scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii in domiciled dogs and cats in urban areas of Brazil: risk factors and spatial distribution

Parasite ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Igor Falco Arruda ◽  
Patricia Riddell Millar ◽  
Alynne da Silva Barbosa ◽  
Luiz Claudio de Souza Abboud ◽  
Izabel Cristina dos Reis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Prophylactic Measures

Toxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent zoonotic parasite in Brazil capable of infecting mammals and birds. The increase in the urban populations of pets and the narrowing of the human–animal relationship can facilitate the transmission of important public health zoonoses, such as toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and spatial distribution of T. gondii infection and its risk factors in domiciled dogs and cats attended at the Jorge Vaitsman Institute, Rio de Janeiro. Serum samples from 400 dogs and 272 cats were evaluated by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies. Epidemiological questionnaires were used to interview the animals’ owners to identify risk factors for infection. Of the total, 34% (136/400) of dogs and 8.1% (22/272) of cats had anti-T. gondii antibodies. Breed (OR: 2.10–95%, CI 1.27–3.46) was a risk factor for dogs, while sex (OR: 3.40–95%, CI 1.10–10.52) and homemade food consumption (OR: 8.49–95%, CI 2.48–29.05) were risk factors for cats. Offal consumption was considered a risk factor for both species evaluated (OR: 2.74–95%, CI 1.38–5.43 for dogs; OR: 7.66–95%, CI 1.24–47.29 for cats). The spatial analysis showed that T. gondii seropositive animals were widely distributed in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro state, with a concentration observed mainly in the west and north zones of Rio de Janeiro city. The results emphasize the importance of adopting prophylactic measures to control T. gondii transmission in domiciled dogs and cats in Rio de Janeiro, contributing positively to public health.

scholarly journals Informing the public health response to COVID-19: a systematic review of risk factors for disease, severity, and mortality

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Flook ◽  
C. Jackson ◽  
E. Vasileiou ◽  
C. R. Simpson ◽  
M. D. Muckian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Multivariable Analyses

Abstract Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has challenged public health agencies globally. In order to effectively target government responses, it is critical to identify the individuals most at risk of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), developing severe clinical signs, and mortality. We undertook a systematic review of the literature to present the current status of scientific knowledge in these areas and describe the need for unified global approaches, moving forwards, as well as lessons learnt for future pandemics. Methods Medline, Embase and Global Health were searched to the end of April 2020, as well as the Web of Science. Search terms were specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19. Comparative studies of risk factors from any setting, population group and in any language were included. Titles, abstracts and full texts were screened by two reviewers and extracted in duplicate into a standardised form. Data were extracted on risk factors for COVID-19 disease, severe disease, or death and were narratively and descriptively synthesised. Results One thousand two hundred and thirty-eight papers were identified post-deduplication. Thirty-three met our inclusion criteria, of which 26 were from China. Six assessed the risk of contracting the disease, 20 the risk of having severe disease and ten the risk of dying. Age, gender and co-morbidities were commonly assessed as risk factors. The weight of evidence showed increasing age to be associated with severe disease and mortality, and general comorbidities with mortality. Only seven studies presented multivariable analyses and power was generally limited. A wide range of definitions were used for disease severity. Conclusions The volume of literature generated in the short time since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 has been considerable. Many studies have sought to document the risk factors for COVID-19 disease, disease severity and mortality; age was the only risk factor based on robust studies and with a consistent body of evidence. Mechanistic studies are required to understand why age is such an important risk factor. At the start of pandemics, large, standardised, studies that use multivariable analyses are urgently needed so that the populations most at risk can be rapidly protected. Registration This review was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42020177714.

scholarly journals Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum and/or Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolle Fridlund Plugge ◽  
Fabiano Montiani Ferreira ◽  
Rosária Regina Tesoni de Barros Richartz ◽  
Adriana de Siqueira ◽  
Rosangela Locatelli Dittrich
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Stray Dogs ◽  
Neurological Signs ◽  
Significant Difference

This study aimed to evaluate occurrences of antibodies against Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in dogs with neurological signs. Blood samples from 147 dogs were collected: 127 from owned dogs (attended at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná (HV-UFPR) and at private veterinary clinics in the city of Curitiba), and 20 from stray dogs found in Curitiba's metropolitan region. The dogs presented one or more of the following neurological signs: seizures, paresis or paralysis, ataxia, behavioral abnormalities, sensory and somatic disorders and chorioretinitis. The samples were analyzed by means of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), at a cutoff dilution of 1:50. Out of the 147 samples obtained, 17 (11.56%) were seropositive for N. caninum, 31 (21.08%) for T. gondii and four (2.72%) for both protozoa. Serum titration on the positive animals showed that 54.83% (17/31) and 41.18% (7/17) had titers > 1:200 against T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. A significant difference in seropositivity for T. gondii (P = 0.021; OR = 2.87; CI = 1.1 > 2.8 > 7.4) was observed between owned dogs (18.11%) and stray dogs (40%). Inclusion of serological tests for neosporosis and toxoplasmosis is recommended in diagnosing neurological diseases in dogs.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii in small exotic felids from zoos in Europe and the Middle East: serological prevalence and risk factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maike Lücht ◽  
Julia Stagegaard ◽  
Franz J. Conraths ◽  
Gereon Schares
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Middle East ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Human Care ◽  
Felid Species

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii infections and cases of clinical toxoplasmosis have been recorded in zoo animals. Wild felids in human care can serve as definitive hosts that shed oocysts, but also as intermediate hosts for the parasite. Some felid species, such as the Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) or sand cat (Felis margarita), may suffer from clinically apparent toxoplasmosis. In the present study, our main aim was to assess risk factors for T. gondii infections in small exotic felids. Methods A seroepidemiological study was conducted using the reduviid bug Dipetalogaster maxima for blood sample collection, a method previously evaluated on domestic cats. A total of 336 samples from 17 felid species were collected in 51 institutions, 48 of which were within Europe and the remaining three in the Middle East (United Arabic Emirates and Qatar). These samples were analyzed for T. gondii antibodies by immunoblotting and an immunofluorescent antibody test. Potential risk factors in zoos for seropositivity regarding T. gondii among members of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) were evaluated using a questionnaire and individual data from the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). Results The sampled felids showed an overall seroprevalence for T. gondii of 63%. The risk factor study including data of 311 small exotic cats of 10 species resulted in a final generalized linear mixed model comprised of five variables: the likelihood of seropositivity increased statistically significantly with “Age”, while feeding “Cattle: frozen” relative to “Cattle: fresh”, “Outdoor housing fenced in on all sides”, “Mesh size 2–5 cm” relative to “Mesh size > 5 cm” and “Wearing gloves: yes” had statistically significant protective effects. Conclusions Wild felids, including endangered species, kept in human care in European and Middle Eastern institutions, are widely exposed to T. gondii. Risk factor analysis revealed that feeding previously frozen tissues, keeping animals in enclosures that are fenced on all sides using fences with small mesh sizes, and wearing gloves when working inside enclosures seem to be the most relevant protective measures to prevent T. gondii infections in these animals.

Spatial Distribution of ICT in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Region

2011 ◽  
pp. 285-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Da-Mi Maeng ◽  
Zorica Nedovic-Budic
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Local Planning ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Massive Scale ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Infrastructure

Information and communication technologies, and the Internet as one of their most prominent uses, are adopted on a massive scale around the globe. Although we do not know much about their pattern and impact, these technologies exert substantial influence on our daily lives and environments. The main objective of this chapter is to empirically explore the spatial distribution of ICT infrastructure and activities and local planning responses to ICT in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. The existence of an ICT cluster suggests the spatial unevenness of ICT infrastructure and activities in the study region, and reveals the tendency of ICT to concentrate within certain urban areas. The findings will provide valuable insights for planners to capture the opportunities offered by ICT and manage the impact of ICT -related developments.

scholarly journals Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum seropositivity in buffaloes in Paraiba State, Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Willian de Lima Brasil ◽  
Roberta Nunes Parentoni ◽  
Thais Ferreira Feitosa ◽  
Camila de Sousa Bezerra ◽  
Vinicius Longo Ribeiro Vilela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Fluorescent Antibody ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Factors Associated

Abstract The aims of this survey were to determine the frequency of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and to identify the risk factors associated with seropositivity among buffaloes in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. This survey included 136 buffaloes belonging to 14 herds. To detect anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies, the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used. Among the 136 samples analyzed, 17 (12.5%) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies with titers ranging from 64 to 1,024, and 26 (19.1%) for anti-N. caninum with titers from 200 to 1,600. Animals seropositive for both T. gondii and N. caninum were found in 10 of the 14 herds (71.4%). Semi-intensive management systems (odds ratio = 2.99) and presence of pigs (odds ratio = 4.33) were identified as risk factors for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. It can be suggested that T. gondii and N. caninum are widespread in buffaloes in Paraíba, and that additional surveys are needed in order to ascertain the importance of these agents for this species and for pigs, and the influence of the farming type on occurrences of seropositive animals.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-290 ◽  
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.

Dyslipidemia in northeastern China

Open Medicine ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Shi ◽  
Qinglong Jin ◽  
Yulin Hu ◽  
Xiumei Chi ◽  
Yanhang Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Northeastern China ◽  
Major Risk Factor ◽  
Coronary Artery Diseases ◽  
Factors Associated

AbstractDyslipidemia, is a major risk factor for premature coronary artery disease. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia (blood lipid abnormalities) and other risk factors associated with coronary artery diseases among an adult population in northeastern China. Throughout the months of September and October of 2007,a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted and a total of 3,815 individuals were included. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were measured. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine risk factors associated with dyslipidemia. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, high LDL-C, low HDL-C, and hypertriglyceridemia were 17.3%, 27.8%, 11.66% and 29.85%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension, central obesity, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-ALD, diabetes and metabolic syndrome was higher in serum lipid abnormality groups than in the non-dyslipidemia group (p < 0.001). In a binary logistic regression, hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with age, male, hypertension, high body mass index, etc. There were negative correlations with being female and the level of education a subject had attained. Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for premature coronary artery diseases and an important public health issue in the northeastern part of China. Dyslipidemia is more frequent than expected based on previous studies. To control dyslipidemia, routine evaluations in clinics and community centers are needed, as well as effective public health education.

scholarly journals Identifying Vulnerable Populations in Subtropical Brisbane, Australia: A Guide for Heatwave Preparedness and Health Promotion

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Loughnan ◽  
Nigel Tapper ◽  
Thu Phan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Spatiotemporal Analysis ◽  
Prevention Policy ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Risk Areas ◽  
Heat Events

Building healthy societies is a key step towards climate resilient communities. Ill health is related to increased risk during heat events and is disproportionally distributed within and between communities. To understand the differences in the spatial distribution of climate related health risks and how this will change in the future we have undertaken a spatiotemporal analysis of heatwave risks in urban populations in Brisbane, Australia. The aim of this was to advise emergency managers and public health authorities of high-risk areas during extreme heat events (EHEs). The spatial distribution of heat related morbidity identified areas of high healthcare service demand during EHEs. An index of risk was developed based on social and environmental determinants of vulnerability. Regression analysis was used to determine the key drivers of heat related morbidity from the index. A weighted map of population vulnerability was produced which identified the high risk areas and provided key information to target public health interventions and heat stress prevention policy. The predicted changes in high risk populations such as the proportion of elderly people living in urban areas were also mapped to support longer term adaptation and develop health care infrastructure and health promotion strategies.

Decreased prevalence and age-specific risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in The Netherlands between 1995/1996 and 2006/2007

2010 ◽  
Vol 139 (4) ◽  
pp. 530-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. HOFHUIS ◽  
W. VAN PELT ◽  
Y. T. H. P. VAN DUYNHOVEN ◽  
C. D. M. NIJHUIS ◽  
L. MOLLEMA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Marked Decrease ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
Occupational Contact

SUMMARYTo estimate the change in the seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in The Netherlands, a study was conducted in the general population in 2006/2007, similarly designed as a previous study in 1995/1996. Testing 5541 sera for IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii showed a marked decrease of the overall seroprevalence to 26·0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 24·0–28·0], compared to 40·5% (95% CI 37·5–43·4) in 1995/1996. In women of reproductive age the seroprevalence decreased from 35·2% (95% CI 32·9–38·6) in 1995/1996 to 18·5% (95% CI 16·2–20·7) in 2006/2007, leaving the majority of pregnant women susceptible to primary infection with T. gondii and their babies to congenital toxoplasmosis. In participants aged ⩾20 years, Toxoplasma seropositivity was associated with living in the Northwest, living in urban areas, low educational level, consumption of raw pork, keeping a cat, and not having occupational contact with clients or patients. For younger participants, risk factors were keeping sheep or cattle, consumption of raw unwashed vegetables and putting sand in the mouth.

scholarly journals Risk factor of pneumonia on toddler at puskesmas (public health center) I South Denpasar

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 2217
Author(s):  
Ethi Yudiastuti Kadek ◽  
Dewianti Ni Made
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Health Center ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Public Health Center ◽  
Emergency Fund

Background: The death of toddler due to pneumonia is still high because its risk factor still exist and has not been managed properly. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) states that in 2011 there was 1.3 million deaths of children below five years old (toddler) and 14% of the number was caused by pneumonia.Methods: The design for this research was case control with 27 cases and 27 controls. The case was toddlers who were diagnosed with pneumonia by doctor of public health center (hereafter Puskesmas), aged 0-59 months and were recorded in the ill toddler register from January 1, 2016 until December 31, 2016, meanwhile control was healthy toddlers who were invited to Puskesmas during the research. Data was collected through interview, observation and measurement using questionnaire. Univariate, bivariate, multivariate analyses were performed using Stata SE 12.1.Results: Bivariate analysis showed that two years of breastfeeding and ARI frequency, as the risk factors of pneumonia on toddler. From bivariate analysis, it was found that the risk factor which was proven to be significant and increased pneumonia on toddler was OR ARI with the value of 5.67 (95% CI:1.16-27.82).Conclusions: ARI frequency as the risk factor of pneumonia on toddler at Puskesmas I South Denpasar.

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