First report of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors in the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) population in south East Algeria

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii among horses and its associated risk factors in Alagoas, Brazil. In total, 440 samples from 36 properties in 23 districts of the state of Alagoas were studied, covering the Leste, Agreste and Sertão mesoregions. Risk factors were evaluated through the application of an investigative questionnaire that focused on the productive, reproductive and sanitary management of herds. T. gondii infection were assayed using the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with a cutoff point of 64; 14.4% (95% CI: 11.0%-17.8%) of - horses were seropositive. A significant association was determined between anti-T. gondii antibody presence and the consumption and storage of hay (OR = 2.08 / 95% CI: 1.20-3.62). This is the first report of T. gondii infection among horses in the state of Alagoas, Brazil.

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Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in a representative Australian human population: The Busselton health study

Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health ◽

10.1016/j.cegh.2020.02.005 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 808-814

Author(s):

Aus Molan ◽

Kazunori Nosaka ◽

Michael Hunter ◽

Wei Wang

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Human Population ◽

Health Study ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽

Associated Risk Factors

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Seroprevalence and the associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in the middle belt of Ghana

10.21203/rs.2.12162/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

DERRICK ADU MENSAH ◽

Linda Batsa Debrah ◽

Clement Evans Aryee ◽

ALEXANDER YAW YAW DEBRAH

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Study Participant ◽

Antibody Concentration ◽

Ashanti Region ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii infection is prevalent in up to 90% of the world’s population. Severe infections can be fatal and deforming in neonates. Cats serve as reservoirs for T. gondii infections. Even though many Ghanaians have cats as pets in their homes only few studies have been undertaken to assess the prevalence of the disease in Ghana. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its associated risk factors among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at the Goaso Municipal Hospital, in Asunafo North District of the Ahafo Region and the St. Michael’s Catholic Mission Hospital in the Bosomtwe District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 266 (146 from Asunafo North District and 120 from Bosomtwe District) pregnant women who consented to participate in the study was undertaken. To gather information on associated risk factors, structured questionnaire was administered to the participants. In addition, 3 mls of venous blood was collected from each participant for anti-T. gondii IgG and anti-T. gondii IgM antibody analyses using ELISA. Results A total of 64.3% (171/266) of the study participant were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG and 26.3% (70/266) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. This signifies that 64.3% of the study population have been exposed to the infection and 26.3% were actively infected. There were no differences (P=0.383) between the overall T. gondii seroprevalences in the two Districts. There was a significant difference between antibody concentration levels and age in the Bosomtwe District in Ashanti Region. No association (OR<1) was found between the seroprevalences and the suspected risk factors assessed in this study. Conclusion The study showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women visiting the two health facilities in the two Regions was higher compared to the 30%-65% reported as the global population infection status. This study provides baseline data for future studies in the other Districts and Regions in the country to ascertain the overall seroprevalence in Ghana.

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