scholarly journals Prevalence of toxoplasmosis in semi-domesticated and pet cats within and around Bangkok, Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tawin Inpankaew ◽  
Panpicha Sattasathuchana ◽  
Chanya Kengradomkij ◽  
Naris Thengchaisri
Keyword(s):  
Inner City ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
City Region ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Parasitic Zoonoses ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Health Regulations ◽  
Antibody Tests ◽  
Indirect Fluorescence Antibody

Abstract Background Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses worldwide. Cats become infected after ingesting infected tissue cysts. The objective of the present study was to compare the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pet cats and semi-domesticated cats in the Bangkok metropolitan region. A survey of Toxoplasma infection was conducted in 260 cats (median age [range]: 3 years [10 months–10 years]; 155 females and 105 males) by collecting blood samples from 130 client-owned pet cats and 130 semi-domesticated cats within and around Bangkok during 2016–2017 using indirect fluorescence antibody tests. An IgG antibody to Toxoplasma antigen ratio of ≥1:100 was considered positive for Toxoplasma infection. Results The overall prevalence of T. gondii in cats was 6.5% (17/260). The prevalence of T. gondii in semi-domesticated cats and pet cats was 11.5 and 1.5%, respectively. Semi-domesticated cats aged 1–5 years (14.9%) had a higher prevalence of infection than domesticated cats (1.3%, p = 0.002) of the same age. The odds (95% confidence interval [CI]) of having T. gondii infection in semi-domesticated cats were 8.34 (1.86–76.29, p = 0.0017) times higher than in pet cats. Interestingly, there was an association between T. gondii infection according to city ​region (p = 0.002). The odds (95% CI) of having T. gondii infection in cats living in the inner city were 4.96 (1.03–47.16, p = 0.023) times higher than cats living in the suburb and the vicinity. Conclusions The present study identified a higher prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in semi-domesticated cats compared with pet cats. The semi-domesticated cats could serve as a zoonotic reservoir. Public health regulations should be implemented to prevent toxoplasmosis spread.

scholarly journals Longitudinal analysis of antibody decay in convalescent COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiming Xia ◽  
Mingfei Li ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Lewis E. Kazis ◽  
Kim Berlo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Mixed Linear Model ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Response Capacity ◽  
Index Level ◽  
Abbott Architect

AbstractDetermining the sustainability of antibodies targeting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential for predicting immune response against the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To quantify the antibody decay rates among the varying levels of anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in convalescent COVID-19 patients and estimate the length of time they maintained SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies, we have collected longitudinal blood samples from 943 patients over the course of seven months after their initial detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus by RT-PCR. Anti-N IgG levels were then quantified in these blood samples. The primary study outcome was the comparison of antibody decay rates from convalescent patients with high or low initial levels of antibodies using a mixed linear model. Additional measures include the length of time that patients maintain sustainable levels of anti-N IgG. Antibody quantification of blood samples donated by the same subject multiple times shows a gradual decrease of IgG levels to the cutoff index level of 1.4 signal/cut-off (S/C) on the Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG test. In addition, this study shows that antibody reduction rate is dependent on initial IgG levels, and patients with initial IgG levels above 3 S/C show a significant 1.68-fold faster reduction rate compared to those with initial IgG levels below 3 S/C. For a majority of the donors naturally occurring anti-N antibodies were detected above the threshold for only four months after infection with SARS-CoV-2. This study is clinically important for the prediction of immune response capacity in COVID-19 patients.

Nasalance Levels in the Speech of Normal Australian Children

1998 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Van Doorn ◽  
Alison Purcell
Keyword(s):  
Cleft Palate ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Age Dependence ◽  
Normal Limits ◽  
Reference Information ◽  
Regional Dialect ◽  
Australian English ◽  
Gender Dependence ◽  
Age Range

Objective Nasalance scores have been shown to depend on the regional dialect of English spoken. Australian cleft palate clinics are increasingly making use of the Nasometer as part of their evaluation of velopharyngeal inadequacy. There are, however, no normative data for Australian English available as reference information. The objective of this study, therefore, was to obtain comprehensive nasalance data for a large group of Australian children, aged 4 to 9 years, for two standard nasalance passages (Zoo Passage and Nasal Sentences) and to investigate any gender or age differences within that age range. Participants The participants were 245 children (123 female, 122 male) ranging in age from 4 years, 0 months, to 9 years, 3 months. The children were recruited from a variety of schools and preschools across the Sydney metropolitan region. The children all spoke Australian English, and their hearing, articulation skills, and speech resonance were within normal limits. Method Mean nasalance scores were obtained for two speech passages that are used as standards for Nasometer testing (Zoo Passage and Nasal Sentences). In addition, the nasalance data were analyzed for any gender and age dependence, using separate analyses of variance for each speech passage. Five consecutive age groups were used to examine age dependence (4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old children). Results A mean score of 13.1 (SD, 5.9) was obtained for the Zoo Passage, and a mean of 59.6 (SD, 8.1) for the Nasal Sentences. The analysis of variance results indicated that, at a probability level of p < 0.01, there was no statistically significant age or gender dependence for either speech passage. Conclusion These normative nasalance data for children who speak Australian English will provide important reference information for clinicians who assess nasality disorders in cleft palate clinics in Australia.

scholarly journals Molecular Analysis of Canine Filaria and Its Wolbachia Endosymbionts in Domestic Dogs Collected from Two Animal University Hospitals in Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand

Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hathaithip Satjawongvanit ◽  
Atchara Phumee ◽  
Sonthaya Tiawsirisup ◽  
Sivapong Sungpradit ◽  
Narisa Brownell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Detection ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
World Health ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Filarial Nematodes

Canine filariasis is caused by several nematode species, such as Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Brugia pahangi, Brugia malayi, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum. Zoonotic filariasis is one of the world’s neglected tropical diseases. Since 2000, the World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted a global filarial eradication program to eliminate filariasis by 2020. Apart from vector control strategies, the infection control of reservoir hosts is necessary for more effective filariasis control. In addition, many studies have reported that Wolbachia is necessary for the development, reproduction, and survival of the filarial nematode. Consequently, the use of antibiotics to kill Wolbachia in nematodes has now become an alternative strategy to control filariasis. Previously, a case of subconjunctival dirofilariasis caused by Dirofilaria spp. has been reported in a woman who resides in the center of Bangkok, Thailand. Therefore, our study aimed to principally demonstrate the presence of filarial nematodes and Wolbachia bacteria in blood collected from domestic dogs from the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand. A total of 57 blood samples from dogs with suspected dirofilariasis who had visited veterinary clinics in Bangkok were collected. The investigations for the presence of microfilaria were carried out by using both microscopic and molecular examinations. PCR was used as the molecular detection method for the filarial nematodes based on the COI and ITS1 regions. The demonstration of Wolbachia was performed using PCR to amplify the FtsZ gene. All positive samples by PCR were then cloned and sequenced. The results showed that the filarial nematodes were detected in 16 samples (28.07%) using microscopic examinations. The molecular detection of filarial species using COI-PCR revealed that 50 samples (87.72%) were positive; these consisted of 33 (57.89%), 13 (22.81%), and 4 (7.02%) samples for D. immitis, B. pahangi, and B. malayi, respectively. While the ITS1-PCR showed that 41 samples (71.93%) were positive—30 samples (52.63%) were identified as containing D. immitis and 11 samples (19.30%) were identified to have B. pahangi, whereas B. malayi was not detected. Forty-seven samples (82.45%) were positive for Wolbachia DNA and the phylogenetic tree of all positive Wolbachia was classified into the supergroup C clade. This study has established fundamental data on filariasis associated with Wolbachia infection in domestic dogs in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. An extensive survey of dog blood samples would provide valuable epidemiologic data on potential zoonotic filariasis in Thailand. In addition, this information could be used for the future development of more effective prevention and control strategies for canine filariasis in Thailand.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Six Commercial Point-of-Care Tests for Diagnosis of Acute Dengue Infections: the Need for Combining NS1 Antigen and IgM/IgG Antibody Detection To Achieve Acceptable Levels of Accuracy

2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 2095-2101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart D. Blacksell ◽  
Richard G. Jarman ◽  
Mark S. Bailey ◽  
Ampai Tanganuchitcharnchai ◽  
Kemajittra Jenjaroen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Dengue Infection ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Antibody Detection ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Igm Antibody ◽  
Ns1 Antigen ◽  
Antibody Tests

ABSTRACTSix assays were evaluated in this study to determine their suitability for the diagnosis of acute dengue infection using samples from 259 Sri Lankan patients with acute fevers (99 confirmed dengue cases and 160 patients with other confirmed acute febrile illnesses): (i) the Merlin dengue fever IgG & IgM combo device (Merlin), (ii) the Standard Diagnostics Dengue Duo nonstructural 1 (NS1) antigen and IgG/IgM combo device (Standard Diagnostics, South Korea), (iii) the Biosynex Immunoquick dengue fever IgG and IgM (Biosynex, France) assay, (iv) the Bio-Rad NS1 antigen strip (Bio-Rad, France), (v) the Panbio Dengue Duo IgG/IgM Cassette (Inverness, Australia), and (vi) the Panbio dengue NS1 antigen strip (Inverness, Australia). The median number of days of fever prior to admission sample collection was 5 days (interquartile range, 3 to 7 days). Sensitivity and specificity of the NS1 antigen tests ranged from 49 to 59% and from 93 to 99%, respectively, and sensitivity and sensitivity of the IgM antibody test ranged from 71 to 80% and from 46 to 90%, respectively. Combining the NS1 antigen and IgM antibody results from the Standard Diagnostics Dengue Duo test gave the best compromise of sensitivity and specificity (93% and 89%, respectively) and provided the best sensitivity in patients presenting at different times after fever onset. The Merlin IgM/IgG antibody tests correctly classified 64% and 86% of the primary and secondary dengue infection cases, respectively, and the Standard Diagnostics IgM/IgG antibody tests correctly classified 71% and 83% of the primary and secondary dengue infection cases, respectively. This study provides strong evidence of the value of combining dengue antigen- and antibody-based test results in the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) format for the acute diagnosis of dengue.

Vitamin E Status and Lipid Profile in Acute Myocardial Infarction

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (Number 2) ◽  
pp. 9-22
Author(s):  
A S El Shwaihde ◽  
A S M Giasuddin ◽  
M M Ziu
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Antioxidant Vitamin ◽  
Plasma Vitamin ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Lipids And Lipoproteins ◽  
Age Range

The presets study was designed to ionic the serum levels of vitamin E and lipids ITCh. Ms. HDL-C. LDL-C) and their relationships in acme myocardial it (AMI) patinas nl a particular geographical area such as Deena, Libya. Patients with AM! Bomber: 33, age range: 34-76 years; sex: 24 males. nine females) who were admitted to corona'', care unit (CCU). Al-Wanda Teaching Hospital, Dents, Libya and 28 normal controls (age range: 34-76 'wars: sew 17 males, II females) were included in the souk daring the period of February to A81, 2000. Blood samples were collected within twenty four hours of AM/ and subjected to routine haematological. biochemical (cardiac enzymes) and special biochemical (vitamin E, investigations. Blood samples from the controls were also subjected to the same investigations. Risk factors parcicularly smoking (Si), hypertension (HMO and diabetes mellitus (DM) were also noted. Semis levels of vitamin E. HOL-C were significantly lower in patients compared to controls, 'Mile serum levels of TCh, TGs and LDL-C were significantly higher hi patients. Significant proportion of the patients had lower plasma vitamin S and HDL-C levels. while serum TCh and LDL-C. but not TGs levels were higher in significant proportion of the patient. Plumb: E kiwis in the subjects and in three sabgroups of patients correlated negatimly nvitb TCh levels. Similar negative correlations in the whole group and subgroups ofpatients were also observed between vitamin E and LDL-C levels. A positive my-elation was observed between To, and LDL-C levels M the subjects as well as in all the subgroups. The data showed that the antioxidant vitamin 5, lipids and lipoproteins are closely associated with each other, and control of one might in ike,. the others. These also stressed the need for the control of both dietary intakes and onus lipids an and TGs) in order to have elevated antioxidants and HDL-C kiwis and lower LDL-C tem(' all of which are beneficial in protecting against AML.

scholarly journals The burden of parvovirus B19 infection in women of childbearing age in England and Wales

2007 ◽  
Vol 135 (8) ◽  
pp. 1354-1362 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. VYSE ◽  
N. J. ANDREWS ◽  
L. M. HESKETH ◽  
R. PEBODY
Keyword(s):  
Parvovirus B19 ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Force Of Infection ◽  
Previous Infection ◽  
Parvovirus B19 Infection ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Made In

SUMMARYA serological survey has been used to investigate the epidemiology of parvovirus B19 infection in England and Wales. A total of 2835 sera representing the complete age range were selected from a convenience collection obtained in 1996 that reflects the general population and screened for parvovirus B19-specific IgG. Antibody prevalence rose nonlinearly with age from 21% in those aged 1–4 years to >75% in adults aged ⩾45 years. Force-of-infection estimates were similar to those previously made in 1991, being highest in those aged <15 years. There was no association between evidence of previous infection and sex or region. Quantitatively strongest antibody responses were found in those aged 15–34 years and IgG levels in females were 28·5% higher than those found in males (P=0·004, 95% CI 8·2–52·6). Applying the upper 95% confidence interval for the force of infection to maternity estimates for England and Wales in 1996, parvovirus infection in pregnancy was estimated to occur on average in up to 1 in every 512 pregnancies each year. This represents 1257 maternal infections, causing up to an estimated 59 fetal deaths and 11 cases of hydrops fetalis annually. An analysis of all available laboratory-confirmed parvovirus infections found a mean of 944 infections per year in women aged 15–44 years highlighting a need for enhanced surveillance of maternal parvovirus B19 infection in England and Wales, including information on both pregnancy and outcome of pregnancy.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Properties of Three SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Tests

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1441
Author(s):  
Suelen Basgalupp ◽  
Giovana dos Santos ◽  
Marina Bessel ◽  
Lara Garcia ◽  
Ana Carolina de Moura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Test ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Antibody Detection ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
High Agreement ◽  
High Level ◽  
Antibody Tests

Serological assays emerged as complementary tools to RT-PCR in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 as well as being needed for epidemiological studies. This study aimed to assess the performance of a rapid test (RT) compared to that of serological tests using finger prick blood samples. A total of 183 samples were evaluated, 88 of which were collected from individuals with negative RT-PCR and 95 from positive RT-PCR individuals. The diagnostic performance of RT (WONDFO®) and LUMIT (PROMEGA®) were compared to that of ELISA (EUROIMMUN®) for detecting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 according to time from symptoms onset. The IgG antibody tests were detected in 77.4% (LUMIT), 77.9% (RT), and 80.0% (ELISA) of individuals. The detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 increases in accordance with increasing time from symptoms onset. Considering only time from symptoms onset >21 days, the positivity rate ranged from 81.8 to 97.0% between the three tests. The RT and LUMIT showed high agreement with ELISA (agreement = 91.5%, k = 0.83, and agreement = 96.3%, k = 0.9, respectively) in individuals who had symptoms 15 to 21 days before sample collection. Compared to that of the ELISA assay, our results show sensitivity ranged from 95% to 100% for IgG antibody detection in individuals with symptoms onset between 15 and 21 days before sample collection. The specificity was 100% in individuals with symptoms onset >15 days before serological tests. This study shows good performance and high level of agreement of three immunoassays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

scholarly journals SERO-PREVALANCE OF ANTI HBSAG AMONG FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS OF DISTRICT PESHAWAR

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-184
Author(s):  
Aftab Khan ◽  
Obaid Ullah ◽  
Shahnaz Attaullah ◽  
Saman Sohail ◽  
Nighat Nisar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
University Students ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Vaccination Schedule ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Hbv Infection ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Hbv Vaccination ◽  
Hbs Ag ◽  
Age Range

Background: Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). This infection can be acute or chronic. HBV infection can be prevented through immunization included in EPI in 2004 in Pakistan. Females are more unsafe and risky group for HBV infection having lots of chances for exposure to blood contact and female can transmit infection vertically to their children. Therefore immunization of females is very important. Methods: The study was carried out among female university students of district Peshawar of age range 20 to 30.A written informed consent was taken from the head of departments of different universities of district Peshawar and from individual responder. Similarly about 200 questionnaires were filled from female University students of the defined age range. The information regarding the demography, HBV vaccination history and family history of HBV infection was gathered. About 3 to 5ml blood samples were collected from all HBV vaccinated and non vaccinated female students for determination of natural or vaccine induced immunity against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag). The collected blood samples were transferred to PHRC centre Khyber medical college for anti HBs Ag test. Data was gathered and analysed by SPSS version 22. Results: This study consists of 200 female university students, among them 163(81.5%) were from urban and 37(18.5%) were from rural area. Out of 200 female students 45(22.5%) were none vaccinated and 131(65.5%) were vaccinated. Only 64(32%) have completed their vaccination course and only 79(60.3%) university students were having positive immunity against HBV (positive HBsAb). Results shows that 5(2.5%) university students have infected persons in their families, and only 2(40%) infected families were HBV vaccinated. Conclusion: This study provided low HBV vaccination status and antibody sero-prevalence in spite of HBV vaccination. Schedule vaccination need full attention. HBsAb test should be done after every 5-10 years of HBV vaccination to ensure a booster dose vaccine.

scholarly journals Association between Neospora caninum seropositivity and reproductive disorders in girolando cows

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 2069-2076
Author(s):  
V.G. Gaia ◽  
G.F. Grillo ◽  
M.R.B. Mello ◽  
H.B. Palhano ◽  
A.F. Silva
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test ◽  
Reproductive Disorders ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Clinical Observations ◽  
Indirect Fluorescence Antibody

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in Girolando cows, in order to evaluate the association between seropositivity and reproductive disorders. Blood samples were collected from 40 dairy cows in their reproductive phase from the cranial superficial epigastric vein. The blood samples were tested using the Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) to detect anti-N.caninum antibodies. The serological results were used to verify whether there was any association with the manifestation of reproductive disorders based on data from the records of reproductive history from 2017 to 2018 as well as the clinical observations of the herd throughout this study. The Fisher exact test was used to verify the existence of an association between the serology and reproductive disorders, adopting a 95% confidence level. The serological results showed a 27.5% seroprevalence in the herd for N. caninum, however, after statistical analysis, no association between seropositivity and reproductive disorders was found in the evaluated herd. Although the studied population is infected with Neospora caninum, we can infer that anti-Neospora caninum antibodies present in Girolando dairy cows at the UFRRJ Dairy Cattle Facility are not associated with the occurrence of reproductive disorders.

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