Toxoplasma IgG Research Articles

Recurrent Toxoplasma Retinitis Treated with Long-Term Oral Antibiotics

Purpose: The purpose of this case was to report the inhibition of toxoplasma retinitis reactivation with long-term, low-dose antibiotics.Case summary: A 76-year-old woman complained of poor vision and floaters in her right eye. The corrected visual acuity (LogMAR) of the right eye was 0.5, and there was an area of yellow infiltration and dye leakage on the retinal fluorescein angiography images. Toxoplasma IgG were detected in the serum, the patient was diagnosed with toxoplasma retinitis, and the patient was advised oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, and steroids. Her visual acuity improved and the inflammation resolved. However, she again had decreased visual activity and retinal inflammation in her right eye after 5 months. The inflammation improved with oral steroids, but she was shifted to intravitreal dexamethasone because of the side effects of systemic steroids. Although the inflammation improved initially, there was worsening of inflammation (evidenced by vitreous opacity) after 2 months, which was treated with oral antibiotics. After vitrectomy for the removal of residual vitreous opacity, antibiotics were stopped because of the stable disease course. After discontinuation of the antibiotics, inflammation was noted again, and low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was administered. Low-dose antibiotics were continued for 5 months and the disease remained stable without any retinal inflammation.Conclusions: Long-term, low-dose oral antibiotics may prevent reactivation of recurrent toxoplasma retinitis.

Evaluating the performance of LAMP diagnostic test in the detection of toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis patients

PurposeToxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii; despite being asymptomatic in the majority of healthy individuals, it can cause significant complications and mortalities in patients with immune deficiency. MethodsA case-control study was performed on 320 subjects, 160 with hemodialysis and 160 healthy control subjects in Zahedan, southeast of Iran. In both groups, diabetes was evaluated using diagnostic tests such as FBS and A1C, and subjects that suffer from diabetes excluded from this study. Two blood samples were collected from each participant for conducting the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and molecular diagnostic tests. Molecular diagnostic tests including Nested-PCR, Real-Time PCR, and LAMP were performed on RE gene. ResultsAmong 160 blood samples in patients group, T. gondii antibody was confirmed in 75 (46.8%) samples by ELISA test. Also, 51 (31.87%) and 54 (33.75%) of samples having an infection confirmed by Nested-PCR and LAMP methods, respectively. Also, among 160 healthy samples, 39 (24.3%) were serologically positive for T. gondii. However, only 7 (4.3%) samples were reported to be positive by LAMP method in the control group, 4 of whom were Toxoplasma IgG antibodies positive by the same test. ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that molecular tests (LAMP and Nested-PCR) on the RE gene sequence have more efficient than serologic methods for detecting active and reactive types of toxoplasmosis in hemodialysis patients.

Incidence and Outcomes of Toxoplasma Reactivation in Patients with Hematologic Diseases after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Incidence and Outcomes of Toxoplasma Reactivation in Patients with Hematologic Diseases after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Evaluation the Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii between Local Cows, and its Effect to Renal and Liver Function in Salah Adeen

The study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiological of toxoplasma gondii in local cows in Salah Adeen, and its effect to renal and liver function. One hundred twenty six sample of serum were collected from cows n different cows farm in Salah Adeen, include Samarra (60 sample), Al-Mutasim (28 sample), Baled (23 sample) and Aldejil (15 sample), from the period between July 2019 until February 2020. The study include detection of serum anti T. gondii IgG antibody by using ELISA Toxoplasma IgG kit, and also determination of serum liver enzymes activity which include (Transaminases enzymes: aspartate transaminase-AST and alanine transaminase-ALT) and also the concentration of serum total protein-TP, albumin, globulin, urea and creatinine. The results indicate that the total percentage for the prevalence of T.gondii between cows in Saleh Eldean was 51.58%, distributed according to the region (68.33% in Samarra, 50% in Al-Mutasim, 26.08% in Baled and 26.66 in Aldejil). While the total percentage for infection with the parasite according to the gender of animals were 58.33% (28 from 48) in male animal and 47.43% (37from 78) in female animal. The results also showed that the level of TP, Albumin, globulin were significantly higher P≤0.05 in sera of infected animals, and also the activity of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were significantly higher P≤0.05 in sera of infected animals with T.gondii with no significant difference in the level of urea and creatinine in sera of infected group as compared with non-infected group as control group. From all the above results we can conclude that the prevalence of T. gondii was high among animal under investigation, and this infection may be effect to the physiological function especially liver function.

A novel enhanced dot blot immunoassay using colorimetric biosensor for detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection

This study reports development of a novel point of care assay, namely an enhanced immuno-dot blot assay, for discrimination of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. This method has been designed based on formation of a sandwich complex between a gold nanoprobe (chitosan gold nanoparticle-anti-human IgG or anti-IgM) and anti- Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA) which holds anti-TLA antibodies, either IgG or IgM. Briefly, anti-human IgG or anti-IgM antibody was conjugated to chitosan gold nanoparticles via glutaraldehyde chemistry. Then, lysate antigen was immobilized on the surface of nitrocellulose membrane, which followed by addition of the sera sample and gold nanoprobes. The positive signals were readily detectable via observation with naked eye. This positive color change was further intensified via gold enhancement chemistry. The intensity of biosensor signal was proportional to the concentration of active antibodies on the surface of nanoparticles, titer of T. gondii antibodies in the sera samples and concentration of Toxoplasma lysate antigen coated on the nitrocellulose membrane. A minimum concentration to use the antibodies for conjugation, to detect titer of Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies, and the concentration of TLA coated in nitrocellulose membrane were 0.5 mg/mL, 2 IU/mL, 10 IU/mL, and 20 μg/mL, respectively. This enhanced immuno-dot blot assay offers a simple diagnostic technique without expensive equipment requirement for distinguishing of anti- T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in field conditions, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients.

P-OT005. A rare cause of multiple cystic brain lesions: Brain metastasis mimicking neurocysticercosis (NCC)

Introduction . Lung malignancy is one of the leading cause of brain metastasis. Results . A case of multiple cystic metastasis brain lesions which mimicked NCC was reported. A 71 years old lady with no previous medical illness, presented with progressively worsening memory and deterioration in self-care for the past 3 weeks. She became drowsy and unable to ambulate 1 week ago. She was a non-smoker and had history of travelling to India 1 month ago. Clinically, GCS of E2M4V2, pupils symmetrically 2 mm, sluggish reactive. Neurological examination showed bilateral upper limbs and lower limbs hypertonia with brisk reflexes, plantar reflexes up-going. Lumbar puncture was performed with opening pressure of 6 cmH2O, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) showed protein of 0.23 g/L, glucose ratio 0.6, cell count zero, absent of malignant cells and Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Serum toxoplasma IgG was negative. There was a single solitary nodule size 1 cm x 2 cm at right upper zone found in chest radiograph. She was empirically treated for NCC with oral Albendazole 400 mg bd for 2 weeks due to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of extensive cystic lesions scattered at both hemispheres, cerebellum and within brain stem. However her condition did not improve. We proceeded with computerized tomography (CT) thorax, abdomen, pelvis which showed spiculated mass size 2.0 x 2.1 x 2.2 cm at superior segment of right middle lobe with multiple hypodense lesions of varying sizes at segment VII and VIII of liver. Cysticercosis serology was negative. Family was counselled for CT guided lung biopsy but refused. Her condition remained the same and discharged home with follow-up for palliative care. Conclusion . The findings of multiple cystic brain lesions is commonly seen in NCC in an endemic country. However, in patient with no clinical improvement after treatment and negative NCC serology warrant further investigations for other rarer causes such as brain metastasis.

Toxoplasmosis Is More Frequent in Schizophrenia Patients Than in the General Population in Mexico and Is Not Associated with More Severe Course of Schizophrenia Measured with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease, which was discovered in 1908, caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii infects neuronal, glial, and muscle cells, and chronic infections are characterized by the presence of cysts, in the brain and muscle cells, formed by bradyzoites. T. gondii is capable of synthesizing L-DOPA, a precursor of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is key in the etiology of neuropsychological disorders such as schizophrenia. Previous studies have shown high levels of IgG Toxoplasma antibodies in schizophrenia patients. Many published studies show that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis is higher in schizophrenia patients. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in patients with schizophrenia and the relationships between, sociodemographic factors and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. A total of 27 schizophrenic patients were included and IgG anti-T. gondii was determined in serum samples by ELISA. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, sociodemographic factors were associated with seropositivity. We found that the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was 51.7%. In the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, statistical significant association (p = 0.024) was found in Item 13 which is related to motor retardation, however, the association turned non-significant after of correction for multiple tests or after of analyzed with a logistic regression p = 0.059, odds ratio (OR) = 2.316 with a 95% confidence interval [0.970 to 5.532]. Other association was not found between toxoplasmosis and others factors. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis on our population under study was significantly higher than that reported by general population or other group of Mexican schizophrenia patients.

Pengaruh Infeksi Laten Toksoplasmosis Terhadap Lama Rawatan Skizofrenia Episode Pertama

Toxoplasma metabolism effect can rise the dopamine production which aggravate the simptoms of schizophrenia. Some of the research reports that patients which diagnosed with schizophrenia with positive IgG Toxoplasma need longer duration of treatment and may relapse. This study was conducted by cross sectional method on 51 patients with first episode schizophrenia, including acute and temporary psychotic disorder, in Tampan Mental Hospital – Pekanbaru. IgG anti-toxoplasma were detected on the patients at the first treatment in 2019, and then the length period of treatment and the recurrence frequency were monitored in the first year of the course of the disease. From the chi square test result, we can conclude that there’s no effect of IgG Toxoplasma on the duration of treatment on the first episode schizophrenia patients as well as the recurrence frequency which monitored in the first year course of the disease (p>0.05). There’s no effect of IgG Toxoplasma on the duration of treatment on the first episode schizophrenia patients as well as the recurrence frequency.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant mother in Makassar, Indonesia.

The protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect one-third of the world's population. Infection in pregnant women can cause severe conditions for their babies. Until now, there is no data regarding Toxoplasma infection from Makassar pregnant mothers. This study aims to obtain information on Toxoplasma specific antibodies and to measure the risk factor associate with parasite infection. This cross-sectional study conducted in 9 of 47 primary health centres (Puskesmas) in Makassar. Blood samples and questionnaires were collected from 184 pregnant women aged 15-42 years old from September to October 2020. ELISA technique was used to examine the IgG and IgM antibodies. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to measure factors that independently associate with Toxoplasma antibody positivity. Our result showed the range of Toxoplasma IgM and IgG are 0.06-1.01 and 0.09-3.01, respectively. While no one of our participants has an acute Toxoplasma gondii infection (IgM positive), we found 32,6% pregnant mothers are exposed to parasite (positive IgG). Contact with cats [OR(95%CI): 10.45(3.77-28.99)], consume chicken satay [OR(95%CI): 9.72(3.71-25.48)] and consume un-boiled water/ filtered water [OR(95%CI): 5.98(1.77-20.23)] are independently associate with positive Toxoplasma IgG antibody. Based on the result, we conclude that pregnant women in Makassar are exposed to T. gondii and the oocyst and tissue cyst of parasite contaminates food and water in Makassar.

Serodiagnosis of toxoplasma gondii, associated risk factors in domesticated cats: preventing zoonosis in humans and implications for livestock extension

Toxoplasmosis, an important zoonotic parasitic disease-causing infection in humans and contaminating the environment. Cats are the sole source of spreading infection. Current study was designed to serodiagnoses in the flooded area, Jhang, Pakistan. Using rapid identification pen side strip test 316 pet cats were examined at CVAS, Jhang and other private clinics in that area. Rapid ID Chromatographic immune assay was performed to detect the antibodies for Feline toxoplasma IgM and IgG in serum. Related associated risk factors like breed, sex, contact with other livestock animals, deworming, location type (urban or rural area), diet (nature of food either cooked or uncooked meat), and outdoor access for wandering were also interviewed by owner. Total seroprevalence of cats was 10.4% (33/316). IgG antibodies were found 9.09 (29/316) while IgM antibodies were 2.21% (7/316) in cats. Seroprevalence was significantly high in cats older than one year. No significant difference was recorded between males and females. Cats from peri urban areas showed higher prevalence. Cats having access to outside, contact with other animals and eating uncooked food showed high seroprevalence. The current study confirms that Toxoplasma gondii is widespread in pet animals in district Jhang, Pakistan. This study urges pets lower to be aware about the Toxoplasmosis diseases. Whereas, the livestock extension sector should disseminate the precautionary awareness among the public

EVALUATION OF Toxoplasma gondii SEROPREVALENCE AND IGG AVIDITY TEST RESULTS AMONG CHILDBEARING-AGE WOMEN IN KARABUK PROVINCE

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infectious disease that is common worldwide and caused by the Toxoplasma gondii. Congenital toxoplasmosis is one of the major complications of this infection. The present study aimed to investigate T.gondii seroprevalence and evaluate the IgG avidity test results among childbearing- age women retrospectively. A total of 9401 samples obtained from childbearing -age (15-49 years of age) women who attended Karabuk University Training and Research Hospital between February 2016- January 2020, over the four-year, were included in the study.The Toxoplasma-IgM, Toxoplasma-IgG antibody, and Toxoplasma IgG avidity tests were analyzed chemiluminescent method by using ARCHITECT I 2000 SR immunoassay device (Abbott Laboratories, USA). Toxoplasma-IgM and Toxoplasma-IgG seropositivity were detected as 0.7% (67/9401) and 15.7% (1415/9005) respectively. A high percentage of Toxoplasma-IgM and Toxoplasma-IgG seropositivity were detected among 31-35 years of age group. The Toxoplasma seropositivity increased by age, but no statistically difference was found (P >0.05).The Toxoplasma IgG avidity was high in 45 patients (69.4%), low avidity was detected in 16 patients (22.6%) and from the remaining 6 patients were borderline (8%). The Toxoplasma IgM and IgG seropositivity rate decreased 2016 to 2020. The highest Toxoplasma IgM and IgG seropositivity were in 2016 with 1.2% and 16.8%, respectively. The T. gondi seropositivity rate was decreased from 2016 to 2020; it is probably a result of increasing awareness of the disease among patients. We think our results will contribute to the epidemiological data in our province and country and raise awareness.

Role of interferon gamma in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients with parasitic infections

BackgroundBy 27 June 2020, almost half a million people had died due to COVID-19 infections. The susceptibility and severity of infection vary significantly across nations. The contribution of chronic viral and parasitic infections to immune homeostasis remains a concern. By investigating the role of interferon (IFN)-γ, we conducted this study to understand the connection between the decrease in numbers and severity of COVID-19 cases within parasitic endemic regions. Our research included 375 patients referred to hospitals for diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Patients were subjected to full investigations, in particular severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 nucleic acid and Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibody detection, stool examination, and quantitative IFN-γ measurement.ResultsThe majority of the studied cases had chest manifestation either alone (54.7%) or in association with gastrointestinal (GIT) manifestations (19.7%), whereas 25.6% had GIT symptoms. We reported parasitic infections in 72.8% of mild COVID-19 cases and 20.7% of severe cases. Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, Blastocyst, and Giardia were the most common parasitic infections among the COVID-19 cases studied.ConclusionThe remarkable adaptation of human immune response to COVID-19 infection by parasitic infections with high levels of IFN-γ was observed in moderate cases compared with low levels in extreme cases. The potential therapeutic efforts aimed at the role of parasitic infection in immune system modulation are needed if this hypothesis is confirmed.

Serodiagnosis of toxoplasma gondii, associated risk factors in domesticated cats: preventing zoonosis in humans and implications for livestock extension

Toxoplasmosis, an important zoonotic parasitic disease-causing infection in humans and contaminating the environment. Cats are the sole source of spreading infection. Current study was designed to serodiagnoses in the flooded area, Jhang, Pakistan. Using rapid identification pen side strip test 316 pet cats were examined at CVAS, Jhang and other private clinics in that area. Rapid ID Chromatographic immune assay was performed to detect the antibodies for Feline toxoplasma IgM and IgG in serum. Related associated risk factors like breed, sex, contact with other livestock animals, deworming, location type (urban or rural area), diet (nature of food either cooked or uncooked meat), and outdoor access for wandering were also interviewed by owner. Total seroprevalence of cats was 10.4% (33/316). IgG antibodies were found 9.09 (29/316) while IgM antibodies were 2.21% (7/316) in cats. Seroprevalence was significantly high in cats older than one year. No significant difference was recorded between males and females. Cats from peri urban areas showed higher prevalence. Cats having access to outside, contact with other animals and eating uncooked food showed high seroprevalence. The current study confirms that Toxoplasma gondii is widespread in pet animals in district Jhang, Pakistan. This study urges pets lower to be aware about the Toxoplasmosis diseases. Whereas, the livestock extension sector should disseminate the precautionary awareness among the public

Seroprevalence Toxoplasma Infection among HIV/AIDS Patients in Kathmandu, Nepal

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii affecting about one third of the world’s population. It can be asymptomatic to fatal toxoplasmic encephalitis depending on the immune status of infected individuals. Among HIV/AIDS patients, it usually manifest as life-threatening condition. We, therefore, studied the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Nepal and this report constitutes the first report from Nepal. A total of 45 HIV/AIDS patients were included in this study. The serum samples collected and stored at -20°C were tested for Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies at National Public Health Laboratory, Teku, Kathmandu using Snibe Maglumi 1000 Fully Automated Immunoassay Analyzer and the results were expressed in AU/ml. The blood put into the EDTA tube was used for CD4 count using BD FACS Calibur Flow Cytometer. In this study, 33.3% (15/45) HIV infected patients were seropositive for anti-T. gondii IgG. However, none of them were positive to anti- T. gondii IgM. Most of the patients (36 out of 45 patients) had <200/mm3 CD4 cell count. However, out of them 36.1% (13/36) were seropositive to anti-T. gondii IgG whereas 22.2% (2/9) patients with ≥200 CD4 cell counts had Toxoplasma antibodies (p >0.05).

Assessment of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in blood donors applied to the blood center of Gazi university hospital.

Background and Objectives:Toxoplasmosis is a life-threatening zoonotic infection in immunosuppressive individuals. Determining the prevalence and seropositivity rates of toxoplasmosis in asymptomatic blood donors is crucial in terms of the risk status of the transmission of this infection to the blood recipients.Materials and Methods:In this study, the presence and level of the specific Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in blood donors was investigated by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). The statistical significance levels between Toxoplasma seropositivity and demographic characteristics of the donors such as age, educational status, raw meat consumption, drinking water supply were examined.Results:Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity was found among the 225 (25.6%) of the donors present in the study group, while IgM seropositivity was detected in 20 donors (2.3%). The number of donors with only IgM (+) was 8 (0.9%). Both IgG and IgM seropositivities were found in 12 donors (1.4%).Conclusion:Our study provides information about Toxoplasma seropositivity based on the samples collected from the donors who were admitted to the blood center of a university hospital in Ankara, Turkey. This study demonstrates that Toxoplasma seropositivity is high in the rural areas and the regions where the education level is low.

#100: Disseminated Toxoplasmosis Presenting as Persistent Fevers in a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient

Abstract Background Toxoplasma reactivation is a known concern in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients with high mortality of approximately 40% and up to 100% if left untreated. The risk is highest when patients are most immunocompromised and presentation can vary from isolated fever to disseminated disease with CNS toxoplasmosis, pneumonitis, and myocarditis. Case The patient is a 10-year-old male with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) CNS1 status post-chemotherapy, secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML), now status post 10/10 matched unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). He initially developed fever and neutropenia during conditioning chemotherapy with resolved fever prior to stem cell transplant. His transplant course was complicated by grade IV mucositis on day +4 with improvement on day +11. On day +19 he developed new fevers (Tmax 40.5oC) with a negative initial workup. He continued to have persistent fevers on broad-spectrum empiric therapy with meropenem and liposomal amphotericin B and also complained of daily headaches and abdominal pain, with worsening diffuse body pain. On day +26 the Pediatric Infectious Diseases team was consulted as a CT Chest demonstrated small scattered ground glass nodules in the right lung with minimal bibasilar atelectasis and small pleural effusions. Upon chart review, he was noted to be Toxoplasma IgG positive prior to transplant. Further infectious diseases studies were sent to evaluate for fungal etiologies, including a Toxoplasma PCR blood, and given persistent fever, he was empirically started on trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) by the primary team. Shortly after the initiation of TMP-SMX he became afebrile and testing confirmed Toxoplasma reactivation with positive PCR studies from the blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and bone marrow. He was treated with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and folinic acid and developed sulfa crystalluria, requiring alteration of his therapy. He received multiple treatment regimens and continued on maintenance therapy without further complications. Conclusion This case highlights the importance of serial surveillance or empiric prophylaxis for Toxoplasma reactivation in HSCT recipients known to have prior infection. There is high associated mortality and patients may present with isolated fever or severe disseminated disease with multi-organ involvement. Toxoplasma disease requires the presence of organ involvement as demonstrated in our patient and treatment is typically 6 weeks at higher doses followed by maintenance therapy. The definite treatment course varies by clinical response and multiple options are available if toxicities occur.

A pilot study on screening for gestational/congenital toxoplasmosis of pregnant women at delivery in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

BackgroundGlobally, congenital toxoplasmosis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and outbreaks of T. gondii infection represent a major public health threat, especially in developing countries. Evidence in the literature indicates that only a few studies have been conducted on the incidence of maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis in Saudi Arabia. This prospective study aims to measure the overall incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis, both patent and ‘silent’ infection, among pregnant women in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The study would attempt to relate the cord blood results with the time of seroconversion in the mother, underlining the importance of early intervention in such cases. MethodsFive hundred paired maternal/cord blood samples were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgG or IgM antibodies. Samples were collected during delivery from mother and newborn (cord blood) from November 2011 to May 2012. Only positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG or/and IgM cord blood was processed for real-time PCR for confirmation. The age of mothers ranged from 16 to 45 years. ResultsThe sample subjects were tested during child delivery for specific IgG and IgM antibodies against Toxoplasmosis, of which 21.0% (n = 105) mother/baby pairs were found serologically positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. The rate of maternal seropositivity for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies was found among 4 participants (0.8%), who were also seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. None of the children tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies, even those born to mothers with IgM positive. All 105 cord blood tests in the study sample were confirmed negative by real-time PCR. The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies increased with maternal age, parity, and was significantly higher in women who gave birth to children with congenital anomalies (p = 0.008). ConclusionThe findings of the current study indicate a dire need to develop and implement preventive programs against Toxoplasma gondii infection, as well as a health education program on how to avoid toxoplasmosis for all seronegative women during pregnancy.

Toxoplasmosis and Cerebral Toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS Patients in Kariadi Hospital, Semarang

Background: Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii which affects the central nervous system resulting to a fatal situation in HIV patients especially at the advanced stage. Cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT) is the clinical presentation of toxoplasmosis in individuals with HIV/AIDS. The study was carried to describe the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and cerebral toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS patients attending the hospital setting used in the study.Methods: Patients medical records were checked and analyzed for demographic characteristics as well as to determine the results of toxoplasma IgG tests for HIV/AIDS patients as well as those who had cerebral toxoplasmosis. The study was a descriptive study.Results: Out of the 158 HIV/AIDS patients tested, 129 (81.6%) were positive for T. gondii. A 62.0% prevalence rate was recorded for the male subjects while 19.6% prevalence rate was recorded for the female subjects although there was no significant difference (X2=0.58, P > 0.05). 69.3% of the total population studied had cerebral toxoplasmosis with a prevalence rate of 74.3% and 25.3%) in male and female respectively. A higher prevalence was recorded from the age group >30years without significant difference (X2=0.74, P > 0.05).Conclusion: More research is required to know the exact prevalence of the parasite in this group of individuals since not all the patients were tested.

Correlation of Suicidal Thoughts and Toxoplasmosis in Patients With Depression.

ObjectiveWe investigated the correlation between serum anti-Toxplasma gondii IgG and suicidal thoughts in depressive patients.MethodsDepressive patients with (n = 100) and without (n = 100) suicidal thoughts along with 100 healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. In all three groups, a semi-structured clinical interview form called Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) Axis-I Disorder (SCID-I), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), suicidal behavior scale, and a sociodemographic data form were completed. Sera from all participants were taken, and anti-toxoplasma IgG was measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)-Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay. Statistical analysis of the data was performed.ResultsThe serum anti-toxoplasma IgG levels of patients with suicidal thoughts were significantly higher than those without suicidal thoughts and the controls, which were 80.04 ± 40.66, 78 ± 14.82, and 19.98 ± 14.65, respectively, p < 0.001. There was no correlation between toxoplasma IgG and HAMD score in patients lacking suicidal thoughts (r = -0.112, p = 0.463).ConclusionThis study shows a correlation between seropositivity for anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and depression with suicidal thoughts.

COVID‐19 associated Kikuchi‐Fujimoto disease

We discuss the case of a 17-year-old male who presented with painful lymphadenopathy, fevers, weight loss, anorexia and a history of preceding anosmia. Histological features on lymph node biopsy were in-keeping with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD). We later confirmed SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection on antibody testing. This case describes an atypical presentation of COVID-19 in a young patient and highlights an association between the virus and this rare disease.