An updated meta-analysis of the association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and risk of epilepsy

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a neurotropic pathogen with worldwide distribution. To evaluate the association between Toxoplasma infection and the risk of epilepsy by meta-analysis, observational peer-reviewed studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar (up to 10 October 2018) and by reference review. Pooled risk estimates were calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane’s Q-test and I2. In total, 16 eligible studies involving 19 data sets were included for the final analysis. A total 7897 participants (3771 epileptic patients, 4026 healthy controls) were included. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for Toxoplasma infection was increased to 1.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37 to 2.16) among patients with epilepsy. There was moderate heterogeneity among the studies (χ2=39.8, I2=62.3%, p=0.001). The ORs from subgroup analyses showed that both cryptogenic epilepsy (OR 2.65 [95% CI 1.91 to 3.68]) and active convulsive epilepsy (OR 1.37 [95% CI 1.09 to 1.72]) were significantly associated with Toxoplasma infection. Another subgroup analyses according to age showed a significant positive association in children (OR 1.33), adults (OR 1.57) and in all ages (OR 1.89). Our findings support the association between Toxoplasma infection and epilepsy. More prospective studies with larger sample sizes and more experimental studies are recommended to elucidate a causative relationship.

Download Full-text

Relationship between Surgery under General Anesthesia and the Development of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/3234013 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-22

Author(s):

Je Jin Lee ◽

Geun Joo Choi ◽

Hyun Kang ◽

Chong Wha Baek ◽

Yong Hun Jung ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Anesthesia ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Large Scale ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Positive Association ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Subgroup Analyses

Objective. To investigate the association between exposure to general anesthesia and the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia by reviewing and integrating the evidence from epidemiological studies published to date. Methods. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar to identify all relevant articles up to April 2018 reporting the risk of AD/dementia following exposure to general anesthesia and finally updated in February 2020. We included patients older than 60 or 65 years who had not been diagnosed with dementia or AD before the study period. The overall pooled effect size (ES) was evaluated with a random-effect model. Subgroup analyses were conducted and possibility of publication bias was assessed. Results. A total of 23 studies with 412253 patients were included in our analysis. A statistically significant positive association between exposure to general anesthesia and the occurrence of AD was detected in the overall analysis (pooled ES=1.11, 95%confidence interval=1.07–1.15), but with substantial heterogeneity (pχ2<0.001, I2=79.4). Although the overall analysis revealed a significant association, the results of the subgroup analyses were inconsistent, and the possibility of publication bias was detected. Conclusions. This meta-analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between general anesthesia and AD. However, considering other results, our meta-analysis must be interpreted with caution. Particularly, it should be considered that it was nearly impossible to discriminate the influence of general anesthesia from the effect of surgery itself on the development of AD. Further, large-scale studies devised to reduce the risk of bias are needed to elucidate the evidence of association between general anesthesia and AD. Trial registration. PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews CRD42017073790.

Download Full-text

Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic and wild felids as public health concerns: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-89031-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kareem Hatam-Nahavandi ◽

Rafael Calero-Bernal ◽

Mohammad Taghi Rahimi ◽

Abdol Sattar Pagheh ◽

Mehdi Zarean ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Potential Threat ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Wild Felids ◽

Global Status ◽

The One ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

AbstractFelidae as definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii play a major role in transmission to all warm-blooded animals trough oocysts dissemination. Therefore the current comprehensive study was performed to determine the global status of T. gondii infection in domestic and wild felids aiming to provide comprehensive data of interest for further intervention approaching the One Health perspective. Different databases were searched by utilizing particular key words for publications related to T. gondii infecting domestic and wild feline host species, worldwide, from 1970 to 2020. The review of 337 reports showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii in domestic cats and wild felids was estimated in 37.5% (95% CI 34.7–40.3) (I2 = 98.3%, P < 0.001) and 64% (95% CI 60–67.9) (I2 = 88%, P < 0.0001), respectively. The global pooled prevalence of oocysts in the fecal examined specimens from domestic cats was estimated in 2.6% (95% CI 1.9–3.3) (I2 = 96.1%, P < 0.0001), and that in fecal samples from wild felids was estimated in 2.4% (95% CI 1.1–4.2) (I2 = 86.4%, P < 0.0001). In addition, from 13,252 examined soil samples in 14 reviewed studies, the pooled occurrence of T. gondii oocysts was determined in 16.2% (95% CI 7.66–27.03%). The observed high rates of anti-T. gondii antibodies seroprevalence levels and oocyst excretion frequency in the felids, along with soil (environmental) contamination with oocysts may constitute a potential threat to animal and public health, and data will result of interest in further prophylaxis programs.

Download Full-text

Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Schizophrenia Bulletin Open ◽

10.1093/schizbullopen/sgaa042 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Arjen L Sutterland ◽

David A Mounir ◽

Juul J Ribbens ◽

Bouke Kuiper ◽

Tom van Gool ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Publication Bias ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Negative Symptoms ◽

Age Of Onset ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effects Models ◽

Duration Of Illness ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Abstract Schizophrenia is associated with an increased prevalence of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii seropositivity), whereby the infection seems to precede the disorder. However, it remains unclear whether a T. gondii infection affects clinical characteristics of schizophrenia. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines examining the association between T. gondii seropositivity and severity of total, positive, or negative symptoms or age of onset in schizophrenia. PubMed, Embase, and PsycInfo were systematically searched up to June 23, 2019 (PROSPERO #CRD42018087766). Random-effects models were used for analysis. Furthermore, the influence of potential moderators was analyzed. Indications for publication bias were examined. From a total of 934 reports, 13 studies were included. No overall effect on severity of total, positive, or negative symptoms was found. However, in patients with a shorter duration of illness T. gondii seropositivity was associated with more severe positive symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.32; P < .001). Similar but smaller effects were seen for total symptoms, while it was absent for negative symptoms. Additionally, a significantly higher age of onset was found in those with T. gondii seropositivity (1.8 y, P = .015), although this last finding was probably influenced by publication bias and study quality. Taken together, these findings indicate that T. gondii infection has a modest effect on the severity of positive and total symptoms in schizophrenia among those in the early stages of the disorder. This supports the hypothesis that T. gondii infection is causally related to schizophrenia, although more research remains necessary.

Download Full-text

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Microbial Pathogenesis ◽

10.1016/j.micpath.2019.01.040 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 129 ◽

pp. 30-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Davood Anvari ◽

Mehdi Sharif ◽

Shahabeddin Sarvi ◽

Sargis A. Aghayan ◽

Shirzad Gholami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Download Full-text

Prevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in certified and non-certified pig breeding farms in the Toledo microregion, PR, Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612010000300005 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 152-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Piassa Franciele Rossandra ◽

Jacqueline Baptista de Araújo ◽

Ronaldo César da Rosa ◽

Rodrigo José Mattei ◽

Rodrigo Costa da Silva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Human Infection ◽

Control Measures ◽

Rodent Control ◽

Reproductive Disorders ◽

Toxoplasma Infection ◽

Pork Products ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽

Breeding Farms

Toxoplasma gondii infection has been diagnosed in pigs all over the world. Economical losses are generally related to reproductive disorders. Toxoplasma infection is also a matter of public health because tissue cysts of the parasite may remain in pork and pork products, and become sources of human infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma infection in certified and non-certified pig breeding farms in the Toledo microregion, in the State of Paraná, Brazil which includes the cities of Toledo, Nova Santa Rosa, Sao José das Palmeiras and Sao Pedro do Iguaçu. Relative frequency of infection was 13.4%, independently of the type of farm. Logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were associated with infection: absence of workers exclusive for each area of the farm, access of other animals to feeders and drinkers, lack of lids in drinkers, lack of rodent control measures, mean piglet number and weight at weaning per female.

Download Full-text

History of kidney stones and risk of chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.2907 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. e2907 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Weifeng Shang ◽

Lixi Li ◽

Yali Ren ◽

Qiangqiang Ge ◽

Ming Ku ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Kidney Stones ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Positive Association ◽

Significant Heterogeneity ◽

Adjusted Risk ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Subgroup Analyses ◽

History Of

Background Although the relationship between a history of kidney stones and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been explored in many studies, it is still far from being well understood. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies comparing rates of CKD in patients with a history of kidney stones. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and the reference lists of relevant articles were searched to identify observational studies related to the topic. A random-effects model was used to combine the study-specific risk estimates. We explored the potential heterogeneity by subgroup analyses and meta-regression analyses. Results Seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results suggested that a history of kidney stones was associated with an increased adjusted risk estimate for CKD [risk ratio (RR), 1.47 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.23–1.76])], with significant heterogeneity among these studies (I2 = 93.6%, P < 0.001). The observed positive association was observed in most of the subgroup analyses, whereas the association was not significant among studies from Asian countries, the mean age ≥50 years and male patients. Conclusion A history of kidney stones is associated with increased risk of CKD. Future investigations are encouraged to reveal the underlying mechanisms in the connection between kidney stones and CKD, which may point the way to more effective preventive and therapeutic measures.

Download Full-text

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in chickens in China during 1993–2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Parasitology Research ◽

10.1007/s00436-021-07334-1 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Lan-Bi Nie ◽

Qing-Long Gong ◽

Qi Wang ◽

Rui Zhang ◽

Jun-Feng Shi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Download Full-text

Baseline surgical status and short-term mortality after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for post-cardiotomy shock: a meta-analysis

Perfusion ◽

10.1177/0267659119865122 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 246-254

Author(s):

Mariusz Kowalewski ◽

Giuseppe Raffa ◽

Kamil Zieliński ◽

Paolo Meani ◽

Musab Alanazi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽

Cardiogenic Shock ◽

Life Support ◽

Extracorporeal Life Support ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Positive Association ◽

Neurological Complications ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Membrane Oxygenation ◽

Baseline Status

Objective: While reported mortality rates on post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation vary from center to center, impact of baseline surgical status (elective/urgent/emergency/salvage) on mortality is still unknown. Methods: A systematic search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement using PubMed/Medline databases until March 2018 using the keywords “postcardiotomy,” “cardiogenic shock,” “extracorporeal membrane oxygenation,” and “extracorporeal life support.” Relevant articles were scrutinized and included in the meta-analysis only if reporting in-hospital/30-day mortality and baseline surgical status. The correlations between mortality and percentage of elective/urgent/emergency cases were investigated. Inference analysis of baseline status and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation complications was conducted as well. Results: Twenty-two studies (conducted between 1993 and 2017) enrolling N = 2,235 post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients were found. Patients were mostly of non-emergency status (65.2%). Overall in-hospital/30-day mortality event rate (95% confidence intervals) was 66.7% (63.3-69.9%). There were no differences in in-hospital/30-day mortality with respect to baseline surgical status in the subgroup analysis (test for subgroup differences; p = 0.406). Similarly, no differences between mortality in studies enrolling <50 versus ⩾50% of emergency/salvage cases was found: respective event rates were 66.9% (63.1-70.4%) versus 64.4% (57.3-70.8%); p = 0.525. Yet, there was a significant positive association between increasing percentage of emergency/salvage cases and rates of neurological complications (p < 0.001), limb complications (p < 0.001), and bleeding (p = 0.051). Incidence of brain death (p = 0.099) and sepsis (p = 0.134) was increased as well. Conclusion: Other factors than baseline surgical status may, to a higher degree, influence the mortality in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Baseline status, however, strongly influences the complication occurrence while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Download Full-text