Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among women of childbearing age in an endemic region of Romania, 2016–2018

Toxoplasmosis is an important worldwide zoonosis caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasitic infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent people. However, if the infection occurs in pregnant women, it can have serious consequences for the foetus. In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of T. gondii in women of childbearing age in Arad County, Western Romania. Serum samples from 2626 women were analysed using a Siemens ADVIA Centaur XP Immunoassay System. Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were demonstrated in 1081 women (41%) and prevalence tended to increase with age, from 32% in women aged 15–19 years to 62% in women aged 40–45 years. There was a higher prevalence in rural areas (46%) than in urban areas (36%). This study provides new data on T. gondii seroprevalence in women of childbearing age from Western Romania.

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Factors associated with the distribution of natural Toxoplasma gondii infection among equids in Northeastern Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612019035 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 283-290 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Alexandre Dias Munhoz ◽

Monia Andrade Souza ◽

Sonia Carmen Lopo Costa ◽

Jéssica de Souza Freitas ◽

Aísla Nascimento da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Linear Models ◽

Fluorescent Antibody ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Factors Associated

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected equids in northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 569 equids (528 horses, 8 mules and 33 donkeys) were subjected to the indirect fluorescent antibody test. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate associated factors. Among the 569 animals sampled, 118 (30.6%) living in rural areas and 14 (26.42%) in urban areas were seropositive (p>0.05). Seropositive animals were observed on 95% of the farms and in all the municipalities. Donkeys/mules as the host, presence of domestic cats and rats on the farm, ingestion of lagoon water and goat rearing remained in the final model as factors associated with infection. Preventive measures such as avoiding the presence of domestic cats close to rearing areas, pastures and sources of water for the animals should be adopted. The wide-ranging distribution of positive animals also indicated that infection in other domestic animals and in humans, through the contaminated environment, was possible. It should be highlighted that there was the possibility that donkeys and mules would continue to have detectable titers for longer, thus explaining the prevalence found. Further studies are needed to confirm this possibility.

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SEROEPIDEMIOLOGY OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN HUMANS AND DOGS FROM A SMALL MUNICIPALITY IN PARANA, BRAZIL

Ciência Animal Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1089-6891v18e-42102 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 18 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Aline do Nascimento Benitez ◽

Daniela Dib Gonçalves ◽

Beatriz de Souza Lima Nino ◽

Eloiza Teles Caldart ◽

Roberta Lemos Freire ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Urban Slum ◽

Free Access ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Chi Square ◽

Significance Level

Abstract Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis with important public health implications. The aims of this study were to determine and identify factors associated to the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in humans and dogs from Jataizinho, Parana State, Brazil. Serum samples from 280 humans and 766 dogs, from rural and urban areas, were tested by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. Positive dilutions were ≥ 1:16. Epidemiological informations were obtained through an individual questionnaire and data tabulation was performed using EpiInfo 3.5.3 (CDC, Atlanta). Statistical significance was evaluated by chi-square (ᵪ2) or Fisher's exact tests with a 5.0 % significance level. The seroprevalence in humans was 70.00% (196/280), as follows: 69.08% (143/207) in rural and 72.60% (53/73) in a slum urban community. The seroprevalence in dogs was 52.35% (401/766), as follows: 71.74% (99/138) in rural and 48.08% (302/628) in urban area. In rural areas, there was no factor associated to risk of infection. In urban slum community, visualizing more than four rats at home was a factor statistically associated to seropositivity for human toxoplamosis. Infection of urban dogs was associated to age, contact with stray dogs or rodents, and free access to street. The results indicated a similar possibility of contact with Toxoplasma gondii between dogs and humans living in rural or slum urban areas of small municipalities.

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Toxoplasma gondii in women of childbearing age and during pregnancy: seroprevalence study in Central and Southern Italy from 2013 to 2017

Parasite ◽

10.1051/parasite/2019080 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

pp. 2 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Daniela Fanigliulo ◽

Serena Marchi ◽

Emanuele Montomoli ◽

Claudia Maria Trombetta

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Southern Italy ◽

Central Italy ◽

Neonatal Infection ◽

Women Of Childbearing Age ◽

Childbearing Age ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Age Related ◽

Significant Difference

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide health problem. Infection in pregnant women can result in severe fetal morbidity or in subclinical neonatal infection; most subclinical cases develop ocular and neurological sequelae. The purpose of this serological study was to assess the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in two populations of women of childbearing age in Siena (Tuscany, Central Italy) and Bari (Apulia, Southern Italy) between 2013 and 2017 and in a group of pregnant women in Bari in 2016–2017. Serum samples were tested for the presence of specific anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies by a commercially available ELISA test. The percentage of seropositive subjects in Bari was significantly higher than in Siena (22.4% vs. 12.4%) and an age-related trend was observed. A low prevalence of T. gondii infection (13.8%) was observed among the pregnant women tested. In addition to showing a significant difference between Central and Southern Italy, this study provides updated data on T. gondii seroprevalence in women during childbearing age and pregnancy. The results confirm a trend toward a decrease, especially in younger people and pregnant women.

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FACTORS INFLUENCING HIV KNOWLEDGE AMONG WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE IN SOUTH SUMATRA, INDONESIA

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine ◽

10.37268/mjphm/vol.20/no.1/art.552 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 150-159

Author(s):

Najmah ◽

Indah Purnama Sari ◽

Tri Novia Kumalasari ◽

Sharyn Graham Davies

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Dominant Factor ◽

Women Of Childbearing Age ◽

Childbearing Age ◽

Hiv Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mother To Child

This study aims to provide detailed information on the role of the following social determinants (i.e. education, occupation, place of residence, marital and economic status) in the acquisition of HIV knowledge among women of childbearing age (15-49 years old). The study uses secondary data from the 2012 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (IDHS). The IDHS used a quantitative analytical approach with a cross-sectional study design and multi-stage stratified sampling. The sample included 1,335 women aged 15 to 49 years old living in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Descriptive analysis, ANOVA, and t-test and multiple logistic regressions were performed in this study. The results show one out of two women have little HIV knowledge. The more highly educated women were positively associated with a greater degree of knowledge related to comprehensive knowledge related to HIV (AOR: 3.7, 2.2-6.2, p.<0.05), HIV prevention (AOR:16.6, 1.8-153.9, p <0.05), transmission from mother to child (AOR:11.1, 3.3-36.9, p <0.05), HIV misconceptions (AOR:5.1, 1.1-23.1, p <0.05) and HIV services (AOR:5.7, 2.8-11.4, p < 0.05). In addition, the women lived in urban areas had more knowledge related to HIV prevention and transmission (AOR: 3.36, 1.8-6.2, p <0.05), and knowledge about mother-to-child of HIV transmission (AOR: 3.2, 1.8-5.5, p <0.05) compared to those who lived in rural areas. To conclude, education level was found to be the dominant factor associated with knowledge of HIV across all categories of knowledge after controlling by other determinants, age, marital status, working status and residence. HIV awareness and comprehensive HIV information among women who are considered to be in a low-risk group for HIV infection should be integrated with formal education as well as in maternal health services, particularly in rural areas.

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Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Stray Dogs from Various Locations in West and East Malaysia

The Korean Journal of Parasitology ◽

10.3347/kjp.2020.58.5.487 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 58 (5) ◽

pp. 487-492

Author(s):

Malaika Watanabe ◽

Mohammed Babatunde Sadiq ◽

Nazrul Iqbal Abdul Mulop ◽

Konto Mohammed ◽

Puteri Azaziah Megat Rani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

Peninsular Malaysia ◽

Mechanical Transmission ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Stray Dogs ◽

East Malaysia ◽

Zoonotic Parasite ◽

East And West

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite; Toxoplasma gondii, which is one of the most important zoonotic parasite worldwide. In dogs, the sexual reproductive cycle of T. gondii is lacking, and the animals are not widely consumed as food, but they are vital in the mechanical transmission of the parasite. However, there is no present data on the exposure of stray dogs to T. gondii in Malaysia. The objective of this serological survey was to determine the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies (IgG) and associated factors in stray dogs in East and West Malaysia. Antibodies to T. gondii were determined in serum samples from 222 stray dogs from 6 different states in East and West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) using an Indirect ELISA. The seroprevalence for T. gondii was 23.4% (Confidence interval: CI 17.8-29.2%). Stray dogs from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur had the highest seroprevalence (32.4%; CI 13.2-45.5%) and lowest in those from Penang and Kedah (12.5%; CI 1.3-23.5%). Gender and breed were not associated with T. gondii seropositivity. However, adult dogs were more likely to be seropositive for T. gondii (OR=2.89; CI 1.1-7.7) compared with younger dogs. These results revealed that T. gondii is prevalent in stray dogs in the studied areas in Malaysia, and indicative of the level of environmental contamination of this parasite especially in urban areas.

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Study on Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis and Associated Risk Factors in Nangarhar

American Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing Practice ◽

10.47672/ajhmn.583 ◽

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).

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Seroepidemiological study of toxoplasmosis in women referred to a pre-marriage counseling center in Alborz Province, Iran

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-021-05581-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Melica Shahighi ◽

Aliehsan Heidari ◽

Hossein Keshavarz ◽

Amir Bairami ◽

Saeedeh Shojaee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽

Pcr Analysis ◽

Women Of Childbearing Age ◽

Childbearing Age ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Chi Square ◽

Igg Avidity ◽

Two Samples ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Objectives The aim of the current study was to assess prevalence of Toxoplasma infection and its associated risk factors in women of childbearing-age in central Iran. Results Of 400 serum samples assessed for anti-T. gondii antibodies, 81 (20.25%) samples were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies, including 74 positive samples (91.3%) for anti-T. gondii IgG and seven positive samples (8.7%) for IgG and IgM. Of seven IgG and IgM positive samples, five and two samples were high and low in IgG avidity, respectively. Based on PCR analysis, Toxoplasma infection was detected in one sample with anti-T. gondii IgM and low IgG avidity. The Chi-square test showed significant correlations of T. gondii seropositivity with history of undercooked meat consumption and contacts with cats (p < 0.05). In the present study, 79.75% of the participants were negative for IgG against T. gondii infection. Furthermore, recently acquired Toxoplasma infection was found using IgG avidity and PCR assays among women of childbearing-age in the study area, which would increase the risk of their fetus becoming infected. Educational program and antenatal screening of childbearing-age women for T. gondii infection may be important primary prevention strategies and help reduce the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis in this population.

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Potential linkage between Toxoplasma gondii Infection and physical education scores of College Students

10.1101/2020.10.20.346817 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zhijin Sheng ◽

Yu Jin ◽

Yinan Du ◽

Xinlei Yan ◽

Yong Yao

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Physical Education ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

Anhui Province ◽

Behavioral Changes ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

School Students ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

ABSTRACTObjectiveToxoplasma gondii is a worldwide protozoan parasite that could infect virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in college students at Anhui province, China. Moreover, growing studies demonstrated the association between T. gondii infection and host behavioral changes. We also studied the linkage between T. gondii and scores of college students.Methods2704 serum samples of medical school students attending physical education lessons were collected from September 2017 to September 2019 and evaluated for T. gondii IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also analysed PE scores of T. gondii infected students and T. gondii uninfected students.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 11.5%. The main risk factors related to T. gondii infections were cat in the household and gardening or agriculture activity. Furthermore, in basketball group and football group, scores of T. gondii seropositive students were significantly higher than that of seronegative students, while in other sports there is no difference between scores of T. gondii infected students and T. gondii uninfected students.ConclusionThis is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in college students in Anhui province, China.

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Increase in Percentage of Seronegative Toxoplasma gondii and Cytomegalovirus in Pregnant Women: An Improvement in Hygienic Conditions in Certain Areas?

Timisoara Medical Journal ◽

10.35995/tmj20200109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 (1) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Dan-Bogdan Navolan ◽

Florin Gorun ◽

Cristian Oancea ◽

Ioana-Mihaela Ciohat ◽

Daniel Malița ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Primary Infection ◽

Food Quality Control ◽

Fetal Infection ◽

Increasing Trend ◽

Urban And Rural Areas ◽

Pathogenic Agents

(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus belong to a group of pathogens entities called TORCH agents. TORCH represents an acronym which derives from the name of a series of certain pathogenic agents (Toxoplasma gondii, Other agents, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes virus). They could cross the placenta barrier and cause serious damage to the fetus if a primary infection occurs in a pregnant woman. Immunized women are relatively protected against a reinfection and the risk of a materno-fetal infection in these categories of pregnant women is considered low. (2) Aim of the study: To analyze changes in the percentage of pregnant women seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus along a period of ten years, from 2008 to 2018. (3) Material and Methods: We studied the changes in percentage of seronegative Toxoplasma gondii and Cytomegalovirus pregnant women along two periods: 2008–2010 and 2015–2018. Only pregnant women with declared medium of provenience and unequivocal results were enrolled in the study. (4) Results: In urban areas, we found an increase in the percentage of pregnant women seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii (RR = 1.488, p < 0.0001), respectively to cytomegalovirus (RR = 1.985, p < 0.0001), from 2008–2010 to 2015–2018. A similar increasing trend was found also in rural areas: Toxoplasma gondii (RR = 1.136, p < 0.0322), respectively cytomegalovirus (RR = 1.088, p < 0.8265) but it did not reach a significant threshold for cytomegalovirus. (5) Conclusion: Our study showed that the percentage of women seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus antibodies increases along a period of ten years, from 2008–2010 to 2015–2018, in both urban and rural areas. Probably, the main cause of this trend is represented by the improvement in hygienic condition and food quality control. These results present an argument for continuing the TORCH screening of pregnant women.

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Prevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected backyard pigs intended for familial consumption in Romania

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-019-3842-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Anamaria Ioana Paştiu ◽

Anamaria Cozma-Petruț ◽

Aurélien Mercier ◽

Anamaria Balea ◽

Lokman Galal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Antibody Detection ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Potential Threat ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Pcr Targeting ◽

Backyard Pigs

Abstract Background Foodborne toxoplasmosis in humans can be due to the exposure to tissue cysts of Toxoplasma gondii through the consumption of meat, including pork, of infected animals. Traditional Romanian food habits include pork as the preferred meat, while backyard pig rearing remains a common practice in many rural areas of Romania. The aims of the present study were to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in naturally infected backyard pigs slaughtered for familial consumption and to genetically characterize the T. gondii strains obtained. Methods Paired blood and heart samples were collected from 94 backyard pigs, home slaughtered for private consumption. Serum samples were analyzed using the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for anti-T. gondii antibody detection. Heart samples were screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 529-bp repeat region (REP529) for T. gondii detection. In addition, heart samples from IFAT positive animals were bioassayed in mice. The T. gondii isolates were genotyped by the analysis of 15 microsatellite markers. Results The results showed that almost half of the pigs investigated were T. gondii seropositive (46.8%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 36.4–57.4%) and in more than a quarter of the pigs (26.6%, 95% CI: 18.0–36.7%), the parasite was detected by PCR. Three (3/44) T. gondii strains were isolated from hearts of seropositive pigs and they all belonged to genotype II. Conclusions The present study showed the presence of T. gondii infection in backyard pigs in Romania, which suggests that consumption of pork from animals reared and slaughtered at home may pose a potential threat to human health and should be given attention. In addition, to our knowledge, this is the first study to provide data concerning T. gondii strains circulating in pigs from Romania.

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