Serosurvey of anti-Toxocara antibodies and risk factors in adolescent and adult pregnant women of southeastern Brazil

Toxocariasis is worldwide endemic parasitic anthropozoonosis with high risk to those in in vulnerable populations and particularly during pregnancy and childhood. Although the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies has been extensively studied, risk factors of pregnant women of different ages remains to be established. This study was designed to i) assess the presence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in pregnant women that presented to the public health system in a city of southeastern Brazil, and ii) determine the risk factors for toxocariasis in adolescent and adult pregnant women. This cross-sectional study included 280 pregnant women (71 aged up to and including 17 years [adolescents] and 209 aged 18 years and older [adults]). Pregnant women voluntarily agreed to complete a socioeconomic questionnaire and provide serum samples. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibodies were screened by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess the risks for toxocariasis. Overall, 20.7% of pregnant women were seropositive (33.8% of adolescents and 16.3% of adults). Prevalence in pregnant adolescents was 2.6-fold higher than in adults (Odds ration [OR]: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.42–4.86, p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that contact with soil (p = 0.01; OR = 4.76) and being in the first trimester of pregnancy (p = 0.03; OR = 0.17) had significantly greater risk of toxocariasis for adolescents, and attainment of elementary through middle school education level (p = 0.05; OR = 8.33) was a risk factor in adult pregnant women. Toxocariasis is likely underreported and neglected in adolescent pregnant women; this age group should always be monitored for toxocariasis and correspondent clinical signs, particularly at late pregnancy.

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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in domestic pigs raised from Cuba

Parasitology Research ◽

10.1007/s00436-021-07245-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽

Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽

José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽

Angel Entrena-García ◽

Jorge Fraga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Meat Products ◽

Control Measures ◽

Health Concern ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Weaning Pigs ◽

Associated Risk Factors

AbstractA cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in pigs in the largest pork-producing region in Cuba. Serum samples from 420 pigs, including 210 sows and 210 post-weaning pigs, were tested for antibodies against T. gondii using a commercial indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 56 animals (13.3%, 95% CI: 10.1–16.6). A generalized estimating equations model revealed that the risk factors associated with higher seropositivity in pigs were altitude (higher in farm’s location < 250 m above sea level (masl) versus ≥ 250 masl) and age (higher in sows compared to post-weaning pigs). The results indicated that this protozoan parasite is widely distributed on pig farms in the study area, which is a public health concern since the consumption of raw or undercooked pork meat products containing tissue cysts is considered one of the main routes of T. gondii transmission worldwide. Control measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of exposure to T. gondii in pigs in Cuba.

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Sero-epidemiological survey of bluetongue disease in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan

Irish Veterinary Journal ◽

10.1186/s13620-021-00186-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 74 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Molhima M. Elmahi ◽

Mohammed O. Hussien ◽

Abdel Rahim E. Karrar ◽

Amira M. Elhassan ◽

Abdel Rahim M. El Hussein

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Animal Health ◽

Water Source ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Potential Risk Factors ◽

Eastern Sudan

Abstract Background Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne viral disease of ruminant and camelid species which is transmitted by Culicoides spp. The causative agent of BT is bluetongue virus (BTV) that belongs to genus Orbivirus of the family Reoviridae. The clinical disease is seen mainly in sheep but mostly sub-clinical infections of BT are seen in cattle, goats and camelids. The clinical reaction of camels to infection is usually not apparent. The disease is notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), causing great economic losses due to decreased trade and high mortality and morbidity rates associated with bluetongue outbreaks. The objective of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan and to identify the potential risk factors associated with the infection. A cross sectional study using a structured questionnaire survey was conducted during 2015–2016. A total of 210 serum samples were collected randomly from camels from 8 localities of Kassala State. The serum samples were screened for the presence of BTV specific immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Results Seropositivity to BTV IgG was detected in 165 of 210 camels’ sera accounting for a prevalence of 78.6%. Potential risk factors to BTV infection were associated with sex (OR = 0.061, p-value = 0.001) and seasonal river as water source for drinking (OR = 32.257, p-value = 0.0108). Conclusions Sex and seasonal river as water source for drinking were considered as potential risk factors for seropositivity to BTV in camels. The high prevalence of BTV in camels in Kassala State, Eastern Sudan, necessitates further epidemiological studies of BTV infection in camels and other ruminant species to better be able to control BT disease in this region.

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Seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in cattle of Punjab, Pakistan and assessment of risk factors

Indian Journal of Animal Research ◽

10.18805/ijar.b-1130 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Ahsan Anjum ◽

Asim Aslam ◽

Raheela Akhtar ◽

Tahir Yaqub ◽

Junaid Naseer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Measures ◽

Export Market ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an important infectious disease of respiratory system of cattle, caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides. A cross sectional study was conducted in Lahore, Kasur and Jhang districts of Punjab to determine the prevalence of CBPP. A total of 560 serum samples were examined for the specific antibodies against M. mycoides subspecies mycoides, using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associated risk factors that were evaluated include age, gender and breed. In this study, the overall seroprevalence was 8.75%. The seroprevalence of CBPP in Lahore, Kasur and Jhang were 8.26, 8.20 and 10.06%, respectively, but no significance difference (P less than 0.05) was observed. Among the assessed potential predisposing factors, gender and breed were not significantly associated with the serological status of the animal (P greater than 0.05), in which the age affected significantly the positivity to CBPP (P less than 0.05). The highest seropositivity was observed in animals of more than 7 years of age (32.08%) followed by in 4-7 years of age (8.16%) and lowest in animals of less than 4 years old (0.79%). This study confirms the presence of CBPP in the state which could be a threat to livestock export market and warrants the implementation of control measures to mitigate the economic losses associated with the disease.

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Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and associated risk factors in women in selected districts of Punjab province, Pakistan

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182020000967 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 147 (10) ◽

pp. 1133-1139

Author(s):

Shahzad Ali ◽

Zona Amjad ◽

Tahir Mahmood Khan ◽

Abdul Maalik ◽

Anam Iftikhar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽

Sampling Location ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Binomial Logistic Regression ◽

Punjab Province

AbstractToxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma (T.) gondii. Limited data are available on the occurrence of T. gondii in women especially pregnant women in Pakistan. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence and risk factors associated with T. gondii in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Punjab Province, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted and 593 samples were collected from pregnant (n = 293) and non-pregnant (n = 300) women of District Headquarter Hospitals of Chiniot, Faisalabad, Jhang and Okara, Pakistan. Data related to demographic parameters and risk factors were collected using a pretested questionnaire on blood sampling day. Serum samples were screened for antibodies (IgG) against T. gondii using ELISA. A univariant and binomial logistic regression was applied to estimate the association between seropositive and explanatory variables considering the 95% confidence interval. P value ⩽0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analysis. Out of 593, 44 (7.42%) women were seropositive for T. gondii IgG antibodies. Occupation, age, sampling location, socioeconomic status, contact with cat, pregnancy status and trimester of pregnancy were significantly associated with seropositivity for T. gondii antibodies. Location and trimester of pregnancy were identified as potential risk factors for T. gondii seropositivity based on binomial logistic regression. Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Therefore, now a necessitated awareness is required to instruct the individuals about these infectious diseases (toxoplasmosis) and their control strategies to maintain the health of human population. Moreover, health awareness among public can help the minimization of T. gondii infection during pregnancy and subsequent risk of congenital toxoplasmosis.

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Detection of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors during Pregnancy in Southwest Iran

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.1155/2021/5547667 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Shahrzad Soltani ◽

Ali Dalir Ghaffari ◽

Mehdi Sagha Kahvaz ◽

Mohamad Sabaghan ◽

Marzieh Pashmforosh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Risk ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Southwest Iran

Background. This research was aimed at evaluating the seroprevalence of acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in pregnant women and related risk factors in southwest Iran. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, eighty-eight pregnant women were included from October 2019 to December 2019. The presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, a questionnaire consisting of demographic information was completed for each subject. Results. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infection was estimated to be 34.09% (30/88). Of these, 1 (1.13%) and 29 (32.95%) samples were found positive for IgM and IgG, respectively. Regarding the risk factors, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat ( P value = 0.007) and history of abortion ( P value = 0.017) were significantly associated with IgG seroprevalence in pregnant women. Conclusion. The results showed that the pregnant women of southwest Iran might be moderately exposed to T. gondii. Since the risk of acute T. gondii infection in this susceptible group is very important, regular screening tests to diagnose the infection are recommended before pregnancy.

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Seroprevalence of Subclinical HEV Infection in Healthy Pregnant Urban Dwellers of Bangladesh: Identification of Possible Risk Factors

Journal of Enam Medical College ◽

10.3329/jemc.v8i2.36731 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 85-89

Author(s):

Gazi Zakia Sultana ◽

Md Moniruzzaman ◽

Tania Mannan ◽

Rosy Sultana

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Economic Status ◽

Education Level ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of

Background: Hepatitis caused by hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is not uncommon in developing countries. It is usually a self-limiting conferring immunity against subsequent infection. However, HEV infection during pregnancy results in varying degree of morbidity, often fatal. The present study was designed to find out the seroprevalence of subclinical HEV infection during pregnancy at different trimesters without history of hepatitis.Materials and Methods: A total 255 asymptomatic healthy pregnant women of three trimesters (85×3=255) with no history of jaundice were included in this cross-sectional study. The subjects were sub-grouped according to socioeconomic status and education level. HEV IgG antibody in serum was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were expressed as number (percent). Chi-square, Odds Ratio and 95% CI were calculated as applicable. Data analyses were carried out using statistical package for social science for Windows Version 15.0. A p<0.05 was taken as level of significance.Results: Seropositivity for HEV IgG was 38% (96/255) in pregnant women; the higher percentages were recorded in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters − 41% and 46% respectively. The seropositivity of HEV IgG was significantly high in pregnant women with low education level ((p=0.001; OR=2.70, 95% CI=1.602−4.575) and low socioeconomic status (OR=7.54, 95% CI=4.118−13.029) having monthly income below 27,000 taka (p=0.001).Conclusion: Data concluded that seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG is higher at third trimester in pregnant women in Bangladesh where low socio-economic status and less education level were identified as possible risk factors. Appropriate measures may diminish the possible exposure to infection and reduce maternal mortality.J Enam Med Col 2018; 8(2): 85-89

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Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Brucellosis in Livestock and Residents of New Valley Governorate, Egypt

World s Veterinary Journal ◽

10.54203/scil.2020.wvj64 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 531-539

Author(s):

Mohamed Said Diab ◽

Sherif Abd Allah Zidan ◽

Nermin Abdalla A. Hassan ◽

Haitham Elaadli ◽

Ahmed Mohamed Bayoumi

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Raw Milk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Human Brucellosis ◽

Human Occupation ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease which is now considered endemic in most parts of Egypt. A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2018 to February 2020 to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in humans and livestock residing in two regions located in New Valley Governorate, Egypt. A total of 1254 animals (673 cattle, 348 sheep, and 233 goats) and 523 human serum samples were examined for brucellosis using Rose Bengal test (RBT) and then randomly selected sera (15 from cattle, 7 from sheep, 3 from goats, and 45 from humans) were further analyzed by complement fixation test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to compare and detect the sensitivity and specificity of RBT. The prevalence of brucellosis was 0% in cattle, sheep, and goats while it was 23.9% in humans using RBT. Concerning humans, there was a higher percentage of infection in EL Kharga (33.6%). The prevalence of this infection was also at a higher level among individuals aged above 40 years (28.57%). Furthermore, men (26.11%) were more inclined to be inflicted, compared to women (22.5%) with no significant difference. Considering the human occupation, abattoir workers were the most predominant group of people at risk (33.3%), followed by farmers (31.25%) and animal keepers (20.6%) while the lowest prevalence was demonstrated in the housewives where the prevalence was 18.8 %. As a result, risk factors of the age range, locality, time of infection, contact with animals, and occupational groups could significantly affect the prevalence of human brucellosis in the New Valley Governorate. In conclusion, brucellosis is an alarming problem among residents of the New Valley Governorate. Thus, reducing the prevalence in humans and animals in the region of study may include restriction of the marketing the raw milk and enhancing public health awareness.

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Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in small ruminant flocks in Karnataka in the Southern Province of India

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2021.2855-2862 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 2855-2862

Author(s):

Krithiga Natesan ◽

Triveni Kalleshamurthy ◽

Mangadevi Nookala ◽

Chaitra Yadav ◽

Nagalingam Mohandoss ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Small Ruminant ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Small Ruminants ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Farm Level ◽

History Of

Background and Aim: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of high economic and public health importance in large and small ruminant populations worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in small ruminants in organized farms in the southern region of India. Materials and Methods: Farms exclusively rearing sheep and goats were selected based on the number of animals (small, medium, or large) and the location of the farm (urban, periurban, or rural). A total of 1499 serum samples; 1001 from sheeps and 498 from goats were sourced from six sheep and four goat farms and tested using Rose Bengal Plate and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay tests. Results: The apparent prevalence of brucellosis was higher in sheep (8.29%, 95% CI 6.7-10.1) than goats (5.82%, 95% CI 4.0-8.2). The true adjusted population level seroprevalence was also higher in sheep, at 7.7% (95% CI 6.0-9.6) than in goats, at 5.1% (95% CI 3.2-7.6). According to bivariate categorical analysis, six highly significant (p<0.001) animal- and farm-level risk factors for sheep were age, breed, number of lambings, history of abortion, rural farms, and presence of dogs on the farm. In goats, five significant risk factors were found: History of abortion, separate sheds, dogs on the farm, weekly veterinary consultation, and lack of brucellosis awareness. In a logistic regression model, abortion (OR adjusted 10.8, 95% CI 1.2-96.12), rural farms (OR adjusted 8.5, 95% CI 3.6-20.0), and absence of separate sheds on the farms (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1- 3.5) were found to be significant risk factors for ovine brucellosis. Conclusion: The use of complementary measures to tackle the multiple animal- and farm-level risk factors may help to reduce the disease burden in the absence of a vaccination policy for small ruminants in India.

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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Northwestern Nigeria

Annals of Clinical and Experimental Medicine ◽

10.47838/acem.26011977.11162020.asmeda.13.0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 73-76

Author(s):

Nuhu Hussaini Shehu ◽

Abdullahi Alhaji Magaji ◽

Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu ◽

Abubakar Abubakar Panti ◽

Makun Babazhitsu

Keyword(s):

Antenatal Care ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽

Congenital Infection ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

First Trimester ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Memorial Hospital ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan infection caused by infection with the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Several studies have been reported of high seroprevalence of this parasite from various hospitals in Nigeria. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among the pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted at SYMH Birnin kebbi in 2015 using indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The overall seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies was 33.3%. 9.7% seropositivity was found at first trimester, 60.5% from second trimester and 29.8% from third trimester. Using a chi square logistic regression analysis, lack of education, lower age at pregnancy, and frequency of close contacts with cats were significantly associated with the prevalence of IgG antibodies. Conclusion: Most primary infections during pregnancy are asymptomatic, congenital toxoplasmosis can have serious effects on the developing fetus. Screening for primary infection is problematic, primary prevention is the most logical method to lower the risk of congenital infection. There is also a need to educate women on the safe handling of cat litter during pregnancy.

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Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E Viruses among Pregnant Women in Northern Iran

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.1155/2021/5130586 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Farzin Sadeghi ◽

Zahra Golchob ◽

Maryam Javadian ◽

Mohammad Barary ◽

Parisa Sabbagh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Hepatitis A ◽

Hepatitis E ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Northern Iran ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Proactive Measures ◽

Antibody Levels

Background. Hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E viruses (HEV) are endemic in Iran and are known major causes of acute viral hepatitis. Also, during pregnancy, they are associated with severe outcomes. Therefore, it is vital to evaluate the antibody levels against HAV and HEV in pregnant women to avoid severe outcomes incidence. Study design and methods. A total of 247 pregnant women were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. In addition to completing the questionnaire and interviewing all participants, the serum samples were tested for anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The association between anti-HAV and anti-HEV antibodies status and risk factors was evaluated. Results. The mean age of patients was 28.06 ± 5.29 years. Anti-HAV antibody was found in 111 patients (44.9%), while anti-HEV antibody was detected in only two pregnant women (0.8%). The seroprevalence of HAV was inversely related to the level of education. There was no significant correlation between HAV antibody levels and age, marital status, residence location, and pregnancy trimesters. Conclusion. Considering many complications of these diseases in pregnancy, the detection of enteroviral hepatitis, especially HAV in pregnant women, is necessary, and therefore, proactive measures, such as promoting education, improving people awareness, and vaccination, are recommended.

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