scholarly journals Outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in humans: five decades of personal experience, perspectives and lessons learned

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitender P. Dubey
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Incubation Period ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Cervical Lymphadenopathy ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Infected Meat

Abstract Background The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has a worldwide distribution and a very wide host range, infecting most warm-blooded hosts. Approximately 30% of humanity is infected with T. gondii, but clinical toxoplasmosis is relatively infrequent. Toxoplasmosis has a wide range of clinical symptoms involving almost all organ systems. In most persons that acquire infection postnatally, symptoms (when present) are mild and mimic other diseases such as flu, Lyme disease, Q fever, hematological alterations, or mumps. It is likely that clinical disease is more common than reported. The ingestion of infected meat or food and water contaminated with oocysts are the two main modes of postnatal transmission of Toxoplasma gondii. The infective dose and the incubation period of T. gondii infection are unknown because there are no human volunteer experiments. Methods Here, I have critically reviewed outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in humans for the past 55 years, 1966–2020. Information from oocyst-acquired versus meat-acquired infections was assessed separately. Results Most outbreaks were from Brazil. There were no apparent differences in types or severity of symptoms in meat- versus oocyst-acquired infections. Fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, myalgia, and fatigue were the most important symptoms, and these symptoms were not age-dependent. The incubation period was 7–30 days. A genetic predisposition to cause eye disease is suspected in the parasites responsible for three outbreaks (in Brazil, Canada, and India). Only a few T. gondii tissue cysts might suffice to cause infection, as indicated by outbreaks affecting some (but not all) individuals sharing a meal of infected meat. Conclusions Whether the high frequency of outbreaks of toxoplasmosis in humans in Brazil is related to environmental contamination, poor hygiene, socioeconomic conditions, or to genotypes of T. gondii needs investigation. Graphic Abstract

scholarly journals Cervical Cat Scratch Disease Lymphadenitis in a Patient with Immunoglobulin M Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii

2002 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 496-498
Author(s):  
Mardjan Arvand ◽  
Ilkay Kazak ◽  
Sergije Jovanovic ◽  
Hans-Dieter Foss ◽  
Oliver Liesenfeld
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Bartonella Henselae ◽  
Cervical Lymphadenopathy ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Cat Scratch Disease ◽  
Specific Immunoglobulin ◽  
Acute Toxoplasmosis

ABSTRACT We report on a young patient with chronic cervical lymphadenopathy and serological and histological evidence for infection with Bartonella henselae and Toxoplasma gondii. Serological follow-up studies, including testing for avidity of Toxoplasma-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies, assisted in the determination of the cause of the acute lymphadenitis. Our results suggest that the clinical symptoms were most likely due to cat scratch disease rather than to acute toxoplasmosis.

scholarly journals Large ongoing Q fever outbreak in the south of The Netherlands, 2008

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (31) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Schimmer ◽  
G Morroy ◽  
F Dijkstra ◽  
P M Schneeberger ◽  
G Weers-Pothoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Q Fever ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
The South ◽  
Chronic Infections ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Adverse Pregnancy

Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii which is common in a wide range of wild and domestic animals. Cattle and small ruminants, in particular sheep and goats, have been associated with large human outbreaks. Humans become infected primarily by inhaling aerosols that are contaminated by C. burnetii. Most infections remain asymptomatic but in about 40% lead to a febrile disease, pneumonia and/or hepatitis. Chronic infections, mainly endocarditis, are observed in 3 to 5% of cases, with an increased risk for pregnant women and persons with heart valve disorders or impaired immunity. Q fever in pregnancy, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, may also result in adverse pregnancy outcomes [1]. Q fever in humans is a notifiable disease in The Netherlands. The notification criteria for a confirmed case of acute Q fever are clinical symptoms consistent with Q fever and a positive serology defined by immunofluoresence assay (IFA) test or a C. burnetii complement fixation test [2]. Also clinical patients diagnosed by PCR are considered as confirmed cases. Between 1997 and 2006, Q fever was notified rarely with an average of 11 (range 5-16) cases annually [3]. In 2007, we reported in this journal the first community outbreak of Q fever in the south of The Netherlands [4].

scholarly journals Association of Blastocystis ST6 with higher protease activity among symptomatic subjects

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Ahmad Karamati ◽  
Hamed Mirjalali ◽  
Maryam Niyyati ◽  
Abbas Yadegar ◽  
Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Line ◽  
Protease Activity ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Intestinal Protozoan ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ht 29

Abstract Background Blastocystis sp. is an anaerobic intestinal protozoan parasite of humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. In the current study the correlation between the cysteine protease activity of clinical samples of Blastocystis sp. ST1–3 and 6 with the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated. Methods Stool samples were collected from subjects with or without clinical symptoms. All samples were cultivated in DMEM medium. The bacteria were eliminated or reduced in Blastocystis sp. positive samples subtypes 1–3 and 6 by a variety of antibiotics and consecutive sub-cultures. To prepare parasite lysate, 1 × 105Blastocystis sp. from each isolate were harvested and lysed using freeze-thaw. Protease activity of each isolate was measured and the gene expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in HT-29 cell line sensed by isolates was investigated using quantitative Real-time PCR. Results Protease activity assay showed inter- and intra-subtype variations among subtypes regarding the presence of symptoms, while the protease activity of symptomatic isolates was higher than asymptomatic isolates. The highest and lowest levels of protease activity were seen in ST6 and ST2, respectively. However, patterns of the expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in HT-29 cell line was different regarding the presence of symptoms and time points. There was no significant correlation between protease activity of different subtypes with the expression levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusions Our study indicated a higher protease activity among isolates from symptomatic compared to asymptomatic subjects, suggesting functional role for proteases in clinical symptoms due to Blastocystis sp. The lack of correlation between the levels of expression of pro-inflammatory biomarkers with subtypes regarding the presence of clinical symptoms proposes the importance of host-related factors in presentation of clinical symptoms.

scholarly journals Serosurvey and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Dogs in Rural Areas of Kazeroun District, Fars Province, Southern Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Zahra Rezaei ◽  
Ali Zeighami ◽  
Reza Shahriarirad ◽  
Amirhossein Erfani ◽  
Mohammad Rastegarian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Fars Province ◽  
Toxoplasma Infection ◽  
Southern Iran ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Age Range

Background. Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite responsible for systemic disease in a wide range of warm-blooded animals. The current study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in dogs, using serological and molecular methods in rural areas in Kazeroun Township, Fars province, southern Iran. Methods. Blood samples were obtained from 60 clinically healthy dogs with an age range of 1 to 7 years in three rural areas of Fars province, southern Iran. Sera and buffy coats were used to assess the T. gondii infection using both modified agglutination test (MAT) and real-time PCR. Results. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 5 out of 60 (8.3%) dogs by the MAT method, and T. gondii DNA was detected in 17 out of 60 (28.3%) studied animals. There was no significant association between sex and seropositivity to Toxoplasma ( p > 0.05 ). Fair agreement ( kappa = 0.27 ) was seen between molecular and serological findings where three dogs with positive serological results had a positive molecular test. Conclusion. Findings of the present study show a relatively high prevalence of T. gondii infection in dogs in rural areas in Fars province, southern Iran. Finding the parasite genotype in dogs deserves further study.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii Modulates the Host Cell Responses: An Overview of Apoptosis Pathways

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nour Mammari ◽  
Mohamad Adnan Halabi ◽  
Souha Yaacoub ◽  
Hilda Chlala ◽  
Marie-Laure Dardé ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Host Cell ◽  
Cell Signalling ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Invasion Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Immunity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Apoptosis Pathways ◽  
Apoptotic Pathways

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii has a major implication in public health. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect all nucleated cells belonging to a wide range of host species. One of the particularities of this parasite is its invasion and persistence in host cells of immunocompetent people. This infection is usually asymptomatic. In immunocompromised patients, the infection is severe and symptomatic. The mechanisms by which T. gondii persists are poorly studied in humans. In mouse models, many aspects of the interaction between the parasite and the host cells are being studied. Apoptosis is one of these mechanisms that could be modulated by Toxoplasma to persist in host cells. Indeed, Toxoplasma has often been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis and viability mechanisms in both human and murine infection models. Several of these studies centered on the regulation of apoptosis pathways have revealed interference of this parasite with host cell immunity, cell signalling, and invasion mechanisms. This review provides an overview of recent studies concerning the effect of Toxoplasma on different apoptotic pathways in infected host cells.

scholarly journals Prevalence and co-infection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Apodemus sylvaticus in an area relatively free of cats

Parasitology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 138 (9) ◽  
pp. 1117-1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. THOMASSON ◽  
E. A. WRIGHT ◽  
J. M. HUGHES ◽  
N. S. DODD ◽  
A. P. COX ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Natural Population ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
Protozoan Parasite ◽  
Apodemus Sylvaticus ◽  
Expected Effect ◽  
Comparable Level ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Related Parasite

SUMMARYThe protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent worldwide and can infect a remarkably wide range of hosts despite felids being the only definitive host. As cats play a major role in transmission to secondary mammalian hosts, the interaction between cats and these hosts should be a major factor determining final prevalence in the secondary host. This study investigates the prevalence of T. gondii in a natural population of Apodemus sylvaticus collected from an area with low cat density (<2·5 cats/km2). A surprisingly high prevalence of 40·78% (95% CI: 34·07%–47·79%) was observed despite this. A comparable level of prevalence was observed in a previously published study using the same approaches where a prevalence of 59% (95% CI: 50·13%–67·87%) was observed in a natural population of Mus domesticus from an area with high cat density (>500 cats/km2). Detection of infected foetuses from pregnant dams in both populations suggests that congenital transmission may enable persistence of infection in the absence of cats. The prevalences of the related parasite, Neospora caninum were found to be low in both populations (A. sylvaticus: 3·39% (95% CI: 0·12%–6·66%); M. domesticus: 3·08% (95% CI: 0·11%–6·05%)). These results suggest that cat density may have a lower than expected effect on final prevalence in these ecosystems.

scholarly journals Nuclear Envelope Integrity in Health and Disease: Consequences on Genome Instability and Inflammation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7281
Author(s):  
Benoit R. Gauthier ◽  
Valentine Comaills
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Envelope ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Genome Instability ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Complex Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
Dna Release ◽  
Sting Pathway ◽  
Eukaryote Genome

The dynamic nature of the nuclear envelope (NE) is often underestimated. The NE protects, regulates, and organizes the eukaryote genome and adapts to epigenetic changes and to its environment. The NE morphology is characterized by a wide range of diversity and abnormality such as invagination and blebbing, and it is a diagnostic factor for pathologies such as cancer. Recently, the micronuclei, a small nucleus that contains a full chromosome or a fragment thereof, has gained much attention. The NE of micronuclei is prone to collapse, leading to DNA release into the cytoplasm with consequences ranging from the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway, an innate immune response, to the creation of chromosomal instability. The discovery of those mechanisms has revolutionized the understanding of some inflammation-related diseases and the origin of complex chromosomal rearrangements, as observed during the initiation of tumorigenesis. Herein, we will highlight the complexity of the NE biology and discuss the clinical symptoms observed in NE-related diseases. The interplay between innate immunity, genomic instability, and nuclear envelope leakage could be a major focus in future years to explain a wide range of diseases and could lead to new classes of therapeutics.

scholarly journals Unusual case of amyloidosis presenting as a jejunal mass

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. e240226
Author(s):  
Sachin Mohan ◽  
Elliot Graziano ◽  
James Campbell ◽  
Irshad H Jafri
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Protein Misfolding ◽  
Unusual Case ◽  
Gi Tract ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Light Chain Disease ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Amyloid Light Chain ◽  
Possible Cause

Amyloidosis constitutes a heterogeneous group of disorders of protein misfolding that can involve different organ systems. The disease can occur either in a systemic or localised manner that is well known to involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI amyloidosis can present with a wide range of symptoms including diarrhoea, bleeding and obstruction. This case illustrates a patient with localised jejunal amyloid light chain disease that was diagnosed serendipitously during a workup for haematuria. Our patient was otherwise asymptomatic, but this case underscores the importance of considering amyloidosis as a possible cause of isolated masses of the small intestine.

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