scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii infections in pigs from south Benin and assessment of breeders’ knowledge about toxoplasmosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 248-256
Author(s):  
A. B. N. Tonouhewa ◽  
Y. Akpo ◽  
P. Sessou ◽  
C. Salanon ◽  
G. L. Aplogan ◽  
...  

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a cosmopolitan zoonosis responsible for abortion and congenital malformation in animals and humans. Pigs can be a reservoir for T. gondii and act as one of the sources for parasite transmission to humans. Currently, there are no data about T. gondii infection in any animal in Benin. After the report of several cases of abortions and reproductive problems in pigs in several livestock farms in the southern region of Benin, this study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of this zoonotic parasite in pigs. A total of 184 pig serum samples have been collected in two municipalities and sent to the laboratory for the detection of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies by ELISA indirect method. The results showed the presence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG in 23% (IC95 = 22.56–23.44) of pigs (42/184). Age, sex, and race did not seem to affect the frequency of this infection. Moreover, reproductive failure has been reported on many farms. These were cases of stillbirths in 40% of farms followed by neonatal mortality (36%) and abortion cases which were frequently observed in 27% of farms. T. gondii is present in pigs from south Benin and could be responsible for reported abortions in the areas. In addition, the raw and undercook meat of pigs could be important source of Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans from south Benin

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245701
Author(s):  
Sergio Estrada-Martinez ◽  
Alma Rosa Pérez-Álamos ◽  
Melina Ibarra-Segovia ◽  
Isabel Beristaín-Garcia ◽  
Agar Ramos-Nevárez ◽  
...  

The seroepidemiology of infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in alcohol consumers is largely undeveloped. In light of this, we sought to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in alcohol consumers in Durango, Mexico, and the association of T. gondii seroprevalence with characteristics of the population studied. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were searched in sera of participants using commercially available enzyme immunoassays. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were then used to determine the association between T. gondii infection and the characteristics of the population studied. Of the 1544 people studied (mean age: 39.4±14.0 years), 173 (11.2%) tested positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. We were able to test 167 of the 173 anti-T. gondii IgG positive sera for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Fifty-five (32.9%) of these 167 serum samples were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Bivariate analysis showed that visual impairment, history of surgery, and hepatitis were negatively associated with T. gondii IgG seropositivity (P<0.05). In women, seropositivity to T. gondii was positively associated with a history of pregnancy (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that T. gondii seropositivity was associated with the variables consumption of armadillo meat (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.04–5.22; P = 0.03), and the use of latrines for elimination of excretes (OR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.07–4.80; P = 0.03); and high (>150 IU/ml) anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were associated with consumption of both armadillo meat (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.01–5.02; P = 0.04) and crowding at home (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.02–2.61; P = 0.03). We found a distinct T. gondii seroprevalence in people with alcohol consumption from those previously found in population groups in the region. This is the first study that illustrates the association between high anti-T. gondii antibodies and crowding in Mexico, and the second study on the association between T. gondii infection and consumption of armadillo meat and the use of latrines in this country. We conclude that epidemiology of T. gondii infection in people with alcohol consumption deserves further investigation.


Parasite ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinlei Yan ◽  
Wenying Han ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
Hongbo Zhang ◽  
Zhihui Gao

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhijin Sheng ◽  
Yu Jin ◽  
Yinan Du ◽  
Xinlei Yan ◽  
Yong Yao

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.


2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 254-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lívia Saab Muraro ◽  
João Garcia Caramori Júnior ◽  
Maria Regina Reis Amendoeira ◽  
Joyce Alves Pereira ◽  
João Xavier de Oliveira Filho ◽  
...  

This report aimed to assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in 708 swine matrices in Nova Mutum and Diamantino in the state of Mato Grosso, Central-West Brazil. Serum samples were examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). It was found a seroprevalence of 12.8%, considering titers >64. Therefore, the data reinforce the need for appropriate management of swine raising to minimize the risk of infection of pigs with T. gondii.


2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Mancianti ◽  
Simona Nardoni ◽  
Gaetano Ariti ◽  
Dario Parlanti ◽  
Giovanna Giuliani ◽  
...  

Cats are the key species in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection, even if the proportion of subjects excreting oocysts is low. The aim of the present paper was to obtain information about seroprevalence, oocyst shedding rate and presence of T gondii DNA in faeces collected from an urban population of colony cats in Florence (Tuscany). Fifty European shorthair feral cats were examined for anti- T gondii specific antibodies by a modified agglutination test (MAT), and for oocysts by microscopic examination and for faecal protozoal DNA, by means of a nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) protocol. Twenty-two out of 50 serum samples (44%) were MAT positive. T gondii oocysts were not detected in any of the examined faecal samples. Eight out of 50 faecal specimens (16%) were n-PCR positive and sequencing of the bands was specific for T gondii. Detection by combination of the two methods was higher than single techniques and enhanced the detection of T gondii up to 48%. Our results suggest that the use of MAT plus PCR in faeces may be the best choice for diagnosis of feline toxoplasmosis. Further studies to ascertain the real infectivity of the copro-PCR positive subjects are required.


2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi-Dong Tan ◽  
Xiao-Yu Yang ◽  
Ming-Yang Yin ◽  
Ling-Ying Hu ◽  
Si-Yuan Qin ◽  
...  

AbstractPrevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and risk factors with infection were assessed in dairy cattle from Gansu Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NXHAR), northwest China. In total, 1657 serum samples were collected and assayed by the modified agglutination test. The overall seroprevalence was 4.83% at a 1:100 cut-off, with titers of 1:100 in 72, 1:200 in 4, 1:400 in 4. Among the risk factors examined, no statistically significant difference was observed between T. gondii seroprevalence and regions or age of dairy cattle in the logistic regression analysis (P>0.05) and left out of the final model. However, numbers of pregnancies of dairy cattle was considered as main risk factor associated with T. gondii infection. Dairy cattle in nulliparity group (8.89%) had 6 times (OR=6.31, 95% CI, 2.69-14.83, P<0.001) higher risk of being seropositive compared to dairy cattle in 3 or above 3 pregnancies group (1.52%), followed by 1 pregnancy group (4.27%) had nearly 3 times (OR=2.89, 95% CI, 1.11-7.52, P = 0.03) higher risk of being seropositive compared to dairy cattle in 3 or above 3 pregnancies group, although no statistical difference was found between 2 pregnancies group and 3 or above 3 pregnancies group (P = 0.70). The results of this survey indicated the presence of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in Gansu Province and NXHAR, which enriches the epidemiological data of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in China, and is helpful to strengthen prevention and control of T. gondii infection in dairy cattle in these two regions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 2172-2180
Author(s):  
Laibané Dieudonné Dahourou ◽  
Oubri Bassa Gbati ◽  
Arnaud Rayangnéwêndé Stéphane Tapsoba ◽  
Saandi Moina Riziki ◽  
Amadou Traore

Porcine toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis. This study was conducted to establish evidence of toxoplasmosis and its associated factors among pigs in three villages of Balés province, Burkina Faso. Serums samples were collected from 182 pigs and data was collected on farmers’ sociodemographics, origin (village) of pigs, pigs’ sex, age, breed and keeping systems through a household questionnaire interview. Serum samples were analyzed using indirect ELISA targeting IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Results of the study showed an overall sero-prevalence of 16.5 % (95% CI: 11.1% – 21.9%). The sero-prevalence was higher in Toné (23.1%; 95% CI: 12.8% – 33.3%) and Kabourou (20.7%; 95% CI: 10.3% – 31.1%) compared to Sadon Bobo (5.1%; 95% CI: 0% – 10.7%) (p=0.01). It was also higher in pigs older than 12 months (23.2%; 95% CI: 14.9% – 31.5%) compared to pigs less than 12 months (8.4%; 95% CI: 02.4% – 14.4%) (p=0.00731). During rainy season, tethered pigs (7.1%; CI95: 0.40% – 13.8%) were less infected than housed pigs (20.6%; 95% CI: 11.1% – 21.9%) (p=0.02). Multivariate logistic regression model shows that pigs older than 12 months were more likely to get infected compared to pigs less than 12 months old (OR = 2.58; 95% CI = 1.00 - 6.62; p=0.04). These results provided evidence for the presence of T. gondii in pigs in this area.Keywords: Burkina Faso, pigs, Toxoplasma gondii, seroepidemiological studies, zoonosis.  


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riikka P. Kinnunen ◽  
Chloé Schmidt ◽  
Adrián Hernándes-Ortiz ◽  
Colin J. Garroway

ABSTRACTWhen wildlife colonizes cities, they can bring parasites that have implications for human health, yet knowledge underlying the ways host-pathogen interactions operate in cities is limited. The Coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect humans and cause health issues. T. gondii also has host species that occur at higher densities in cities than in natural environments, including squirrel species (Sciuridae). Cats and other Felidae are the only known definitive hosts of T. gondii. In urban and suburban areas squirrels regularly share their territories with domestic cats where they can encounter infectious oocysts shed in cat feces in contaminated soil or in the food they eat. We hypothesized that urban squirrels might thus be particularly susceptible to T. gondii infection compared to squirrels in more natural areas. We investigated this using molecular and serological methods on samples collected from four squirrel species in and around the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. We tested a total of 272 tissue samples from 46 squirrels for T. gondii DNA using quantitative PCR, and 15 serum samples from grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) for T. gondii antibodies (IgG) by indirect ELISA. We found no evidence of T. gondii infection in squirrels in southern Manitoba. This suggests that squirrels are not important intermediate hosts of T. gondii in cities and that the prevalence of T. gondii oocysts in the environment in Manitoba is likely low. Consequently, squirrel management to prevent infection to humans or their pet cats is not needed in urban areas with abundant squirrel populations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (09) ◽  
pp. 831-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dima El Safadi ◽  
Dany Abi Chahine ◽  
Alissar Al Tarraf ◽  
Omar Raii ◽  
Karim Mesto ◽  
...  

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is of dual importance in both public and veterinary health due to the respective risk of transplacental transmission in primo-infected pregnant women and economic losses caused by abortions in mammals. One of the main routes of Toxoplasma gondii transmission to humans is the consumption of raw or undercooked meats containing parasitic cysts. Here, we performed the first epidemiological study to determine the seroprevalence and the risk factors of toxoplasmosis in livestock in Lebanon. Methodology: Using a modified agglutination test with a cut-off of 1:40, we tested the positivity rate of Immunoglobulin G antibodies in the sera of 100 sheep and 80 goats collected from 18 different livestock farms located in North Lebanon between March and June 2018. Results: Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 42% of sheep and 34% of goats. Adults (> 1 year) were significantly more infected by T. gondii than the lambs (< 1 year) in both species (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings indicated that food animals are highly exposed to T. gondii in Lebanon and could be potentially a major risk factor of T. gondii infection to humans. Consequently, national prophylactic strategies should be implemented to control and to prevent T. gondii transmission between animals and humans.


2014 ◽  
pp. 63-67
Author(s):  
Thi Hong Duc Nguyen ◽  
Nu Van Anh Ton

Objective: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects many people of all ages. Some recent studies showed that cerebral toxoplasmosis is one of the causes’ acquired epilepsy in developing countries. In this study, we investigated the frequency of Toxoplasma gondii infection in epileptic children and some clinical characteristics difference with between seropositive and seronegative of T.gondii. Material and methods: We selected 62 pediatric patients with epilepsies that were treatment at Pediatric center (Hue Center Hospital) and tested them for evidence of T. gondii IgM, IgG antibodies by the enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay (ELISA). We studied some clinical characteristics differences between T.gondii seropositive and seronegative groups. Results: The seropositive proportion of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in epileptic children was 25.8% (25% IgM(+)IgG(-), 56,25% IgG(+)IgM(-) and 18.75% IgM(+)IgG(+)) and the over 10 age group accounted for the highest percentage of T.gondii positive (43.8%). The seropositive group had a significant different than seronegative group about ages, frequency of seizures and period of disease. There had no significant different between two groups about sex, residency and the type of seizures. Conclusion: Toxoplasma gondii had a high proportion in epileptic children. Key words: Epilepsy, Toxoplasma gondii


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