Increased Risk of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Eastern China: Seroprevalence, Risk Factors, and a Case–Control Study

The aim of this study was to explore the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in eastern China. Therefore, 287 primary CRC patients and 287 age-matched healthy control subjects were recruited to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii and identify the risk factors of infection. Enzyme-linked immunoassays were used to test for anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies. Forty-six (16%) samples were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in patients with CRC, compared with 26 (9.1%) in the healthy controls, a significant difference ( P = 0.007 ). By contrast, eight (2.8%) patients tested positive for T. gondii IgM antibodies, compared with three (1.1%) in the controls, a difference that was not significant ( P = 0.13 ). Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that a rural residence (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.15–7.01; P = 0.024 ) and treatment with chemotherapy (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.02–4.57; P = 0.045 ) were risk factors for T. gondii infection in patients with CRC. Thus, T. gondii infection is serious in patients with CRC, and a rural residence and treatment with chemotherapy are independent risk factors for infection by this parasite. Therefore, medical professionals should be aware of this pathogen in patients with CRC, and the causes of T. gondii infection in these patients need to be explored further.

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Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in patients with liver disease in eastern China

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268817001327 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 145 (11) ◽

pp. 2296-2302 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

A. L. TIAN ◽

G. X. LI ◽

H. M. ELSHEIKHA ◽

D. S. GARDNER ◽

X. Y. ZHANG ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Liver Disease ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Eastern China ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Igm Antibodies ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

SUMMARYThe role of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in the pathogenesis of liver disease has recently gained much interest. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in patients with liver disease from three cities in Shandong and Henan provinces, China. A case–control study was conducted from December 2014 to November 2015 and included 1142 patients with liver disease and 1142 healthy controls. Serum samples were collected from all individuals and were examined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. Information on the demographics, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics of the participants was collected from the medical records and by the use of a questionnaire. The prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG was 19·7% in patients with liver disease compared with 12·17% in the controls. Only 13 patients had anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies compared with 12 control individuals (1·14% vs. 1·05%, respectively). The highest seroprevalence was detected in patients with liver cancer (22·13%), followed by hepatitis patients (20·86%), liver cirrhosis patients (20·42%), and steatosis patients (20%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that consumption of raw meat (odds ratio (OR) = 1·32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·01–1·71; P = 0·03) and source of drinking water from wells (OR = 1·56; 95% CI 1·08–2·27; P = 0·01) were independent risk factors for T. gondii infection in liver disease patients. These findings indicate that T. gondii infection is more likely to be present in patients with liver disease. Therefore, efforts should be directed toward health education of populations at high risk of T. gondii infection and measures should be taken to protect vulnerable patients with liver disease.

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Seroprevalence and correlates of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dairy cattle in northwest China

Acta Parasitologica ◽

10.1515/ap-2015-0087 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 60 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Qi-Dong Tan ◽

Xiao-Yu Yang ◽

Ming-Yang Yin ◽

Ling-Ying Hu ◽

Si-Yuan Qin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Dairy Cattle ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Northwest China ◽

Gansu Province ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Modified Agglutination Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

AbstractPrevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and risk factors with infection were assessed in dairy cattle from Gansu Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NXHAR), northwest China. In total, 1657 serum samples were collected and assayed by the modified agglutination test. The overall seroprevalence was 4.83% at a 1:100 cut-off, with titers of 1:100 in 72, 1:200 in 4, 1:400 in 4. Among the risk factors examined, no statistically significant difference was observed between T. gondii seroprevalence and regions or age of dairy cattle in the logistic regression analysis (P>0.05) and left out of the final model. However, numbers of pregnancies of dairy cattle was considered as main risk factor associated with T. gondii infection. Dairy cattle in nulliparity group (8.89%) had 6 times (OR=6.31, 95% CI, 2.69-14.83, P<0.001) higher risk of being seropositive compared to dairy cattle in 3 or above 3 pregnancies group (1.52%), followed by 1 pregnancy group (4.27%) had nearly 3 times (OR=2.89, 95% CI, 1.11-7.52, P = 0.03) higher risk of being seropositive compared to dairy cattle in 3 or above 3 pregnancies group, although no statistical difference was found between 2 pregnancies group and 3 or above 3 pregnancies group (P = 0.70). The results of this survey indicated the presence of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in Gansu Province and NXHAR, which enriches the epidemiological data of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in China, and is helpful to strengthen prevention and control of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in these two regions.

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Seroprevalence and the associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in the middle belt of Ghana

10.21203/rs.2.12162/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

DERRICK ADU MENSAH ◽

Linda Batsa Debrah ◽

Clement Evans Aryee ◽

ALEXANDER YAW YAW DEBRAH

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Study Participant ◽

Antibody Concentration ◽

Ashanti Region ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Abstract Background Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii infection is prevalent in up to 90% of the world’s population. Severe infections can be fatal and deforming in neonates. Cats serve as reservoirs for T. gondii infections. Even though many Ghanaians have cats as pets in their homes only few studies have been undertaken to assess the prevalence of the disease in Ghana. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and its associated risk factors among pregnant women seeking antenatal care at the Goaso Municipal Hospital, in Asunafo North District of the Ahafo Region and the St. Michael’s Catholic Mission Hospital in the Bosomtwe District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 266 (146 from Asunafo North District and 120 from Bosomtwe District) pregnant women who consented to participate in the study was undertaken. To gather information on associated risk factors, structured questionnaire was administered to the participants. In addition, 3 mls of venous blood was collected from each participant for anti-T. gondii IgG and anti-T. gondii IgM antibody analyses using ELISA. Results A total of 64.3% (171/266) of the study participant were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG and 26.3% (70/266) were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. This signifies that 64.3% of the study population have been exposed to the infection and 26.3% were actively infected. There were no differences (P=0.383) between the overall T. gondii seroprevalences in the two Districts. There was a significant difference between antibody concentration levels and age in the Bosomtwe District in Ashanti Region. No association (OR<1) was found between the seroprevalences and the suspected risk factors assessed in this study. Conclusion The study showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women visiting the two health facilities in the two Regions was higher compared to the 30%-65% reported as the global population infection status. This study provides baseline data for future studies in the other Districts and Regions in the country to ascertain the overall seroprevalence in Ghana.

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Toxoplasma gondii infection in children with lymphoma in Eastern China: seroprevalence, risk factors and case–control studies

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268819001869 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 147 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yuhe Duan ◽

Yunlai Zhi ◽

Yusheng Liu ◽

Na Zhou ◽

Fujiang Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Eastern China ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

And Gender ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Abstract Epidemiological data for Toxoplasma gondii regarding malignancy have gained increasing attention; however, the information about T. gondii infection among children with malignant lymphoma (ML) in China is unclear. Therefore, 314 children with lymphoma and 314 healthy children, age- and gender-matched, were recruited to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in the participants and identify the risk factors of infection. Blood samples from all participants were collected and examined for T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA. The results showed that the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies (including IgG and/or IgM) in ML patients and healthy controls was 19.8% and 9.9%, respectively. Contact with the cats, consumption of oysters and history of chemotherapy were estimated to be the risk factors for T. gondii infection in children with lymphoma by multivariable logistic regression analysis, whereas in healthy children, contact with cats and consumption of oysters were the risk factors. Moreover, among various histological types of lymphoma, individuals with NK/T-cell lymphoma, B-small lymphocytic lymphoma, marginal zone B-lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma had a higher seroprevalence than healthy controls (P < 0.05). These findings indicated the high prevalence of T. gondii infection in children with lymphoma, and hence, efforts should be performed to evaluate the effect of the infection further in lymphoma patients.

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Risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in dairy cattle, state of Rio de Janeiro

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2011000400003 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 287-290 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

G.R. Albuquerque ◽

A.D. Munhoz ◽

M. Teixeira ◽

W. Flausino ◽

S.M. Medeiros ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Rio De Janeiro ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Blood Collection ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses throughout the world. Infection in man and animals varies in different geographical areas influenced by many environmental conditions. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle in Brazil ranges from 1.03 to 71%. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 58 out of 453 farms in the South Fluminense Paraiba Valley, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Over 3-year-old cattle (n=589) from dairy herds were selected for blood collection and detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IFA) with initial titration of 1:16; titers > 64 were considered positive. Univariate analysis of risk factors showed that cats in contact with cattle, cats in contact with drinking water, and number of cats were associated with T. gondii seroprevalence. Logistic regression revealed a two-fold increased risk for infection of cattle (p=0.0138) through larger number of cats (>3) compared with low numbers of cats (1-2) on the farm. In contrast, the presence of chickens was considered a protective factor (p=0.025).

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Association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and history of blood transfusion: a case-control seroprevalence study

Journal of International Medical Research ◽

10.1177/0300060518757928 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 46 (4) ◽

pp. 1626-1633 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel ◽

Luis Francisco Sánchez-Anguiano ◽

Jesús Hernández-Tinoco ◽

Agar Ramos-Nevarez ◽

Sergio Estrada-Martínez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Blood Transfusion ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Igm Antibodies ◽

Significant Difference ◽

History Of ◽

The Difference ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽

Antibody Levels ◽

Positive Controls

Objectives This study was performed to determine the association between seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii and a history of blood transfusion. Methods Patients who had undergone blood transfusion (n = 410) and age- and sex-matched controls who had not undergone blood transfusion (n = 1230) were examined for anti- T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassays. Results Anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 57 (13.9%) patients and in 129 (10.5%) controls with a borderline difference [odds ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.98–1.92]. High anti- T. gondii IgG antibody levels (>150 IU/mL) were found in 27 (47.4%) of the 57 anti- T. gondii IgG-positive patients and in 37 (28.7%) of the 129 anti- T. gondii IgG positive controls with a significant difference (OR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.17–4.26). Anti- T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in 13 (22.8%) of the 57 seropositive patients and in 37 (28.7%) of the 129 seropositive controls, but the difference was not significant (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.35–1.52). Seroprevalence was significantly higher in patients aged >50 years than in controls of the same age and in female patients than in female controls. Conclusions These findings indicate that a history of blood transfusion is a risk factor for T. gondii infection.

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Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Farmed Minks (Neovison vison) in Northeastern and Eastern China

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases ◽

10.1089/vbz.2015.1930 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. 485-488 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Wen-Bin Zheng ◽

Wei Cong ◽

Qing-Feng Meng ◽

Jian-Gang Ma ◽

Chun-Feng Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Eastern China ◽

Neovison Vison ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

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Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and risk factors for infection in pigs raised and slaughtered in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2017000600006 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 570-576 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Fabielle Marques-Santos ◽

Maria Regina R. Amendoeira ◽

Kênia F. Carrijo ◽

João Paulo A.F. Santos ◽

Igor F. Arruda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Minas Gerais ◽

Animal Origin ◽

Management Problem ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Minas Gerais State ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽

Immunofluorescence Antibody Test

ABSTRACT: The Triângulo Mineiro region from Minas Gerais state, is an important meat-exporting region of Brazil and data about Toxoplasma gondii infection in pigs raised and slaughtered in this area are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of T. gondii in swine and establish the risk factors associated with the infection. Samples were collected from 600 pigs raised under intensive system in farms located at three different counties (Carmo do Paranaíba, Patrocínio and Perdizes). The samples were submitted to indirect hemagglutination antibody test with dilution of 1:32 and to indirect immunofluorescence antibody test with a cutoff of 1:64. The occurrence of positive pig was 3.3% (n=20) and 51.8% (n=311) respectively. A significant difference was observed between toxoplasmatic infection and factors such as lineage, animal origin, size of the farm, collective raising with others species, presence of rodents and type of water offered (p≤0.05). There was no difference between gender and the farm goals. The results demonstrated an occurrence of anti-T.gondii antibodies higher than expected for intensive pig raising system on the studied area, which could indicate a possible sanitary management problem on the studied proprieties. Improvements on the raising techniques are necessary to reduce T. gondii infection sources.

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Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in children with leukemia in Shandong Province, Eastern China: a case—control prospective study

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.6604 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. e6604 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Na Zhou ◽

Haiyang Fu ◽

Zhongjun Wang ◽

Hailei Shi ◽

Yang Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Blood Transfusion ◽

Eastern China ◽

Case Control ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Healthy Children ◽

Igm Antibodies ◽

Control Subjects ◽

History Of

Limited information is available concerning the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in children with leukemia in Eastern China. Therefore, a case-control study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in this patient group and to identify risk factors and possible routes of infection. Serum samples were collected from 339 children with leukemia and 339 age matched health control subjects in Qingdao from September 2014 to March 2018. Enzyme linked immunoassays were used to screen anti- T. gondii IgG and anti- T. gondii IgM antibodies. Forty-eight (14.2%) children with leukemia and 31 (9.1%) control subjects were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies (P < 0.05), while 13 (3.8%) patients and 14 (4.1%) controls were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies (P = 0.84). Multivariate analysis showed exposure to soil and a history of blood transfusion were risk factors for T. gondii infection. Compared with IgG, patients with a history of blood transfusion were more likely to present anti- T. gondii IgM (P = 0.003). Moreover, patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia had higher T. gondii seroprevalence in comparison to control subjects (P = 0.002 and P = 0.016, respectively). The results indicated that the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in children with leukemia is higher than that of healthy children in Eastern China. This information may be used to guide future research and clinical management, and further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of T. gondii in children with leukemia.

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Correlation between Potential Risk Factors and Pulmonary Embolism in Sarcoidosis Patients Timely Treated

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10112462 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 2462

Author(s):

Barbara Ruaro ◽

Paola Confalonieri ◽

Mario Santagiuliana ◽

Barbara Wade ◽

Elisa Baratella ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Smoking Habit ◽

Age At Diagnosis ◽

Antiphospholipid Antibody ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Antibody Positivity ◽

Potential Risk Factors

Background. Some studies with inconclusive results have reported a link between sarcoidosis and an increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). This study aimed at assessing a possible correlation between potential risk factors and PE in sarcoidosis patients. Methods. A total of 256 sarcoidosis patients (84 males and 172 females; mean age at diagnosis 49 ± 13) were enrolled after giving written informed consent. Clinical evaluations, laboratory and radiology tests were performed to evaluate the presence of pulmonary embolism. Results. Fifteen sarcoidosis patients with PE (4 males and 11 females; mean age at diagnosis 50 ± 11), diagnosed by lung scintigraphy and 241 sarcoidosis patients without PE (80 males and 161 females; mean age at diagnosis 47 ± 13), were observed. There was a statistically significant increase of the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the sarcoidosis group with pulmonary embolism. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as to smoking habit, obesity or hereditary thrombophilia frequency (p > 0.05, respectively). Conclusions. This study demonstrates a significant correlation between the presence of antiphospholipid antibody positivity and the pulmonary embolism events in our sarcoidosis patients. Furthermore, we propose screening for these antibodies and monitoring, aimed at timely treatment.

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