Toxoplasma gondii

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rima McLeod ◽  
Kelsey Wheeler ◽  
Pauline Levigne ◽  
Kenneth Boyer
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Fetal Infection ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Mother To Child ◽  
The Brain

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can result in congenital toxoplasmosis. Untreated congenital toxoplasmosis presents considerable potential risks to patients and costs for society, with manifestations recurring throughout life. Infection with T. gondii, acquired at any time during pregnancy can damage the fetus, but especially during early gestation. Fetal infection with T. gondii can cause fetal loss, intrauterine growth retardation, and damage to organs (especially the brain and eyes). Treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine improves manifestations of active infection in the fetus, congenital infection in infants, and recurrent disease when manifested later in life in those congenitally infected. Key components of the prevention and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis include prompt, correct diagnosis and treatment with effective anti–T. gondii medications. Several countries have gestational screening programs to detect newly acquired T. gondii infections. In the future, development of new medications, including those for chronic infection, and vaccines for prevention will be important.

scholarly journals RHΔgra17Δnpt1 Strain of Toxoplasma gondii Elicits Protective Immunity Against Acute, Chronic and Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Mice

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qin-Li Liang ◽  
Li-Xiu Sun ◽  
Hany M. Elsheikha ◽  
Xue-Zhen Cao ◽  
Lan-Bi Nie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Protective Efficacy ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
Dense Granule ◽  
Lethal Challenge ◽  
Double Deletion ◽  
Brain Cysts

In the present study, a dense granule protein 17 (gra17) and novel putative transporter (npt1) double deletion mutant of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain was engineered. The protective efficacy of vaccination using RHΔgra17Δnpt1 tachyzoites against acute, chronic, and congenital toxoplasmosis was studied in a mouse model. Immunization using RHΔgra17Δnpt1 induced a strong humoral and cellular response, as indicated by the increased levels of anti-T. gondii specific IgG, interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-10, IL-12, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Vaccinated mice were protected against a lethal challenge dose (103 tachyzoites) of wild-type homologous (RH) strain and heterologous (PYS and TgC7) strains, as well as against 100 tissue cysts or oocysts of Pru strain. Vaccination also conferred protection against chronic infection with 10 tissue cysts or oocysts of Pru strain, where the numbers of brain cysts in the vaccinated mice were significantly reduced compared to those detected in the control (unvaccinated + infected) mice. In addition, vaccination protected against congenital infection with 10 T. gondii Pru oocysts (administered orally on day 5 of gestation) as shown by the increased litter size, survival rate and the bodyweight of pups born to vaccinated dams compared to those born to unvaccinated + infected dams. The brain cyst burden of vaccinated dams was significantly lower than that of unvaccinated dams infected with oocysts. Our data show that T. gondii RHΔgra17Δnpt1 mutant strain can protect mice against acute, chronic, and congenital toxoplasmosis by balancing inflammatory response with immunogenicity.

scholarly journals Incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in southern Brazil: a prospective study

2003 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liége Mozzatto ◽  
Renato Soibelmann Procianoy
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Newborn Infants ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Maternal Characteristics ◽  
The Town

The study aimed to determine the incidence of congenital infection by Toxoplasma gondii and to describe neonatal and maternal characteristics regarding newborn infants treated at a teaching hospital in the town of Passo Fundo, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Cord blood samples collected from 1,250 live newborns were analyzed. The laboratory diagnosis was established by the detection of Toxoplasma gondii IgM using an enzyme linked fluorescent assay. Gestational age, intrauterine growth, anthropometric measures, and prenatal characteristics were assessed. The incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis at birth was 8/10,000 (95%CI 0.2-44.5). Mean birthweight was 3,080 ± 215.56 grams and mean gestational age was 38.43 ± 1.88 weeks. With regard to prenatal care, 58% of the pregnant patients visited their doctors five times or more and 38.9% were serologically tested for toxoplasmosis in the first trimester of pregnancy. The incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis was similar to that found in most studies conducted in our country and abroad. Our study sample is representative of the town of Passo Fundo and therefore it is possible to consider the frequency observed as the prevalence of the disease in this town during the study period.

scholarly journals The development of the Sabin–Pinkerton triad despite prenatal screening for congenital toxoplasmosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-274
Author(s):  
Urszula Dryja ◽  
◽  
Anna Niwald ◽  
Ewa Majda-Stanisławska ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Prenatal Screening ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Pregnant Mother ◽  
First Trimester Of Pregnancy ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽  
Antiparasitic Treatment

The paper presents a case of a boy who developed the symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis: hydrocephalus, retinitis, choroiditis and intracranial calcifications (the Sabin–Pinkerton triad). Despite prenatal screening in the first trimester of pregnancy (in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health), which indicated the diagnosis of asymptomatic primary Toxoplasma gondii infection in the pregnant mother, no antiparasitic therapy was used. The presented serological and imaging findings, as well as specialist consultations confirm the intensified effects of congenital infection in the child. Although the child was put on anti-toxoplasma therapy immediately after birth, he developed severe psychophysical development disorders. The paper discusses recommendations for maternal diagnosis and antiparasitic treatment that could have prevented the full-blown congenital toxoplasmosis in the described patient.

scholarly journals CXCR3-dependent immune pathology in mice following infection with Toxoplasma gondii during early pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akari Nishida ◽  
Rina Ikeda ◽  
Hidefumi Furuoka ◽  
Yoshifumi Nishikawa
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Immune Pathology ◽  
Embryo Resorption

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. The symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis range from embryonic death and resorption to subclinical infection, but the mechanism of disease onset remains unclear. The C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) is highly expressed in Th1-associated immune cells and plays an important role in the trafficking and activation of immune cells. However, the roles of CXCR3 in T. gondii-induced fetal loss and the molecular mechanism of embryo resorption remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of CXCR3 in fetal wastage caused by T. gondii infection using CXCR3-deficient (CXCR3−/−) mice. CXCR3−/− and wild-type pregnant mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with T. gondii tachyzoites on day 3.5 of gestation (Gd3.5). Pregnancy rates decreased as the pregnancy progressed in both infected groups; however, infected CXCR3−/− mice showed a significant fetal loss at Gd13.5 compared with Gd7.5. All embryos of the infected groups showed necrosis, and embryo resorption was significantly increased in infected CXCR3−/− compared with wild-type mice at Gd13.5. The parasite load of fetoplacental tissues was significantly increased in CXCR3−/− mice at Gd10.5. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase were significantly increased in fetoplacental tissues from infected wild-type mice compared to infected CXCR3−/− mice following the infection. These results suggested that CXCR3-dependent immune responses provide anti-Toxoplasma activity and play an essential role in reducing embryo resorption and fetal loss caused by T. gondii infection during early pregnancy.

scholarly journals Studies on a murine model of congenital toxoplasmosis: vertical disease transmission only occurs in BALB/c mice infected for the first time during pregnancy

Parasitology ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. W. Roberts ◽  
J. Alexander
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Murine Model ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
Tissue Cyst ◽  
First Time

SUMMARYThe incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis was determined by an ELISA in the litters of BALB/c mice which had been infected 8 weeks before mating, on day 12 of pregnancy, or on both these occasions. Of those mice given the infection for the first time on day 12 of pregnancy, 5 out of 6 gave birth to infected litters with approximately 50% of the individuals in each litter being infected. BALB/c mice which had been infected 8 weeks before mating did not give birth to infected litters, even if they were reinfected on day 12 of pregnancy. Following infection BALB/c mice were found to harbour significantly fewer tissue cysts than the congenic H-2 derivative BALB/K strain. However, chronically infected BALB/K mice also failed to produce infected litters, indicating that tissue cyst burden in the dam did not influence congenital infection at least on the BALB background. This study demonstrates that BALB/c dams chronically infected withToxoplasma gondii, have immunity capable of protecting their embryos from congenital infection, even if the dams are reinfected during pregnancy. Our results demonstrate that the BALB/c mouse can be used as a model of human or ovine congenitalT. gondiiinfection suitable for testing putative vaccines.

Zika Virus

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer S. Read
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Cranial Morphology ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Neurological Sequelae ◽  
Infant Outcomes ◽  
Congenital Zika Syndrome ◽  
Mother To Child ◽  
The Brain

Although generally asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic in the general population, infection with the Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy may lead to severely adverse fetal and infant outcomes, including the congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Characteristics of this syndrome that are unique to it or are not typically observed with other congenital infections comprise anomalies of the brain and cranial morphology, ocular anomalies, congenital contractures, and neurological sequelae. The full spectrum of outcomes of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of ZIKV appears to be large, ranging from asymptomatic infection at birth, with possible later manifestation of significant abnormalities, to obvious and severe abnormalities in the fetus and infant. Although our understanding of pathogenesis, rates, and manifestations of CZS has improved rapidly and dramatically, much remains unknown or poorly understood regarding this potentially devastating congenital infection. Because of this, a broad research agenda regarding ZIKV is being implemented.

scholarly journals TOKSOPLASMOSIS OKULAR KONGENITAL

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-139
Author(s):  
Saiful Basri
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Clinical Manifestation ◽  
Early Treatment ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
Ocular Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Infectious Process ◽  
Serologic Testing

Abstrak. Infeksi toksoplasmosis pada ibu dalam masa kehamilan dapat menyebabkan infeksi kongenital terhadap janin yang akan mengakibatkan  kebutaan pada waktu bayi. Diperkirakan 0,5%-1% wanita hamil di dunia berpotensi terinfeksi kuman Toksoplasma gondii. Manifestasi klinis  pada toksoplasmosis okular kongenital adalah retinokoroiditis, paling banyak terletak di polus posterior. Diagnosis tokosoplasmosis okular kongenital ditegakkan dari hasil pemeriksaan klinis dengan pemeriksaan funduskopi dan serologi anak sekaligus dengan ibunya. Pada 75% bayi dengan infeksi congenital akan menunjukkan titer IgM antibodi anti-Toxoplasma yang positif. Penanganan yang lebih cepat akan mencegah pejalaran proses infeksi and kelainan perkembangan pada anak.(JKS 2017; 2: 139-149)Kata kunci : toksoplasmosis okular congenital, Toksoplasma gondii, retinokoroiditisAbstract. Toxoplasmosis infection during pregnancy can cause congenital infection and manifest as blindness in the infant. Worldwide, about 0,5%-1% of pregnant women become contaminated by Toxoplasma gondii. Clinical manifestation of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis is retinochoroiditis, mostly at posterior pole.The diagnosis of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis is established clinically by funduscopy examination and serologic testing of neonate together with his/her mother. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies of the IgM are found in 75% of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis. Early treatment may prevent the futher progress of the of the infectious process and the development disorders in children. (JKS 2017; 2: 139-149)Keywords : congenital ocular toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii, retinochoroiditis,

scholarly journals FETAL INFECTION IN CHICKENPOX AND ALASTRIM, WITH HISTOPATHOLOGIC STUDY OF THE PLACENTA

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1963 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 895-901
Author(s):  
Aparecida G. P. Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Cellular Debris ◽  
Decidual Cells ◽  
Fetal Infection ◽  
Granulomatous Lesions ◽  
Extensive Calcification ◽  
Calcium Deposits ◽  
The Brain

Four cases of congenital viral disease are presented. Two cases were of chickenpox (a 2-day old infant and a macerated abortion) and two were of so-called alastrim, which is probably mitigated smallpox (macerated abortions). In all of them one special type of lesion was present: focal, irregularly sized areas of necrosis, with calcium deposits in the central part, sharply demarcated from the surrounding normal parenchyma and accompanied by slight or absent peripheral inflammatory reaction . In Case 1 (an infant who lived 2 days) such lesions were disseminated to all the viscera, especially the brain; the microscopic aspect was like that of congenital toxoplasmosis, and the microscopic examination revealed an essentially necrotizing inflammatory process with extensive calcification and glial reaction. The placenta, examined in two cases of alastrim and one of chickenpox, exhibited similar lesions both on gross and microscopic examination. On the surface and on the cut section there were numerous minute, irregularly spread yellowish areas. The histology showed the presence of tuberculoid-type granulomatous lesions in the villi and extensive areas of necrosis, the intervillous space being occupied by necrotic material and cellular debris. In one of the cases of alastrim (Case 3), there was predominance of the granulomatous lesions; in the other (Case 4), necrosis predominated; in Case 2, of chickenpox, beside the granulomatous lesions, there was extensive necrosis. In the decidual cells there were characteristic inclusions of both the virus diseases. Such placental lesions apparently have not previously been described.

scholarly journals A Novel Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 Inhibitor Potently Prevents Toxoplasma gondii Transmission to Foetuses in Mouse

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 4203
Author(s):  
Héloïse Débare ◽  
Nathalie Moiré ◽  
Firmin Baron ◽  
Louis Lantier ◽  
Bruno Héraut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Intraperitoneal Administration ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Parasite Burden ◽  
Oral Route ◽  
Dependent Protein Kinase ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase

Treatments currently used to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis are non-specific of Toxoplasma gondii and have grievous side effects. To develop a more specific and less toxic drug, we have designed SP230, an imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine salt targeting the Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (TgCDPK1) and active against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. Efficiency of SP230 to inhibit foetal transmission of the parasite was evaluated in a mouse model of congenital toxoplasmosis. Swiss mice were infected at mid-pregnancy with tachyzoites or cysts of the ME49 strain of T. gondii by intraperitoneal and oral route, respectively, and treated with SP230 at 50 mg/kg for 5 days by the same routes. Parasite burden in organs of dams and in foetuses was measured by quantitative PCR. Intraperitoneal administration of SP230 drastically reduced the number of parasites (more than 97% of reduction) in the brain and lungs of dams, and led to a reduction of 66% of parasite burden in foetuses. Oral administration of SP230 was particularly efficient with 97% of reduction of parasite burdens in foetuses. SP230 did not impact number and weight of offspring in our conditions. This inhibitor of TgCDPK1 is a promising candidate for the development of alternative therapeutics to treat infected pregnant women.

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