scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii oocyst-driven infection in pigs, chickens and humans in northeastern China

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Yi Liu ◽  
Ze-Dong Wang ◽  
Saeed El-Ashram ◽  
Quan Liu
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Specific Protein ◽  
Dense Granule ◽  
Northeastern China ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Low Prevalence

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasite, can infect almost all warm-blooded animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate T. gondii oocyst-driven infection in pigs, chickens and humans in Jilin province, northeastern China. Results The serum samples of pigs, chickens and humans were sampled and tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using dense granule antigen GRA7, oocyst-specific protein OWP8, and sporozoite-specific protein CCp5A, respectively. Results showed a prevalence of 16.7% by GRA7-ELISA, and 12.2% by OWP8- and CCp5A-ELISA in pigs; 10.4% by GRA7-ELISA, 13.5% by OWP8-ELISA, and 9.4% by CCp5A-ELISA in chickens; and 14.2% by GRA7-ELISA, 3.6% by OWP8-ELISA, and 3.0% by CCp5A-ELISA in humans. No significant differences were observed between T. gondii seroprevalence in pigs and chickens among the three antigens-based ELISAs (P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences between T. gondii seroprevalence rates in humans (P < 0.05). These findings demonstrated a low prevalence of T. gondii oocyst-driven infection in humans, a medium prevalence in pigs, and a high prevalence in chickens. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that different oocyst-driven infection rates in different animal species, which would help to design effective strategies to prevent T. gondii transmission. To our knowledge, this is the first study to differentiate T. gondii infective forms in pigs, chickens and humans in China.

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

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.

scholarly journals High Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora Spp. in Donkeys in Israel: Serological Survey and Case Reports

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1921
Author(s):  
Sharon Tirosh-Levy ◽  
Amir Steinman ◽  
Avital Minderigiu ◽  
Ori Arieli ◽  
Igor Savitski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Palestinian Authority ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Animal Shelters ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Coccidian Parasites

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. are closely related cyst-forming coccidian parasites, which infect various animal species and have considerable zoonotic and economic implications, respectively. Both parasites are endemic in Israel and have been reported to infect wild and domestic animals. This study was conceived to evaluate the serologic exposure of donkeys to these parasites. Serum samples were collected from 98 donkeys. Half of them (n = 49) were from animal shelters in Israel, and the rest (n = 49) were working donkeys from the Palestinian Authority. The donkeys were screened for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma and anti-Neospora antibodies by immunofluorescence antibody tests (IFATs). The seroprevalence of T. gondii and Neospora spp. was 94% and 70%, respectively, and 69% of the donkeys were exposed to both parasites. In addition, N. caninum tissue cysts were documented in two donkeys during post-mortem examination. This is the first report of the exposure of donkeys to T. gondii and Neospora spp. in the area. The high prevalence found in this study suggests that donkeys may have a role in the maintenance of these parasites in the area, thus serving as a source of infection for the definitive hosts.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Dustmen in Northeastern China: A Case-Control Seroprevalence Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruo-Lan Jiang ◽  
Quan Zhao ◽  
Jing Jiang ◽  
Xue-Long Chen ◽  
Xiao-Xuan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
First Record ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Northeastern China ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
The Government ◽  
At Home

Background. Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect many hosts including humans. Methods. In order to estimate whether dustmen are more susceptible to T. gondii, a case-control study was conducted containing 332 dustmen from Jilin and Heilongjiang in Northeastern China, as well as 332 general populations from the same regions as control subjects. Serum samples were tested IgG and IgM antibodies to T. gondii using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. The overall anti-T. gondii IgG was 15.06% (50/332) in dustmen compared with 9.64% (32/332) in the controls (P = 0.0337). Also, 5 (1.51%) dustmen had anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies compared with 2 (0.60%) control individuals (P = 0.2543). A significant association was only found between dustmen and level of T. gondii IgG in comparison with the control subjects. Seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG antibodies in male dustmen was significant higher than male control subjects (P = 0.0399). Dustmen from Jilin had the significant higher T. gondii IgG rate (P = 0.0143), in comparison with the control subjects from Jilin. Moreover, dustmen raising cat at home had the significant higher T. gondii IgG rate (P = 0.0097), in comparison with the control subjects. Risk factor analysis suggested that raising cat at home and not having habits of washing hand before eating were mainly related to the T. gondii infection in dustmen. Conclusions. This is the first record of seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in dustmen in Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces in Northeastern China. These findings also suggest that the government departments should pay close attention to the toxoplasmosis in dustmen in Northeastern China.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and Risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii among ‎children in Al-Qadisiyah Province – Iraq.‎

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-31
Author(s):  
Musafer Al-Ardi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Prevalence Rates ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Animal Contact

 Background: Toxoplasmosis is a disease associated with the nature of the population, domestic quality and general health culture. Toxoplasma gondii causes many healthy and psychological problems with the possibility of transmission from the mother to her fetus. The primary objective of this study is to establish a database of infection rates among the governorate's children, with the absence of a database of the parasite prevalence rate among children. Materials and method: Four hundred sixty-three serum samples from children 13 old and under  were collected during the period from 6 Jan. 2019 to 12 Dec. 2019, all of which were examined by ELISA test to detect immunoglobulin IgM and IgG. All results were analyzed by SPSS 20.  Results: The current study referred to high prevalence rates of T. gondii (23.3%), where the ratios of IgM and IgG were (4.1% and 17.9%) respectively. Compared with the present rates of immunoglobulin with gender, age, environment and animal contact. Conclusion:  Our current study registered high prevalence rates among children in Al-Qadisiyah governorate, this result represents a database of researchers and workers of health. It's the first study concerning the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in children in Al-Qadisiyah Province. 

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

2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (11) ◽  
pp. 2296-2302 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Comparison of Immulite with Vidas for Detection of Infection in a Low-Prevalence Population of Pregnant Women in The Netherlands

2001 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 552-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Vlaspolder ◽  
P. Singer ◽  
A. Smit ◽  
R. J. A. Diepersloot
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Relative Sensitivity ◽  
Antenatal Screening ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Discrepancy Analysis ◽  
Low Prevalence

ABSTRACT A comparative evaluation of the Vidas system (bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) and the Immulite System (Diagnostic Products Corporation) was performed using 500 prospectively collected serum samples. As part of a routine antenatal screening program, these samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and rubella virus. The overall agreement between the two assay systems ranged from 98.0 to 99.8%. After discrepancy analysis the outcome in terms of relative sensitivity and specificity varied from 97.5 to 100%.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Recombinant Dense Granule Antigen 7 (GRA7) of Toxoplasma gondii for Detection of Immunoglobulin G Antibodies and Analysis of a Major Antigenic Domain

1999 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dirk Jacobs ◽  
Martine Vercammen ◽  
Eric Saman
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Immunoglobulin G ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Dense Granule ◽  
Leader Peptide ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Human Sera ◽  
Antigenic Domain

ABSTRACT Dense granule protein 7 (GRA7) of Toxoplasma gondii was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein. The leader peptide contained a 25-amino-acid mouse tumor necrosis factor fragment and six histidyl residues. After purification by metal chelate affinity chromatography, the antigen was evaluated in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG). For two sets of IgG-positive human serum samples, obtained from routine screening, an overall sensitivity of 81% was obtained. For chronic-phase sera, the sensitivity of detection was 79%, but chronic-phase sera with low titers were more difficult to detect (65% sensitivity for sera with immunofluorescence titer of 1/64). When GRA7 was combined with Tg34AR (rhoptry protein 2 C-terminal fragment), the sensitivity rose to 96%. For a set of acute-phase serum samples tested on GRA7, the sensitivity of detection was 94%, and high-titer IgM-positive sera were detected at an especially high rate. In contrast, when Tg34AR was used, the sensitivity was only 85% for this latter set of serum samples. Three truncated GRA7 fragments containing the same leader peptide as that of recombinant GRA7 were produced. The shortest fragment (97 N-terminal amino acids) was not reactive with human sera or with a specific anti-GRA7 monoclonal antibody, while the two larger fragments were reactive. The most important antigenic domain of GRA7 for human sera was localized between residues 97 and 146. The epitope for the specific monoclonal antibody could be further narrowed down by the use of synthetic peptides, but this epitope is not recognized by sera from T. gondii-infected humans. These results indicate that GRA7 may be considered as an additional tool for studying the immune response to T. gondii.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep in Inner Mongolia Province, China

Parasite ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinlei Yan ◽  
Wenying Han ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
Hongbo Zhang ◽  
Zhihui Gao
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Inner Mongolia ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Zoonotic Parasite ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽  
Almost All

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans, and infection may result in many adverse effects on animal husbandry production. Animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia is well developed, but data on T. gondii infection in sheep are lacking. In this study, we determined the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. A total of 1853 serum samples were collected from 29 counties of Xilin Gol League (n = 624), Hohhot City (n = 225), Ordos City (n = 158), Wulanchabu City (n = 144), Bayan Nur City (n = 114) and Hulunbeir City (n = 588). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 15.43%. Risk factor analysis showed that seroprevalence was higher in sheep ≥12 months of age (21.85%) than that in sheep <12 months of age (10.20%) (p < 0.01). Seroprevalence was higher in male sheep (18.76%) than females (12.80%) (p < 0.01). Barn-feeding sheep (23.13%) had higher prevalence than grazing sheep (10.94%) (p < 0.01). The seroprevalence was significantly different in different districts (p < 0.01). This study shows that sheep are exposed to T. gondii in Inner Mongolia, and provides a data reference for public health and disease control.

scholarly journals Spatial Analysis of Infections by Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum (Protozoa: Apicomplexa) in Small Ruminants in Northern Italy

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 916 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessia Gazzonis ◽  
Luca Villa ◽  
MariaTeresa Manfredi ◽  
Sergio Zanzani
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Caninum Infection ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Low Prevalence

The objectives of this study were: (i) To investigate possible geographical or environmental factors influencing the infections by Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep and goats in northern Italy; (ii) to identify areas at risk of infection to set up preventive measures. Forty-three sheep and goat farms were included. Their locations were plotted and associated with T. gondii and N. caninum seroprevalence, then the distribution of farms’ prevalence was evaluated by spatial analysis. Significant clusters for both low and high prevalence were obtained, and a generalized linear model with ordinal logistic regression was implemented to verify if spatial clustering could be due to climate factors (temperature, rainfall, and their interaction). Clusters of high (80.0%) and low prevalence (28.12%) resulted for T. gondii seroprevalence in sheep farms. No significant clusters resulted for goat farms. Clusters of high (38.68%) and low prevalence (21.23%) resulted for N. caninum seroprevalence in sheep farms. One high-prevalence cluster (15.62%) resulted for goat farms. For goats, spatial analysis and analysis on climatic data showed the absence of environmental significant risk factors associated with T. gondii or N. caninum infection. On the contrary, for sheep, annual temperature, rainfall, and their association affected the risk of T. gondii and N. caninum infection. Particularly, high temperatures and abundant rainfalls were related to T. gondii seroprevalence, while low temperatures and scarce rainfalls were related to N. caninum seroprevalence.

scholarly journals The life-cycle of Toxoplasma gondii reviewed using animations

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Márcia Attias ◽  
Dirceu E. Teixeira ◽  
Marlene Benchimol ◽  
Rossiane C. Vommaro ◽  
Paulo Henrique Crepaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Lytic Cycle ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Unique Cell ◽  
Transmission Pathways ◽  
And Control ◽  
Important Parasite

AbstractToxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an infection with high prevalence worldwide. Most of the infected individuals are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, but T. gondii can cause severe neurologic damage and even death of the fetus when acquired during pregnancy. It is also a serious condition in immunodeficient patients. The life-cycle of T. gondii is complex, with more than one infective form and several transmission pathways. In two animated videos, we describe the main aspects of this cycle, raising questions about poorly or unknown issues of T. gondii biology. Original plates, based on electron microscope observations, are also available for teachers, students and researchers. The main goal of this review is to provide a source of learning on the fundamental aspects of T. gondii biology to students and teachers contributing for better knowledge and control on this important parasite, and unique cell model. In addition, drawings and videos point to still unclear aspects of T. gondii lytic cycle that may stimulate further studies.

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