history (BOH), infection is an established cause of recurrent fetal loss. A common infecting agent is the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in women with recurrent fetal loss from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The study included 360 females aged 16-40 years, of which 180 had a bad obstetric history (study group) and the other 180 had no such history (control group). Blood serum samples were tested for toxoplasma IgM antibodies by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and for toxoplasma IgG antibodies using an Immunochromatographic technique. The overall seroprevalence of toxoplasma infection in study group females was 40.6% and in control group females it was 7.2%. Specifically, IgM prevalence was 12.8% in the study group and 1.1% in the control group. IgG prevalence was 23.9% in the study group and 6.1% in the control group. IgM and IgG combined prevalence was 3.9% in the study group cases. There is a statistically significant association between BOH and seropositivity for T. gondii (p < 0.0001, Chi square test). Various risk factors associated with T. gondii seroprevalence in study and control groups were analyzed. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was significantly higher in women with a bad obstetric history compared to those with no such history. Associated risk factors had no significant effects on the results.

Seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in women from Tripoli, Libya

Aims: To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in women from Aljalla Maternity and Gynaecology Hospital (AMGH) and to evaluate the association between the infection and potential risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Aljalla Maternity and Gynaecology Hospital (AMGH) in Tripoli during the year 2012. Data on potential risk factors were collected by a structured questionnaire and results of the test. The output data of the questionnaire were used to assess potential risk factors for a positive outcome. All sera (n= 500) was screened against ToxoG, by using the Vidas machine automated enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay (ELFA). Association between the outcome variables and its potential risk factors were screened in a multivariate analysis. A p-value

Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in women with adverse pregnancy outcomes in Longhua region, Hebei Province

To understand the status of Toxoplasma gondii infection in women with adverse pregnancy outcomes in Longhua region, Hebei Province. A total of 393 women with adverse pregnancy outcomes were chosen as respondents in the Longhua County Maternal and Child Health Care Center between January 2013 and June 2016 and were divided into an acute infection group, a previous infection group, and an active infection group according to the test results. Totally 256 women without adverse pregnancy outcomes were selected as a control group. IgM and IgG antibodies to T. gondii were detected by using ELISA in each group. The risk factors of T. gondii infection were surveyed by questionnaires. The T. gondii infection rate of the women with adverse pregnancy outcomes was 27.23% (107/393), which was significantly higher than 8.20% (21/ 256) in the control group (χ2 = 35.46, P＜0.01). The rates of acute infection, previous infection, active infection in the women with adverse pregnancy outcomes were 6.87% (27/393), 18.58% (73/393), and 2.54% (10/393) respectively, which was significantly higher than those［1.17% (3/256), 7.03% (18/256), 0 (0/256) ］in the control group (χ2 = 11.43, 17.15, 7.90 respectively, P＜0.01). The ratios of the career in contact with raw meat, feeding pets (dog and cat), tasting raw meat, chopping board regardless of uncooked or cooked food, frequently eating rinsing boiler or barbecue, frequently eating outside of the women with T. gondii infection were significantly higher than those of the women without T. gondii infection (χ2 ＝12.08, 29.23, 8.55, 13.41, 7.28, 6.06 respectively, P < 0.01 or 0.05). T. gondii infection could lead to serious adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, to avoid contacting with pets, not eating undercooked food, and strengthening personal health protection are the important keys to avoid T. gondii infection.

Serological tests and polymerase chain reaction for detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in women attending for premarital examination

Background and objective: Human infection with toxoplasmosis is common and is usually asymptomatic, and congenital form is one of the most important clinical aspects of this disease. This study aimed to determine anti-toxoplasma antibodies, and Toxoplasma DNA in premarital women referred to Mammon Dabax health centers and to design prevention policies after marriage and during their pregnancy. Methods: One hundred fifty premarital women who were examined for pre-marriage laboratory testing were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Blood samples were tested for specific anti-toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) and detection of B1 gene of T. gondii by PCR. Results: Of 150 sera examined of premarital female 35 (23.3%) were seropositive for anti-toxoplasma antibodies by latex agglutination test. Using ELISA test, 8 (5.3%) of the sera examined were seropositive for anti-toxoplasma IgM; meanwhile, 23 (15.3%) sera were positive for anti-toxoplasma IgG. The ELISA test finding for anti-toxoplasma IgM and IgG of the total sera examined were subsequently subjected to PCR. Thus, PCR analysis for detecting T. gondii DNA in the blood of premarital female was positive in 15 (10%) of the total DNA samples. Of these 15 positive PCR when correlated with positive ELISA finding 7 (46.6%) and 4 (26.6%) blood samples were positive for anti-toxoplasma IgM and anti-toxoplasma IgG, respectively. Conclusion: PCR assay has an advantage in the detection of recent and active infections as reflection or marker for T.gondii parasitemia. ELISA can be used as a highly sensitive screening test while IgM anti-toxoplasma antibody positive is not enough to confirm recent infection as the false negative is high.

Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in women of reproductive age in northern Kosovska Mitrovica

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the causative agents from the groups of TORCH infections, which are commonly associated with congenital anomalies. Objective: Defining risk factors for infection by Toxoplasma gondii of women in reproductive ages in the territory of Kosovska Mitrovica, as well as determination of seroprevalence of infection by Toxoplasma gondii in prenatal screening of pregnant women and women of childbearing age. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study that included 49, pregnant women and women of childbearing age has been conducted. The pregnant women have been monitored on regularly base, or some women have been treated in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Health Center in Kosovska Mitrovica. Ages, place of residence, education, gynecological history and exposure to the potential risk factors associated with Toxoplasma have been collected by questionnaires. Sera have been tested on the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondi by ELISA standard manufacturer's protocol (Euroimmun, Luebeck, Germany). Results: Our study shows that 32 (65.3%) women were seronegative, while 17 women (34.7%) were seropositive. Significant seropositivity has been recorded for the women who were in contact with the ground (42.9%), compared to the women who did not have this contact (23.8%). Uses of undercooked meat in the diet did not show any effect to the seropositive status of the respondents, i.e. greater percentage of analyzed patients (75.5%) used inadequately cooked meat. Even 93.3% of respondents deny contact with a cat. It is observed that seropositivity increased with the age. Conclusion: Seroprevalence to Toxoplasma gondii infection of women of childbearing in the territory of northern Kosovska Mitrovica is not high, which implied that there is a higher possibility for acquiring primary toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy especially for women who come in contact with the ground.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondiiinfection in women of child-bearing age in central Ethiopia

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii infections during pregnancy can result in abortion or congenital defects. Prevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in women of child-bearing age in Ethiopia are unknown. The current study was conducted with the objectives of estimating the seroprevalence and potential risk factors in acquiring T. gondii infection by women of child-bearing age in Central Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2011 to September 2011. Sera of 425 women were analyzed by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A questionnaire survey was administered for all study participants to gather information on risk factors.ResultsThe study revealed that anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 81.4% of the samples of which 78.4% were positive for only IgG and 3.06% positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. Seroprevalence of IgM antibodies to T. gondii (4.0%, 95% CI: 2.14, 5.86) was suggestive of recent infections. Of the 213 pregnant women 9 (4.2 %) were IgM reactive. Out of 17 potential risk factors investigated, univariate logistic regression showed significant association of T. gondii infection with study area, age, pregnancy status, raw vegetable consumption, source of water, presence of cats at home, contact with cats, HIV status and precaution during cats’ feces cleaning (P ≤ 0.05). The final logistic regression model revealed that: the probability of acquiring T. gondii infection by women of Debre-Zeit was 4.46 times (95% CI of adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.67, 11.89; P =0.003) higher compared to women of Ambo, pregnant women were twice (95% CI aOR: 1.13, 3.59; P = 0.018) more likely to be seropositive than non-pregnant women and women who consume raw vegetable were at increased risk of infection (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.03, 4.78; P = 0.043) than women who didn’t consume.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in women of child-bearing age in Central Ethiopia is high. Study area, pregnancy and raw vegetable consumption are risk factors to acquire T. gondii infection. Educational program, antenatal screening of pregnant women and further epidemiological studies to uncover the economic and health impact of toxoplasmosis are suggested.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Women with First Trimester Spontaneous Miscarriage in Qena Governorate, Egypt

To determine seroprevalence and risks factors for T. gondii in women with early miscarriage, Sera of 76 women were analyzed infection by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Seropositive cases were further examined histopathologically for evidence of Toxoplasma gondii organisms. Demographic data were obtained from participants to gather information on risk factors. Of 76 women with spontaneous abortion screened for Toxoplasma-specific IgG and IgM antibodies with ELISA, 35 were IgG seropositive, of which, 14 samples were IgM seropositive. Therefore, seropositivity rates of 46.1% (95% CI: 35.1%, 57.3%), and 18.4% (95% CI: 10.89%, 28.32%) for IgG and IgM, respectively were found. These indicate that, 27.6 % (21 cases) of studied women (IgG+/IgM-) were immune to toxoplasmosis and 53.94 %(41 cases) were susceptible to primary infection (IgG-/IgM-). Mean while acute toxoplasmosis (IgG+/IgM+) was 18.4 %( 14 cases) with one case (1.3%) confirmed for recent infection as she had Tachyzoites on histopathology study. On the basis of multivariate logistic regression, living in a rural area was found to be the only independent predictor of toxoplasmosis (OR=3.800, CI= 1.100-10.813, p=0.034). The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in women with first trimester abortion in Qena governorate of Egypt is high. Pregnant women living in rural area are at a higher risk for acquiring infection during pregnancy. Antenatal screening of pregnant women and educational program about risks for Toxoplasmosis in rural areas is needed.

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection among Pregnant Women in Guangdong Province, Subtropical Southern China

Little is known about the prevalence of infection by T. gondii in pregnant women in subtropical Southern China. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors were investigated in Guangdong province between April 2009 and August 2011. 5006 pregnant women participated in this study. Participants answered survey questions and blood samples were collected from these pregnant women. IgM and IgG antibodies were detected with Enzyme-Linked Immunoadsorbent Assay (ELISA). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) between anti-IgM, IgG antibodies and relative risk factors were calculated using an association analysis based on unconditional logistic regression. Totally, 0.46% and 7.01% of the pregnant women were found to be positive for T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies, respectively. Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in women were: contact with cats [odds ratio (OR) 4.99], consumption of raw or under-cooked wild and domestic animals (rats, rabbits and cats) or pork products (OR 4.08) and two administrative regions of Shaoguan and Zhanjiang with habits of eating non-cooked meat (OR 3.93 and 2.58). No significant relations were observed between anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies and unwashed raw vegetables or fruits, educational level and different age group. This is the first report of seroprevalence and risk factors for T. gondii infection among pregnant women in subtropical southern China. This study provides a basis for the design of successful preventive measures against T.gondii infection in pregnant women.

Toxoplasma gondii infection in women of childbearing age of Isfahan, Iran: A population-based study

Background:We conducted an epidemiological survey on seroprevalence of toxoplasma infection in women of childbearing age in Isfahan Province.Materials and Methods:In a cross-sectional study in 2010, 217 women in the age range of 10–50 years were randomly selected. The blood samples examined for the presence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody by a commercial ELISA kit (Dia-Pro, Milan, Italy). Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were employed to examine the antibody status in different age, marriage, education, and residence groups.Results:The overall prevalence was 47.5% (103/217). The peak age of infection acquisition was in the range 30–40 years in rural areas and 20–30 years in urban districts. There was no significant association between residence, education, and marriage groups on the one hand and chance of T. gondii infection on the other hand.Conclusions:The findings of the study suggest a moderate prevalence of T. gondii infection, but a high prevalence in ages of high reproductive activities.

Prevalence and incidence in Albacete, Spain, of toxoplasma gondii infection in women of childbearing age.Differences between immigrant and non-immigrant (2001-2007)

Strategies to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis must be adapted to the local epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection. The objective of this study was to know the prevalence and the incidence of T. gondii infection in women of childbearing age in Albacete. The source of information was the database of the Microbiology Laboratory of the Albacete General Hospital. To know the prevalence we reviewed the results of T. gondii IgG determinations from pregnant women living in the Albacete area who gave birth in 2006. To estimate the incidence we performed a longitudinal retrospective study of seronegative women with repeated T. gondii IgG determinations over at least one year. Prevalence study: We studied 2,623 pregnant women, of whom 21% were seropositive. Seroprevalence in Spain-born women was 16% (95% CI = 14%-17%) and it increased with age from 9% in women under 25 to 22% in women over 34 years old. Fifty-one per cent (95% CI=46%-56%) of the immigrant women were seropositive. Incidence study: We studied 2,416 women. The median time at risk was 35 months. There were 5 confirmed and 3 possible seroconversions. The incidence was 0.7-1.1 seroconversions per 1,000 women-year. Prevalence of T. gondii infection among Spain-born women is the lowest one of those published so far. The incidence of infection among women of childbearing age was low.

Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in women of childbearing age.

Determine the risk factors involved in toxoplasmosis transmission and determine whether pregnancy is a risk factor for toxoplasmosis infection. Cross-sectional study carried out on 2,242 women at childbearing age. An indirect immunofluorescence reaction was used to identify immunity to Toxoplasma gondii. Previous gestations were also analyzed as a possible risk factor. The results were analyzed by chi2 and OR tests, and by variance analysis. The sample was statistically balanced according to social-economic risk factors. Previously pregnant women were 1.74 times more frequently infected with toxoplasmosis, regardless of environmental conditions. Pregnant women living under unfavorable environmental conditions had an approximately two times increased risk of being infected for each risk factor (contact with host animals, presence of vehicles of oocyst transmission). Previous pregnancy was the risk factor that had the strongest influence on acquiring toxoplasmosis (variance analysis and statistical balancing). The prevalence of this zoonosis is high in Goiânia-GO, Brazil (65.8%). Inadequate environmental sanitation was not significantly correlated with toxoplasmosis infection, except when associated with previous pregnancy, showing that the fundamental cause for infection is not environmental. The finding that pregnancy makes women more vulnerable to this protozoan, makes it important to implement prophylactic control of at-risk pregnant women.