scholarly journals Serological prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Luanda (Angola): Geospatial distribution and its association with socio-demographic and clinical-obstetric determinants

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0241908
Author(s):  
Amélia Nkutxi Vueba ◽  
Clarissa Perez Faria ◽  
Ricardo Almendra ◽  
Paula Santana ◽  
Maria do Céu Sousa

We report a study on toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Luanda, Angola, determining the seroprevalence, geospatial distribution and its association with socio-economic features, dietary habits and hygiene and health conditions. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM were quantified in serum samples of women attended at the Lucrecia Paim Maternity Hospital between May 2016 and August 2017. The IgG avidity test and qPCR assay were used for dating the primary infection. Data were collected by questionnaire after written consent, and spatial distribution was assessed through a Kernel Density Function. The potential risk factors associated with Toxoplasma infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were quantified in 878 pregnant women, and 346 (39.4%) samples were IgG positive, 2 (0.2%) positive for IgM and IgG, and 530 (60.4%) negative for both immunoglobulins. The longitudinal study showed that none of the seronegative women seroconverted during the survey. Regarding other infections, 226 (25.7%) were positive for hepatitis B, while 118 (13.4%) were HIV-positive. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was similar in most municipalities: 43.8% in Cazenga (28 of 64); 42.5% in Viana (88 of 207); 42.3% in Cacuaco (22 of 52); and 41.1% in Luanda ((179 of 435). In contrast, the seroprevalence in municipality of Belas was lower (25.8%; 31 of 120) and bivariate and multivariate analysis has shown a lower risk for toxoplasmosis in this area (OR 0.479, CI: 0.305–0.737; OR 0.471, CI: 0.299–0.728). The multivariate analysis has shown a significant increased risk for toxoplasmosis in women in the last trimester of pregnancy (OR 1.457, CI: 1.011–2.102), suffering spontaneous abortion (OR 1.863, CI: 1.014–3.465) and having pets at home (OR 1.658, CI: 1.212–2.269). Also, women who tested positive for hepatitis B (OR 1.375, CI: 1.008–1.874) and HIV (OR 1.833, CI: 1.233–2.730) had a significant increased risk for T. gondii infection. In conclusion, our study showed that a large number of pregnant women are not immunized for toxoplasmosis and identified the risk factors for this infection in Luanda. It is crucial to establish the diagnosis of primary maternal infection as well as the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Our results underlined the need for diagnostic and clinical follow-up of toxoplasmosis, HIV and hepatitis B during pregnancy.

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (10) ◽  
pp. 1133-1139
Author(s):  
Shahzad Ali ◽  
Zona Amjad ◽  
Tahir Mahmood Khan ◽  
Abdul Maalik ◽  
Anam Iftikhar ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Ndako, James A ◽  
Mawak, John D ◽  
Fajobi, Victor O ◽  
Ilochi Ifeanyi ◽  
Oludolapo Olatinsu ◽  
...  

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global challenge mostly in developing countries. Hepatitis B virus has infected almost one third of the world population. Pregnant women infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) can transmit the infection to their fetuses and newborns. As a result of the developing status of most of our communities screening of antenatal attendees is rarely done as a routine in most health facilities that offers antenatal services, hence the need for this studies at our location of study. Methods: One hundred and ninety (190) serum samples were screened among pregnant women on ante-natal care, using standard ELISA method. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to individuals to determine incidence rates and identify relative risk factors that predispose subjects to the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. Results: From the total samples screened, Sixty-three, 63 (33.2%) were found to be positive for Hepatitis B virus. The highest prevalence was found among those aged 21-30 with overall number of 37(19.5%) Positivity, X2 =1.508; P=0.471. Considering educational status of subjects screened, high prevalence was recorded among those without formal education with 25(13.2%) Prevalence, x2= 5.381; P = 0.146 considering the various risk factors, subjects with history of tattooing/tribal markings recorded 41(21.6%), while women in their second trimester of pregnancy had a higher prevalence of 42(22.2%). Conclusions: This study recorded a high prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection amongst pregnant women at our study location, which also reflects high probable risks of HBV perinatal transmission. It is therefore strongly recommended that pregnant women be routinely screened for Hepatitis B virus infection as part of antenatal care services.


2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (5) ◽  
pp. 492-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara M. Connelly ◽  
Rafel Tappouni ◽  
Paul Mathew ◽  
Javier Salgado ◽  
Evangelos Messaris

Incisional hernia (IH) is a relatively common sequelae of sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis. The aim of this study was to investigate factors that may predict IH in diverticulitis patients. Two hundred and one diverticulitis patients undergoing sigmoidectomy between January 2002 and December 2012 were identified (mean follow-up 5.15 ± 2.33 years). Patients with wound infections were excluded. Thirteen patient-associated, three diverticular disease-related, and 17 operative variables were evaluated in patients with and without IH. Volumetric fat was measured on pre-operative CTs. Fischer's exact, χ2, and Mann–Whitney tests and multivariate regression analysis were used for statistics. Thirty-four (17%) patients had an IH. On multivariate analysis, wound packing (OR 3.4, P = 0.017), postoperative nonwound infection (OR 7.4, P = 0.014), and previous hernia (OR 3.6, P = 0.005) were as independent predictors of IH. Fifteen of 34 (44%) patients who developed a hernia had a history of prior hernia. Of 33 potential risk factors analyzed, including smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obesity, the only patient factor present preoperatively associated with increased risk of a postsigmoidectomy hernia after multivariate analysis was a history of a previous hernia. Preoperative identification of patients with a history of hernia offers the opportunity to employ measures to decrease the likelihood of IH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amélia Nkutxi Vueba ◽  
Ricardo Almendra ◽  
Paula Santana ◽  
Clarissa Faria ◽  
Maria do Céu Sousa

Abstract Background HIV and HBV infections remain responsible for high rate of morbidity and mortality in many African Countries, affecting women and newborns. This study aims to analyze the spatial pattern of HIV and HBV infections in pregnant women in Luanda, Angola, and the statistical association between HIV and HBV and socio-economic characteristics, hygiene, and health status. Methods Detection of anti-HIV antibodies (total anti-HIV-1, anti-HIV-2 and HIV-1 p24 antigen) and Hepatitis B antigens (HBsAg, HBeAg) and antibodies (anti-HBc Total II, HBc IgM, Anti-HBsT II) was performed by Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) in serum samples of 878 pregnant women attended at the Lucrecia Paim Maternity Hospital (LPMH). Data were collected by questionnaire after written consent, and spatial distribution was assessed through a Kernel Density Function. The potential risk factors associated with HIV HBV infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Results Anti-HIV antibodies were positive in 118 samples (13.4%) and HBV infection were positive in 226 (25.7%). The seroprevalence of HIV/HBV coinfection was of 6.3%. The results showed that the seroprevalence of HBV was similar in most municipalities: 25.8% in Belas; 26.6% in Viana; 27.6% in Luanda; 19.2% in Cacuaco; and 15.6% Cazenga. For HIV, the seroprevalence was also close ranges among the municipalities: 10.0% in Belas; 14.5% in Viana 14.9% in Luanda and 12.5% in Cazenga. However, the seroprevalence in municipality of in Cacuaco was lower (5.8%) and bivariate and multivariate analysis showed a lower risk for HIV in this area (OR 0.348, CI 0.083–0.986; OR 0.359, CI 0.085–1.021). The multivariate analysis had also showed a significant increased risk for HIV in women with 2 or 3 births (OR 1.860, CI 1.054–3.372). Conclusions Our results underlined the need to improve the screening and clinical follow-up of HIV and HBV in Angola, as well the educational campaigns to prevent not only the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases, but also their transmission, mainly in women in reproductive age and pregnant, encouraging the pre-natal consultations in order to avoid mother-to-child transmission.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 2862-2862
Author(s):  
Panayotis Kaloyannidis ◽  
Evangelia Yannaki ◽  
Ioannis Batsis ◽  
Despoina Adamidou ◽  
Demetrios Bartzoudis ◽  
...  

Abstract The presence of Hepatitis-B virus(HBV) surface antibody(HbsAb) is a strong indicator for the existence of HBV-immunity. Immunosuppressed allografted recipients are at risk of developing HBV hepatitis due to the potential loss of their immunity against HBV. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of HbsAb eradication post allo-transplantation, the potential risk factors and the impact of adoptive immunity transfer in the HbsAb loss. Additionally, to estimate the cumulative incidence of HBV infection in patients (pts) with HbsAb disappearance. Eighty-two immunized recipients aged 27(14–54) years and their donors were retrospectively studied. Fifty-six pts were naturally immunized while 26 were vaccinated. The median follow-up period was 36(6–132) months. Seventy-two were transplanted from siblings (4 with 1 Ag mismatch). Seven donors were matched unrelated volunteers, 2 were twins and 1 was haploidentical. Eighty-one pts received myeloablative conditioning. Marrow (BM) was infused in 23 pts, peripheral stem cells (PBSC) in 58 and BM plus PBSC in 1, with a median number of CD34:4,45x106/Kg, CD3:2,77x108/Kg, CD4:1,16x108/Kg, CD8: 1,06x108/Kg. Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) was administered to 15 and steroids to 54 pts. Thirty pts developed acute and 71 chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD). Forty-six donors were non-immunized, 19 vaccinated and 13 naturally immunized. Data on immunity origin were missing for 4 donors. HbsAb disappearance was observed in 39/82 pts, 24(6–60) months post transplant with a probability of loss 90% at 5 years. Multivariate analysis revealed as significant risk factors for HbsAb loss the BM graft, ATG administration, age (<30years) and cGvHD development. The type of donor’s immunization had no significant impact, although the probability of losing HBV-immunity was 100%, 78%, and 58% for pts transplanted from nonimmunized, vaccinated and naturally immunized donors, respectively. As the adoptive transfer of HBV immunity is a well-documented phenomenon, we studied separately, in the 36 allografted pts from immunized donors, the potential risk factors for HbsAb loss. Multivariate analysis identified as risk factors for this loss, the use of ATG, BM graft, and donor’s vaccination. The use of steroids had a strong tendency towards significance(p:0,06). Among the 39 pts who lost immunity, 6 developed hepatitisB. All had a previous natural immunity. Four had been transplanted from non-immunized and 2 from naturally immunized donors and all had been treated or were on intensive therapy for refractory cGvHD. The probability for HBV infection for pts who lost the HbsAb, regardless of immunity origin, was 18% at 12 years. Six of 28 naturally immunized pts who lost the HbsAb developed hepatitis. In this cohort of pts the probability of HBV reactivation was estimated to be 26% at 12 years. In our study, the majority of pts lost their pre-transplant protection against HBV while the adoptive transfer of immunity, although established, didn’t offer long-lasting protection. As the possibility of hepatitisB is not negligible, serial serological monitoring and timely vaccination schedule for re-immunization in the early but also in the late post transplant period, might be necessary for patients with low or decreasing HbsAb titers.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0251326
Author(s):  
Alexander Maier ◽  
Steffi G. Riedel-Heller ◽  
Alexander Pabst ◽  
Melanie Luppa

Objectives Identifying risk factors of depression can provide a better understanding of the disorder in older people. However, to minimize bias due to the influence of confounders and to detect reverse influence, a focus on longitudinal studies using multivariate analysis is required. Design A systematic literature search was conducted by searching the databases MEDLINE, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Web of Science for all relevant articles published from January 2000 to the end of March 2020. The following inclusion criteria were used: prospective design, nationally or regionally representative sample, published in English or German, analyzed risk factors for depression of individuals 65+ identified by multivariate analysis, and provided validity of diagnostic instrument. All results of multivariate analysis were reported and summarized. Results Thirty articles were identified. Heterogeneous results were found for education, female gender, self-rated health, cognitive impairment and older age, although significant in several studies. Findings hinted at a protective quality of physical activity. In terms of physical health, chronic disease and difficulty initiating sleep homogeneously increased risk of depression. Mobility impairment resulted as a risk factor in three studies. IADL impairment and vision impairment were mostly identified as significant risk factors. Alcohol consumption and smoking behavior yielded heterogenous results. Psychosocial factors were assessed similarly in multiple studies and yielded heterogenous results. Limitations Research was limited to articles published in English or German. Length of follow up was not considered for the presentation of results. Adjustments for and inclusion of different variables in the studies may distort results. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the necessity of refined, more comparable assessment tools for evaluating potential risk factors.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256724
Author(s):  
Enas M. Hefzy ◽  
Noha A. Hassuna ◽  
Olfat G. Shaker ◽  
Mohamed Masoud ◽  
Tebyan A. Abelhameed ◽  
...  

Genetic variants in microRNAs (miRNAs) can alter the miRNAs expression and/or function, accordingly, affecting the related biological pathways and disease risk. Dysregulation of miR-155 and miR-146a expression levels has been well-described in viral hepatitis B (HBV). In the current study, we aimed to assess rs767649 T/A and rs57095329 A/G polymorphisms in miR-155, and miR-146a genes, respectively, as risk factors for Chronic HBV (CHBV) in the Egyptian population. Also, we aimed to do in silico analysis to investigate the molecules that primarily target these miRNAs. One hundred patients diagnosed as CHBV and one hundred age and sex-matched controls with evidence of past HBV infection were genotyped for miR-155 (rs767649) and miR-146a (rs57095329) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The rs767649 AT and AA genotypes in CHBV patients confer four folds and ten folds risk respectively, as compared to control subjects [(AOR = 4.245 (95%CI 2.009–8.970), p<0.0001) and AOR = 10.583 (95%CI 4.012–27.919), p<0.0001, respectively)]. The rs767649 A allele was associated with an increased risk of developing CHBV (AOR = 2.777 (95%CI 1.847–4.175), p<0.0001). There was a significant difference in the frequency of rs57095329 AG and GG genotypes in CHBV patients compared to controls. AG and GG genotypes showed an increase in the risk of developing CHBV by about three and six folds respectively [AOR = 2.610 (95%CI 1.362–5.000), p = 0.004] and [AOR = 5.604 (95%CI 2.157–14.563), p<0.0001].We concluded that rs57095329 and rs767649 SNPs can act as potential risk factors for the development of CHBV in the Egyptian population.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Hamood Al-Shahethi ◽  
Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki ◽  
Abdullwahed Abdulgabar Al- Serouri ◽  
Awang Bulgiba Mahmud

Abstract Background: Stillbirth is a silent traumatic canker which is a major concern of various individuals, health institutions and the country as a whole. Stillbirth remains a Global major problem responsible for nearly three million deaths.Study objectives: To estimate the stillbirth rate (SBR) in Sana’a, Yemen and to identify potential risk factors for stillbirth.Methods: A community-based prospective cohort study was carried out between 8/2015 and 12/2016. Nine-hundred and eighty pregnant women were identified for the outcome of their pregnancy. We employed binomial regression together with generalised linear models.Results: The study included 952 pregnant women with 44 stillbirths. The stillbirth rate was 46.2 per 1000 and 45.2 per 1000. In multivariable analysis teenage mothers’ age at first childbirth (< 20 years) (RR 3.70), women with anemia (RR=2.23), smoking snuff (RR = 4.27), prolonged labour (> 24 hours) (RR = 2.02), prolonged rupture of membranes (≥ 24 hours) (RR = 2.22), foetal malposition (RR = 4.60), low birth weight (RR = 14.90) and foetal gestational age (weeks) (RR = 5.60) were significant factors associated with increased risk of stillbirths. Conclusions: This study identified many risk factors of stillbirth that are amenable to intervention. Encouraging women to deliver at health facilities, providing better management of obstetrical complications, proper antenatal care, and prompt referral services are essential for reduction of stillbirths in Yemen.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document