Risk factors for trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma vivax in cattle raised in Rio Grande do Norte state

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti Trypanosoma vivax antibodies and the possible risk factors associated with the infection in cattle in Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil, through a cross-sectional epidemiological study, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling. A total of 467 cattle’s serum samples were analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence. Forty-two samples tested positive for Trypanosoma vivax IgG antibodies, corresponding to the prevalence of 9%. Risk factors influencing the occurrence of trypanosomiasis were milk exploration, raising of European breeds, productivity category: lactation cow, purchase of new cattle, foraging habits near ponds and rivers, and the presence of mechanical vectors. So, high prevalence in beef animals (59.5%), females (95.2%), European breed (88.1%), lactating cows (85.7%), pasture at banks of dams and rivers (95.2%), in addition to the presence of mechanical vectors (81%) and acquisition of animals (88.1%), indicates the expansion of trypanosomiasis in Northeastern semi-arid region, and the information obtained may explain the epidemiological factors that determine the occurrence of trypanosomiasis by T. vivax in this region.

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HBV and HCV serological markers in patients with the hepatosplenic form of mansonic schistosomiasis

Arquivos de Gastroenterologia ◽

10.1590/s0004-28032011000200008 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

pp. 124-130 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jéfferson Luis de Almeida Silva ◽

Veridiana Sales Barbosa de Souza ◽

Tatiana Aguiar Santos Vilella ◽

Ana Lúcia C. Domingues ◽

Maria Rosângela Cunha Duarte Coêlho

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

University Hospital ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Serological Markers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated

CONTEXT: Blood transfusion is one of the major risk factors for the transmission of the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses. However, there are no reports describing the endoscopic transmission of these viruses in patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of serological markers of HBV and HCV in patients with the hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis and evaluate the possible risk factors associated with these infections. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 230 patients with hepatosplenic form of schistosomiasis who attended a university hospital in Recife, Northeastern Brazil, from February to August 2008. The patients answered a standardized questionnaire about risk factors. Serum samples were analyzed for anti-HBc total, anti-HBs, HBsAg, and anti-HCV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence was 30% for anti-HBc total and/or HBsAg and 7.4% for anti-HCV. There was a higher frequency of the serological markers in females and in patients aged .50 years. A significant association was detected between the presence of anti-HCV and the receipt of six or more blood transfusions. There was no association of history and number of digestive endoscopies with the serological markers analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a higher prevalence of serological markers for HBV and a lower prevalence of anti-HCV. Our results indicate that females and patients of an advanced age are the most affected categories and that patients that received multiple transfusions are at a higher probability of HCV infection.

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Risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in goats in the State of Paraíba, Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612012005000002 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 399-404 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Carolina de Sousa Américo Batista Santos ◽

Sérgio Santos de Azevedo ◽

Herbert Sousa Soares ◽

Severino Silvano dos Santos Higino ◽

Hilda Fátima de Jesus Pena ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Northeastern Brazil ◽

Dairy Goat ◽

Semiarid Region ◽

Dairy Goats ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Seropositive Animal

A cross-sectional study based on planned sampling was carried out to determine flock-level risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii antibody prevalence in dairy goat flocks in a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 975 adult dairy goats from 110 flocks were examined by indirect immonufluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using cut-off point at 1:64 dilution. From the 110 flocks, 77 presented at least one seropositive animal, corresponding to a prevalence of 70% (95% CI: 60.5-78.4%). Out of the 975 animals, 177 (18.1%; 95% CI = 15.8-20.7%) tested positive. The presence of toxic plants (OR = 5.11; P = 0.045) and the fact that goat breeding is not the main activity on the farm (OR = 3.34; P = 0.014) were identified as risk factors. The results of the present study showed evidence of the presence of T. gondii infection in dairy goats from a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil using planned sampling. Further studies are needed to elucidate the importance of the identified risk factors in the epidemiology of the infection.

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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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Acute lower respiratory illness in under-five children in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil: prevalence and risk factors

Cadernos de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s0102-311x2008000600023 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 1429-1438 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Silvio O. M. Prietsch ◽

Gilberto B. Fischer ◽

Juraci A. César ◽

Berenice S. Lempek ◽

Luciano V. Barbosa Jr. ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Family Income ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Respiratory Illness ◽

Acute Lower Respiratory Infection ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Maternal Schooling ◽

The City

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acute lower respiratory illness and to identify associated factors among children less than five years of age in the city of Rio Grande, southern Brazil. Using a cross-sectional survey, a standardized household questionnaire was applied to mothers or guardians. Information was collected on household conditions, socioeconomic status, and parental smoking. Prenatal care attendance, nutritional status, breastfeeding pattern, and use of health services for the children were also investigated. Data analysis was based on prevalence ratios and logistic regression, using a conceptual framework. Among 771 children studied, 23.9% presented acute lower respiratory illness. The main risk factors were previous episodes of acute lower respiratory infection or wheezing, crowding, maternal schooling less than five years, monthly family income less than US$ 200, four or more people per room, asthma in family members, and maternal smoking. Mothers 30 years or older were identified as a protective factor. These results can help define specific measures to reduce morbidity and mortality due to acute lower respiratory illness in this setting.

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Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Trichinella spiralis Infection in Blood Donors from Western Romania

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina58010128 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 128

Author(s):

Radu Pavel ◽

Sorin Ursoniu ◽

Ana Alexandra Paduraru ◽

Rodica Lighezan ◽

Maria Alina Lupu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Blood Donors ◽

Trichinella Spiralis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Parasitic Nematodes ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Trichinella Infection ◽

Worldwide Distribution ◽

Western Romania

Background and Objectives: Trichinellosis, a serious and sometimes fatal human disease, is a foodborne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Trichinella. Humans are infected with Trichinella larvae through the ingestion of meat that has not been properly cooked. Romania reported most of the confirmed cases of trichinellosis among the EU countries. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence and risk factors of Trichinella infection in blood donors from Western Romania. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 1347 consecutive blood donors were investigated using an immunoenzymaticassay (ELISA) for the determination of specific IgG class antibodies against T.spiralis. A questionnaire interview was used to obtain information regarding the potential risk factors associated with T. spiralis infection. Mantel–Haenszel chi-squared test or the Fisher exact two-tailed test, as appropriate, were used for comparison between T. spiralis positive and T. spiralis negative blood donors. Student’s t-test was used to evaluate differences between means in studied groups and body mass index was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info Version 7.2 and Stata 16.1. Results: T. spiralis IgG antibodies were detected in 2.00% (27) of 1347 consecutive blood donors. Eating raw and/or undercooked meat, from pigs or wild boars, was found to be the main risk factor (p < 0.001). Strong alcoholic drink consumption was highly associated with T. spiralis infection (p = 0.009). Trichinella seroprevalence was higher among rural residents and males. Subjects identified as Trichinella seropositive were not previously diagnosed and have not been treated for Trichinella infection with any specific therapy. Conclusions: The demonstration of T. spiralis antibodies in healthy blood donors suggests that Trichinella infection may be detected in asymptomatic individuals that were not previously diagnosed with this zoonosis.

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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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Frequency of antibodies and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in backyard pig production in the city of Mossoró, state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Revista Brasileira de Parasitologia Veterinária ◽

10.1590/s1984-29612019036 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 508-513 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Isabela Maria Campanelli dos Santos ◽

Alexandro Iris Leite ◽

Maria Eduarda Chiaradia Furquim ◽

Diego Carlos de Souza Zanatto ◽

Simone de Jesus Fernandes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Rio Grande ◽

Female Gender ◽

Immunofluorescence Assay ◽

P Value ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Source Of Infection ◽

Antibody Titers ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Abstract Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis for pregnant women and immunosuppressed people. The pig population also becomes infected by this pathogen, and undercooked or raw meat is an important source of infection for humans. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the rate of exposure of pigs to T. gondii in the municipality of Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte and seek to identify associations with possible risk factors. Blood samples were collected from 412 pigs and were analyzed using the immunofluorescence assay. Among these 412 serum samples, 40.7% were seropositive for T. gondii. The IgG antibody titers were 64 (56 specimens), 128 (32), 256 (37), 512 (23), 1024 (14), 2048 (5) and 4046 (1). Seropositivity for T. gondii was found to be related (p-value < 0.05) to the following factors: female gender, semi-confined rearing system, use of well water, dewormed animals, presence of cats, goats, sheep, mice and vultures on the farm and carcasses left on the ground. In contrast, seropositivity was not related (p-value < 0.05) to the age of the pigs, type of facility or feeding with human food remains. Preventive measures need to be adopted on the farms studied here, with the aim of decreasing the animals’ intake of sporulated oocysts.

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Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of leptospirosis in slaughter pigs; a neglected public health risk, western Kenya

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-019-2159-3 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Jeremiah N. Ngugi ◽

Eric M. Fèvre ◽

Georgies F. Mgode ◽

Mark Obonyo ◽

Ginethon G. Mhamphi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Production Systems ◽

Lake Victoria ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Lake Victoria Basin ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Slaughter Pigs

Abstract Background Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis of public health importance transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, water or urine of infected animals. In pigs the disease is characterized by abortion, still births and weak piglets. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May to July 2018 to estimate the sero-prevalence of leptospirosis and factors associated with seropositivity in slaughter pigs. A questionnaire was used to collect information on animal demographics. Serum was tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with a panel of 8 serovars. Sera were considered positive for sero-reactivity at a MAT titre ≥1:40 against at least one serovar. Chi-square tests were used to measure the strength of association between the MAT test result and exploratory variables. Results A total of 252 pig serum samples from seven slaughterhouses were tested for Leptospira antibodies by MAT. Of the 252 pigs sampled, 88.8% (244/252) were indigenous breeds; 55.6% (140/252) were female and 88.7% (220/252) were reared in extensive production systems. Eighty-three (32.9%; 83/252) sera samples tested positive on MAT against at least one serovar. Of the 8 serovars, the highest prevalence was recorded for serovar Lora 21.4% followed by Kenya 5.2%, Sokoine 3.6% and Grippotyphosa at 3.2%. Risk factors for leptospirosis seropositivity in pigs were: originating from farms with other types of livestock (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.0–4.5) and mature pigs (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.3). Conclusion This study demonstrates that there is a high prevalence of leptospirosis positive pigs at slaughter in a small-holder livestock keeping region of the Lake Victoria basin. The potential for cross species transmission of pathogenic serovars is highlighted as well as the potential for occupational exposure to slaughterhouse personnel. Improvements in husbandry practices (confinement and rodent control) and public health education among slaughterhouse workers and other high-risk groups is recommended.

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