scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among healthy blood donors in two locations in Tunisia and associated risk factors

Parasite ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Arwa Lachkhem ◽  
Ibtissem Lahmar ◽  
Lokman Galal ◽  
Oussama Babba ◽  
Habib Mezhoud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Birth Place ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can be transmitted to humans through a variety of routes including blood transfusion. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors in healthy blood donors in Tunisia. A total of 800 healthy blood donors from two blood centers in south and coastal Tunisia were analyzed for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA), respectively. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information on risk factors for T. gondii infection during collection. The overall seroprevalence was 44.4% of which 352 (44%) and 3 (0.4%) were positive for IgG and both IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii seropositivity was significantly associated with the birth place (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–4.94) and the age of the donors (adjusted OR = 4.98; 95% CI: 1.50–16.58) which are independent risk factors. In addition, the variables of hand washing before eating (adjusted OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.37–0.74) and living in an urban environment (adjusted OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.13–0.71) are two protective factors. This study provided the first data on the seroprevalence and epidemiology of T. gondii infection in healthy blood donors in Tunisia.

Risk factors of occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii among horses in the state of Alagoas, Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra R. Fonseca de Araújo Valença ◽  
Rômulo M. Barreto Valença ◽  
José Wilton Pinheiro Júnior ◽  
Pedro P. Feitosa de Albuquerque ◽  
Orestes L. Souza Neto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
The State ◽  
Cutoff Point ◽  
First Report ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
And Storage

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.

scholarly journals Risk factors for perineal and vaginal tears in primiparous women – a prospective cohort study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Harry Jansson ◽  
Karin Franzén ◽  
Ayako Hiyoshi ◽  
Gunilla Tegerstedt ◽  
Hedda Dahlgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Vacuum Extraction ◽  
Perineal Tears ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Primiparous Women ◽  
Second Degree

Abstract BackgroundThe aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of second-degree perineal tears, obstetric anal sphincter injuries, and high vaginal tears in primiparous women, and to examine how sociodemographic and pregnancy characteristics, hereditary factors, obstetric management and the delivery process are associated with the incidence of these tears.MethodsAll nulliparous women registering at the maternity health care in Region Örebro County, Sweden, in early pregnancy between 1 October 2014 and 1 October 2017 were invited to participate in a prospective cohort study. Data on maternal and obstetric characteristics were extracted from questionnaires completed in early and late pregnancy, from a study-specific delivery protocol, and from the obstetric record system. These data were analyzed using unadjusted and adjusted multinomial and logistic regression models.ResultsA total of 644 women were included in the study sample. Fetal weight exceeding 4000 g and vacuum extraction were found to be independent risk factors for both second-degree perineal tears (adjusted odds ratio 2.26 (95% CI: 1.22, 4.19) and 3.28 (95% CI: 1.73, 6.21) respectively) and OASI (adjusted odds ratio 5.93 (95% CI: 2.29, 15.33) and 4.31 (95% CI: 1.49, 12.5) respectively), whereas age above 25 years only increased the risk of second-degree perineal tears (adjusted odds ratio 1.94 (95% CI: 1.10, 3.43)). Heredity of pelvic floor dysfunction and/or connective tissue deficiency, induced labor, and fetal head circumference exceeding 35 cm were independent risk factors for high vaginal tears (adjusted odds ratio 2.33 (95% CI: 1.09, 5.00), 3.64 (95% CI: 1.54, 8.59) and 2.86 (95% CI: 1.43, 5.75) respectively).ConclusionsThis prospective study showed that fetal weight exceeding 4000 g and vacuum extraction are independent risk factors for both second-degree perineal tears and OASI in primiparous women. Risk factors for high vaginal tears were heredity of pelvic floor dysfunction and/or connective tissue deficiency, induced labor, and fetal head circumference > 35 cm. These tears have been found to be common among primiparous women, and merit more attention.Brief summary: This prospective cohort study showed that fetal birthweight exceeding 4000 g and vacuum extraction increased the risk of second-degree tear and anal sphincter injury.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with pain in patients with venous malformations of the extremities

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Hu ◽  
Hui Chen ◽  
Xi Yang ◽  
Yongying Wang ◽  
Hao Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Venous Malformations ◽  
Average Pain ◽  
Independent Risk Factors

Pain is a common symptom and the major complaint in patients with venous malformations of the extremities, which may lead to joint dysfunction and even walking disabilities. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate determined independent risk factors for pain in these patients. We retrospectively collected data for 168 patients with venous malformations of the extremities from January 16, 2013 to August 13, 2015. They were categorized into painful and painless groups according to the symptom and pain scores. Associations between pain and candidate factors were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 125 (74.4%) patients with an average pain score of 4.4 were included in the painful group. In univariate analysis, age, lesion size, tissue involvement, and phleboliths were associated with pain. In the multivariate analysis, only type-II tissue involvement (adjusted odds ratio 4.57; p = 0.001) and phleboliths (adjusted odds ratio 2.44; p = 0.039) were identified as the independent risk factors. In conclusion, this study revealed that prevalence of pain in patients with venous malformations of the extremities was high. Patients who presented with type-II tissue involvement and phleboliths are more likely to suffer from pain.

scholarly journals Study on Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis and Associated Risk Factors in Nangarhar

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Huma Ahmady
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Latex Agglutination ◽  
Tropical Region ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that represents an actual public health problem. Nangarhar is a tropical region in southern of Afghanistan, due to importance of abortions by Toxoplasmosis and absence of study evidences in this field in Nangarhar province, this cross sectional hospital based research was accomplished. Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii and possible risk factors associated with the infection among the women who have abortion in Nangarhar province. Methodology: Designed questionnaire for obtaining history of abortion and interviewing with aborted patients were use, the convenient sampling method as well using Latex agglutination Lab Test (LAT) a total of 100 serum samples of miscarriage women from Nangarhar different districts were collected and tested for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. All collected data were analysed using ANOVA. SPSS Program.Findings: The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in mentioned women was 47% (47/100 cases).  From 47 positive cases 17 (34%) was in women resident in Urban areas and 30 (60%) was those resident in Rustic areas. The prevalence rate showed there was significant differences between women resident in Rustic and those in urban areas. The people who are living in rustic area (30%) were more exposed to infection than those who were living in urban area (17%) (P < 0.015). Higher prevalence was observed in 25-30 years old group than the others (P <0.05). The result showed that Contact with raw or uncooked meet, water and soil, contaminated food and animals were significant (P <0.05).

scholarly journals Epidemiology of hypertension in selected towns of Wollega zones, Western Ethiopia, 2019: A community-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110245
Author(s):  
Getu Mosisa ◽  
Bikila Regassa ◽  
Bayise Biru
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction: Hypertension remains an emerging public health problem globally, particularly in developing countries. Age, income level, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, vegetables and fruit consumption, physical activity and chat chewing were some risk factors of hypertension. However, there are limited data on the epidemiology of hypertension in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess Epidemiology of Hypertension among the community of selected towns of Wollega zones. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 June 2019 in selected towns of Wollega zones. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 840 study participants. Data were collected using the WHO STEP wise approach. The data were coded and entered into EpiData 3, and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. Results: The study included a total of 838 respondents with a response rate of 99.7%. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 189 (22.6%) (95% confidence interval = 19.9%–25.2%). Of this, 108 (12.9%) and 81 (9.7%) of female and male were hypertensive, respectively. Age groups of 30–44 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.65 (1.43, 4.89)), 45–59 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.55 (1.79, 7.04)), above 60 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.97 (1.43, 6.18)), having history of alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio = 4.29 (2.4, 7.66)), involving in vigorous physical activity (adjusted odds ratio = 0.096 (0.028, 0.33)), not walking to and from the work (adjusted odds ratio = 13.12 (8.34, 20.67)), being overweight (adjusted odds ratio = 1.98 (1.21, 3.25)), inadequate fruits serving per day (adjusted odds ratio = 2.93 (1.75, 4.88)) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be high in the study area. Older age, alcohol consumption, not engaging in vigorous activity, physical inactivity, being overweight and inadequate intake of fruits were found to be risk factors for hypertension. Therefore, health care providers should provide extensive health education and promotion on recommended lifestyle modification to tackle the burden of hypertension.

scholarly journals The prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among blood donors in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Chang ◽  
Wangheng Hou ◽  
Lei Zhao ◽  
Yali Zhang ◽  
Yanbin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Old Adults ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Effective Public Health ◽  
Age And Sex

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among blood donors in the cities of Wuhan, Shenzhen, and Shijiazhuang in China. From January to April 2020, 38,144 healthy blood donors in the three cities were tested for total antibody against SARS-CoV-2 followed by pseudotype SARS-CoV-2 neutralization tests, IgG, and IgM antibody testing. Finally, a total of 398 donors were confirmed positive. The age- and sex-standardized SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among 18–60 year-old adults (18–65 year-old in Shenzhen) was 2.66% (95% CI: 2.24%–3.07%) in Wuhan, 0.033% (95% CI: 0.0029%–0.267%) in Shenzhen, and 0.0028% (95% CI: 0.0001%–0.158%) in Shijiazhuang, respectively. Female sex and older-age were identified to be independent risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among blood donors in Wuhan. As most of the population of China remained uninfected during the early wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, effective public health measures are still certainly required to block viral spread before a vaccine is widely available.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in domestic pigs raised from Cuba

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Weaning Pigs ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.

scholarly journals Incidence and risk factors for deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity after surgical treatment of isolated patella fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanchao Tan ◽  
Hongzhi Hu ◽  
Xiangtian Deng ◽  
Jian Zhu ◽  
Yanbin Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Deep Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Medical Data ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Patella Fractures ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background Limited information exists on the incidence of postoperative deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) in patients with isolated patella fractures. The objective of this study was to investigate the postoperative incidence and locations of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremity in patients who underwent isolated patella fractures and identify the associated risk factors. Methods Medical data of 716 hospitalized patients was collected. The patients had acute isolated patella fractures and were admitted at the 3rd Hospital of Hebei Medical University between January 1, 2016, and February 31, 2019. All patients met the inclusion criteria. Medical data was collected using the inpatient record system, which included the patient demographics, patient’s bad hobbies, comorbidities, past medical history, fracture and surgery-related factors, hematological biomarkers, total hospital stay, and preoperative stay. Doppler examination was conducted for the diagnosis of DVT. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors. Results Among the 716 patients, DVT was confirmed in 29 cases, indicating an incidence of 4.1%. DVT involved bilateral limbs (injured and uninjured) in one patient (3.4%). DVT involved superficial femoral common vein in 1 case (3.4%), popliteal vein in 6 cases (20.7%), posterior tibial vein in 11 cases (37.9%), and peroneal vein in 11 cases (37.9%). The median of the interval between surgery and diagnosis of DVT was 4.0 days (range, 1.0-8.0 days). Six variables were identified to be independent risk factors for DVT which included age category (> 65 years old), OR, 4.44 (1.34-14.71); arrhythmia, OR, 4.41 (1.20-16.15); intra-operative blood loss, OR, 1.01 (1.00-1.02); preoperative stay (delay of each day), OR, 1.43 (1.15-1.78); surgical duration, OR, 1.04 (1.03-1.06); LDL-C (> 3.37 mmol/L), OR, 2.98 (1.14-7.76). Conclusion Incidence of postoperative DVT in patients with isolated patella fractures is substantial. More attentions should be paid on postoperative DVT prophylaxis in patients with isolated patella fractures. Identification of associated risk factors can help clinicians recognize the risk population, assess the risk of DVT, and develop personalized prophylaxis strategies.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Toxoplasma gondii in Feral Cats on St. Kitts, West Indies

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Xinyu Chi ◽  
Kexin Fang ◽  
Liza Koster ◽  
Jevan Christie ◽  
Chaoqun Yao
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Feral Cats ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
One Year

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded species including humans. The definitive hosts of T. gondii are felid vertebrates including the domestic cat. Domestic cats shed oocysts for approximately two weeks in their feces after the primary infection. It has been shown that feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) positive cats have a higher prevalence of and a higher titer of antibodies to T. gondii than those of FIV-negative cats. The main purposes of this study were to determine FIV prevalence and to investigate the oocysts shedding in FIV-positive and FIV-negative feral cats on St. Kitts. Fecal samples were collected from feral cats while their FIV statues were determined using a commercial SNAP kit. Total fecal DNA of each cat was tested for the presence of T. gondii DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) consistently detecting one genome equivalent. A FIV-positive status was detected in 18 of 105 (17.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9%−24.3%) feral cats sampled. Furthermore, males were three times more likely to be FIV positive than females (p = 0.017) with an odds ratio of 3.93 (95% CI: 1.20–12.89). Adults were found to have at least twice the prevalence of FIV compared to cats younger than one year of age (p = 0.056) with an odds ratio of 3.07 (95% CI: 0.94–10.00). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was not detected in the feces of any of the 18 FIV-positive (95% CI: 0%−0.18%) and 87 FIV-negative cats (95% CI: 0%−0.04%). A follow-up study with a much bigger sample size is needed to prove or disprove the hypothesis that FIV-positive cats have a higher prevalence of shedding T. gondii oocysts than FIV-negative cats.

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