scholarly journals Chagas' disease and social security: a case-control study in an urban area, Goiás, Brazil

1988 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 281-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fábio Zicker
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
Social Security ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Physical Exertion ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Chagas Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Economic Level ◽  
Migration History

One hundred and twenty subjects with Chagas' cardiopathy and 120 non-infected subjects were randomly selected from first time claimants of sickness benefits in the National Institute of Social Security (INPS) in Goiás. Cases of Chagas' cardiopathy were defined based on serological test, history of residence in an endemic area and, clinical and/or electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations suggestive of Chagas' cardiomyopathy. Controls were defined as subjects with at least two negative serological tests. Case and controls were compared in the analysis for age, sex, place of birth, migration history, socio-economic level, occupation, physical exertion at work, age at affiliation and years of contribution to the social security scheme, clinical course of their disease and ECG abnormalities. Chagas' disease patients were younger than other subjects and predominantly of rural origin. Non-infected subjects presented a better socio-economic level, were performing more skilled activities and had less changes of job than cases. No important difference was observed in relation to age at affiliation to INPS. About 60% of cases have claimed for benefits within the first four years of contribution while among controls this proportion was 38.5%. Cases were involved, proportionally more than controls, in "heavy" activities. A risk of 2.3 (95%CL 1.5 - 4.6) and 1.8 (95%CL 1.2- 3.5) was obtained comparing respectively "heavy" and "moderate" physical activity against "light". A relative risk of 8.5 (95%CL 4.9 - 14.8) associated with the presence of cardiopathy was estimated comparing the initial sample of seropositive subjects and controls. A high relative risk was observed in relation to right bundle branch block (RR = 37.1 95%CL = 8.8 - 155.6) and left anterior hemiblock (RR = 4.4, 95%CL = 2.1 - 9.1).

Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay for the Diagnosis of Congenital Chagas Disease: A Prospective Study in Spain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Gil-Gallardo ◽  
Marina Simón ◽  
María Iborra ◽  
Bartolomé Carrilero ◽  
Manuel Segovia
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
Global Health Problem ◽  
Rule Out

Congenital Chagas disease (CCD) has become a global health problem. Historically, the diagnosis of CCD has been carried out using parasitological methods and traditional serological techniques, however, new serological techniques such as chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays (CMIA) have been developed in the last few years with many advantages compared with traditional serological tests. A total of 75 children born to 72 Latin American Chagas-infected mothers were consecutively enrolled and studied by CMIA and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) at 0–2, 6, 9, and 12 months of age. At the end of the follow-up, 74 out of 75 children were considered uninfected and one child was diagnosed with CCD. Our study emphasizes the need to carry out serological follow-up on every newborn from a mother with Chagas disease and shows that CMIA assay is a great diagnostic tool as a single serological test at 9 months of age to rule out CCD or to identify possible transmission.

scholarly journals Seropositivity to canine tick-borne pathogens in a population of sick dogs in Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan ◽  
Giovanni Benelli ◽  
Marcos Antonio Bezerra-Santos ◽  
Viet-Linh Nguyen ◽  
Giuseppe Conte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Borrelia Burgdorferi ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Rickettsia Conorii ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
The South ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Distribution Maps

Abstract Background Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) associated to ticks are among the most important health issues affecting dogs. In Italy, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia conorii and Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) have been studied in both healthy canine populations and those clinically ill with suspected CVBDs. However, little information is currently available on the overall prevalence and distribution of these pathogens in the country. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in clinically suspect dogs from three Italian macro areas during a 15-year period (2006–2020). Methods A large dataset (n = 21,992) of serological test results for selected TBPs in three macro areas in Italy was analysed using a Chi-square test to evaluate the associations between the categorical factors (i.e. macro area, region, year, sex and age) and a standard logistic regression model (significance set at P = 0.05). Serological data were presented as annual and cumulative prevalence, and distribution maps of cumulative positive cases for TBPs were generated. Results Of the tested serum samples, 86.9% originated from northern (43.9%) and central (43%) Italy. The majority of the tests was requested for the diagnosis of E. canis (47%; n = 10,334), followed by Rickettsia spp. (35.1%; n = 7725), B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (11.6%; n = 2560) and Anaplasma spp. (6.2%; n = 1373). The highest serological exposure was recorded for B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (83.5%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (64.9%), Anaplasma spp. (39.8%) and E. canis (28.7%). The highest number of cumulative cases of Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) was recorded in samples from Tuscany, central Italy. Rickettsia spp. was more prevalent in the south and on the islands, particularly in dogs on Sicily older than 6 years, whereas Anaplasma spp. was more prevalent in the north and E. canis more prevalent in the south and on the islands. Conclusions The results of this study highlight the high seroprevalence and wide distribution of the four TBPs in dogs with clinically suspected CVBDs from the studied regions of Italy. The very high seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) exemplifies a limitation of this study, given the use of clinically suspect dogs and the possibility of cross-reactions when using serological tests. The present research provides updated and illustrative information on the seroprevalence and distribution of four key TBPs, and advocates for integrative control strategies for their prevention. Grapic abstract

scholarly journals Migration, family dysfunction and psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents

2005 ◽  
Vol 186 (5) ◽  
pp. 442-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis R. Patino ◽  
Jean-Paul Selten ◽  
Herman van Engeland ◽  
Jan H. M. Duyx ◽  
René S. Kahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Family Dysfunction ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Migration History ◽  
And Migration

SummaryA cross-sectional study of 3426 referred children and adolescents showed that the presence of both migration history and family dysfunction was associated with a fourfold (95% CI 2–9) higher risk of psychotic symptoms compared with the absence of these factors. The relative risk was 2 (95% CI 1–4) for migration history only. Interaction between migration history and family dysfunction accounted for 58% (95% CI 5–91%) of those with psychotic symptoms. These results suggest a relationship between family dysfunction and migration in the development of psychosis.

scholarly journals Serological Evaluation of Specific-Antibody Levels in Patients Treated for Chronic Chagas' Disease

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Sánchez Negrette ◽  
Fernando J. Sánchez Valdéz ◽  
Carlos D. Lacunza ◽  
María Fernanda García Bustos ◽  
María Celia Mora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Treatment Effectiveness ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Recombinant Antigens ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Laboratory Procedures ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Antibody Levels

ABSTRACT Serological tests are the main laboratory procedures used for diagnosis during the indeterminate and chronic stages of Chagas' disease. A serological regression to negativity is the main criterion used to define parasitological cure in treated patients. The aim of this work was to monitor the individual specificities of antibody levels for 3 years posttreatment in 18 adult patients. Conventional serological techniques (hemagglutination assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) were modified by using recombinant antigens to detect early markers of treatment effectiveness. For this purpose, serum samples were taken before and during treatment and every 6 months after treatment for at least 3 years. When hemagglutination assays were used, a decrease in antibody levels was observed in only one patient. When ELISA with serum dilutions was used, antibody clearance became much more apparent: in 77.7% (14/18) of the patients, antibody titers became negative with time. This was observed at serum dilutions of 1/320 and occurred between the 6th and the 30th months posttreatment. The immune response and the interval for a serological regression to negativity were different for each patient. For some of the recombinant antigens, only 50% (9/18) of the patients reached the serological regression to negativity. Recombinant antigen 13 might be a good marker of treatment effectiveness, since 66.6% (six of nine) of the patients presented with an early regression to negativity for specific antibodies to this antigen (P = 0.002).

Seroprevalence and molecular diagnosis of sheep brucellosis in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-39
Author(s):  
Mohamed El-Diasty ◽  
◽  
Rana El-Said ◽  
Adel Abdelkhalek ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
Tissue Sample ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Ring Test ◽  
Antigen Test ◽  
Isolation Rate ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Milk Samples ◽  
Animal Populations ◽  
Milk Ring Test

Brucellosis is an endemic disease among livestock and humans in Egypt. Sheep are the most common type of livestock ruminant in Egypt and considered the fundamental etiology for spreading and maintaining B. melitensis either in human being or animal populations. In the current study, we investigated the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep herds reared in Bilqase, one of the biggest cities at Dakahlia governorate in Egypt's Delta region. In total, 610 sheep from seven herds were investigated. Anti-Brucella antibodies were detected in 48 (7.8%) samples tested by Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen Test (BAPAT), in 44 (7.2%) samples tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and in 41 (6.7%) samples tested by Milk Ring Test (MRT). The isolation rate was 29.6% (16 out of 54 examined samples). Brucella organism was isolated from three aborted fetuses, one tissue sample of slaughtered serologically positive ewe and 12 milk samples. The Abortus Melitensis Ovis Suis-PCR (AMOS-PCR) confirmed all Brucella strains as B. melitensis. More than three successive negative serological tests are required to declare that the infected herd is free from brucellosis. In conclusion, no single serological test could conclusively diagnose brucellosis in endemic areas. Confirmation of results with molecular diagnosis or culture is indispensable in diagnosis. B. melitensis was the prevalent serotype among sheep in Dakahlia governorate

scholarly journals Mother-child transmission of Chagas disease: could coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus increase the risk?

2009 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Gustavo Scapellato ◽  
Edgardo Gabriel Bottaro ◽  
María Teresa Rodríguez-Brieschke
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Buffy Coat ◽  
Child Transmission ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus

A study was conducted on all newborns from mothers with Chagas disease who were attended at Hospital Donación F. Santojanni between January 1, 2001, and August 31, 2007. Each child was investigated for the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi parasitemia through direct examination of blood under the microscope using the buffy coat method on three occasions during the first six months of life. Serological tests were then performed. Ninety-four children born to mothers infected with Trypanosoma cruzi were attended over the study period. Three of these children were born to mothers coinfected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Vertical transmission of Chagas disease was diagnosed in 13 children, in all cases by identifying parasitemia. The overall Chagas disease transmission rate was 13.8% (13/94). It was 100% (3/3) among the children born to mothers with HIV infection and 10.9% (10/91) among children born to mothers without HIV [Difference = 0.89; CI95 = 0.82-0.95; p = 0.0021]. We concluded that coinfection with HIV could increase the risk of vertical transmission of Chagas disease.

scholarly journals Triatomine Fauna and Recent Epidemiological Dynamics of Chagas Disease in an Endemic Area of Northeast Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cláudia M. Melo ◽  
Ana Carla F. G. Cruz ◽  
Antônio Fernando V. A. Lima ◽  
Luan R. Silva ◽  
Rubens R. Madi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Control Program ◽  
The State ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Systemic Analysis ◽  
South Central ◽  
Disease Control Program

Updated information of the dispersion dynamics of Chagas disease (CD) and a systemic analysis of these data will aid the early identification of areas that are vulnerable to transmission and enable efficient intervention. This work synthesized spatiotemporal information regarding triatomine fauna and analyzed this information in combination with the results from serological tests to elucidate the epidemiological panorama of CD in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. This is a retrospective analytical study that utilized information from the database of the National Chagas Disease Control Program. Between 2010 and 2016, 838 triatomines of eight species, namely, Panstrongylus geniculatus, which was first recorded in the state of Sergipe, Panstrongylus lutzi, P. megistus, Triatoma brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata, T. tibiamaculata, T. melanocephala, and Rhodnius neglectus, were collected. Optical microscopy revealed that 13.2% of triatomines examined were infected by Trypanosoma cruzi-like flagellates. The distribution of triatomines exhibits an expanding south-central to northern dispersion, with a preference for semiarid and agreste areas and occasional observations in humid coastal areas due to anthropogenic actions reflected in the environment. Of the human cases analyzed from 2012 to 2016, 8.3% (191/2316) presented positive serology for Trypanosoma cruzi, and this proportion showed a gradual increase in the southern center of the state and new notifications in coastal regions. There is a need for intensification and continuity of the measures adopted by the Chagas Disease Control Program in Sergipe, identifying new priority areas for intervention and preferential ecotopes of the vectors, considering the occurrence of positive triatomines intradomicilliary and a source of new triatomines in the peridomiciles.

Chagas Disease: Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy

2019 ◽  
pp. 100507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Giraldo Echavarría ◽  
Luis E. Echeverría ◽  
Merrill Stewart ◽  
Catalina Gallego ◽  
Clara Saldarriaga
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Chagas Cardiomyopathy

scholarly journals Increased detection of schistosomiasis with Kato-Katz and SWAP-IgG-ELISA in a Northeastern Brazil low-intensity transmission area

2012 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 510-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teiliane Rodrigues Carneiro ◽  
Marta Cristhiany Cunha Pinheiro ◽  
Sara Menezes de Oliveira ◽  
Ana Lúcia de Paula Hanemann ◽  
José Ajax Nogueira Queiroz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serological Test ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Transmission Area ◽  
Elisa Technique ◽  
Endemic Areas

INTRODUCTION: The laboratory diagnosis of schistosomiasis is based mainly on the detection of parasite eggs in stool samples through the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, reading one slide by test. However, a widely known limitation of parasitological methods is reduced sensitivity, particularly in low endemic areas. METHODS: To increase sensitivity, we conducted further slide readings from the same stool sample using the parasitological method associated with a serological test. We used the KK method (three slides) and the IgG anti-Schistosoma mansoni-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique to diagnose schistosomiasis in low endemic areas in the Brazilian State of Ceará. Fecal samples and sera from 250 individuals were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen percent and 47.2% of samples were positive in parasitological tests and serological tests, respectively. Parasitological methods showed that 32 (80%) individuals tested positive on the first slide, 6 (15%) on the second slide, and 2 (5%) on the third. The performance of the ELISA test in the diagnosis, using the KK method as diagnostic reference, showed a negative predictive value of 100%, with specificity and positive predictive values of 62.8% and 33.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the increase from one to three slides analyzed per sample using the KK technique was shown to be a useful procedure for increasing the diagnostic sensitivity of this technique.

scholarly journals Quantitative serological evaluation as a valuable tool in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Ferrari ◽  
Alessandra Mangia ◽  
Maria Sestina Spanò ◽  
Lucia Zaffarano ◽  
Marco Viganò ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
General Population ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Antibody Persistence ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract Objectives After exceptional research efforts, several vaccines were developed against SARS-CoV-2 which sustains the pandemic COVID-19. The Comirnaty vaccine showed high efficacy in clinical trials and was the first to be approved for its distribution to the general population. We evaluated the immune response induced by the first vaccine dose in different sex/age groups and subjects with or without naturally present anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Methods As part of an Italian multicenter project (Covidiagnostix), serum samples from 4,290 health-professionals were serologically tested the day of the first vaccination dose, and 21 days later, using two different instrumentations (Siemens-Healthineers and Roche). Results In total, 97% of samples showed the presence of specific antibodies 21 days after the vaccination dose; the percentage of non-responders increased with age in both genders. Remarkably, naturally seropositive individuals showed antibody persistence up to 11 months and an exceptionally higher vaccination response compared to subjects never infected by SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions This study highlighted the importance of the serological test i) to identify naturally SARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals and ii) to evaluate the antibody level elicited by the first vaccination dose. Both tests, highlighted differences in the immune response, when subjects were stratified by sex and age, and between naturally seropositive and seronegative subjects. The data obtained show how serological tests could play a crucial role in the triage of the population subjected to the vaccination campaign for COVID-19. The definition of suitable instrumentation-specific thresholds is needed to correctly follow eventually acquired post-vaccination immunity in the general population.

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