TETANUS IMMUNIZATION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN: COVERAGE RATE AND RATE OF PROTECTION AT TIME OF DELIVERY

Even though attempts have been effectively applied to eradicate the neonatal tetanus through widespread childhood vaccination and improved conditions at delivery, it remains major cause of infant mortality and continues a problem of public health in developing countries including Yemen. The aims of this study were to determine the tetanus immunization status, the association between the risk factors and failure of protection in pregnant women at time of delivery. This cross-sectional study included 476 women seeking care for delivery at Al Thawra Modern General Hospital and Al Sabain Hospital, women age ranged from 16-49 years old. Immunization information and factors affecting it were obtained through a standard questionnaire. Serum samples were collected and level of IgG antibody against Clostridium tetani was measured by ELISA technique. Protected women were defined as those with serum antibody levels > or = 0.6 IU/ml. The total vaccine covering rate of tetanus was 87%, and maternal vaccine rate was 33.6%, the protective rate at time of delivery was 68.5%. There were significant association between unvaccinated (OR=18.6), older ages (OR=1.7), rural residency (OR=34) and malaria infection during pregnancy (OR=2.9); with protection failure in pregnant women at time of delivery. It can be concluded that the total vaccine coverage rate and antenatal tetanus vaccine rate were insufficient. In addition, the protective rate at time of delivery was low and large numbers of neonate are susceptible to neonatal tetanus and death. Vaccinating every pregnant woman with at least one dose of TT would be an affordable and effective way to protect against neonatal tetanus, and would be a step toward eliminating the deaths that continue to occur due to this preventable disease in Yemen.

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31. Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Survey of the Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes of Mexican Gynecologists and Family Physicians

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.076 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S39-S39

Author(s):

Erika Z Lopatynsky-Reyes ◽

Sue Ann Costa-Clemens ◽

Enrique Chacon-Cruz ◽

Michael Greenberg

Keyword(s):

Influenza Vaccination ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Latin American ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Family Physicians ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Beliefs And Attitudes ◽

In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Influenza in pregnancy is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Influenza vaccines are both safe and effective in pregnancy, supporting routine use in this population. Even though influenza vaccination in Mexico is recommended for pregnant women, there are no publications of influenza vaccine coverage in pregnancy. This is the first Latin American survey done only in physicians aiming to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes that Mexican Obstetrics-Gynecologists (OBG) and Family Physicians (FP) have towards influenza and influenza immunization during pregnancy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted, both paper-based and online. The questionnaire was composed of 35 questions, which addressed general knowledge of influenza, recommendations for vaccination during pregnancy, and beliefs and attitudes concerning the acceptability of the vaccine in pregnant women. Results A total of 206 completed surveys were available, 98 (47.6%) from OBG, 108 (52.4%) from FP. Regarding current practicing medical institutions, 76 (37%), 69 (34%), 31 (14.5%), 30 (14.5%) reported working for the Mexican Institute of Social Security, Private Sector, Secretariat of Health, or a combination of all respectively, representing an estimated 2,472 daily pregnancy consultations. About a quarter (26.2%) reported not having a notion that influenza is more severe among pregnant women. More than half (51.5%) ignored the potential side effects of influenza infection on the fetus. The majority (56.8%) did not know when vaccination during pregnancy should occur. Pregnancy as a risk factor for developing influenza complications was known only in 48.1%. Also, 46.1 % believed that vaccination only confers protection to the mother, but not to the fetus. Nevertheless, 96.1% considered that immunization against influenza during pregnancy is a safe and effective preventive intervention. A results’ summary is shown in Figure-1. Conclusion Based on this survey, current knowledge of OBG and FP for influenza morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, and the importance of influenza vaccination in pregnant women, is poor. Mandatory recommendations to educate medical providers regarding influenza vaccination during pregnancy in Mexico are necessary, even as imperative for CME credits. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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Serum Concentrations of Selected Organochlorines in Pregnant Women and Associations with Pregnancy Outcomes. A Cross-Sectional Study from Two Rural Settings in Cambodia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17207652 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (20) ◽

pp. 7652

Author(s):

Margit Steinholt ◽

Shanshan Xu ◽

Sam Ol Ha ◽

Duong Trong Phi ◽

Maria Lisa Odland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polychlorinated Biphenyls ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Low Income ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Maternal Serum ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural Settings

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 194 pregnant women from two low-income settings in Cambodia. The inclusion period lasted from October 2015 through December 2017. Maternal serum samples were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The aim was to study potential effects on birth outcomes. We found low levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP), except for heptachlors, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), heptachlor epoxide, and p,p’-DDE. There were few differences between the two study locations. However, the women from the poorest areas had significantly higher concentrations of p,p’-DDE (p < 0.001) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) (p = 0.002). The maternal factors associated with exposure were parity, age, residential area, and educational level. Despite low maternal levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, we found significant negative associations between the PCB congeners 99 (95% CI: −2.51 to −0.07), 138 (95% CI: −1.28 to −0.32), and 153 (95% CI: −1.06 to −0.05) and gestational age. Further, there were significant negative associations between gestational age, birth length, and maternal levels of o,p’-DDE. Moreover, o,p’-DDD had positive associations with birth weight, and both p,p’-DDD and o,p’-DDE were positively associated with the baby’s ponderal index. The poorest population had higher exposure and less favorable outcomes.

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Cross-sectional Analysis of Serum Antibody to Oral Streptococcal Antigens in Children

Journal of Dental Research ◽

10.1177/00220345880670030601 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 67 (3) ◽

pp. 554-560 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Z. Luo ◽

D.J. Smith ◽

M.A. Taubman ◽

W.F. King

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Colonization ◽

Serum Antibody ◽

Age Groups ◽

Mutans Streptococci ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Antibody Activity ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Streptococcal Species ◽

Micro Organisms

Antibodies to S. salivarius, S. sanguis, and S. mutans cells and to glucosyltransferases (GTF) prepared from these micro-organisms were measured in the sera of 133 infants and children by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IgG antibody activity to each cell type and GTF was present at birth (presumably derived from maternal transfer) and declined significantly thereafter. IgG antibody levels to S. salivarius and S. sanguis were next detected in young children (2 to < 3 yr group). However, an increase in IgG antibody to S. mutans cells was not seen until children were older ( 4 to < 8 yr group), possibly reflecting the later colonization of this organism. In contrast, IgG antibody to GTF of all three streptococcal species remained at low levels throughout the first four years of life. IgG antibody to S. mutans GTF was then the first to appear ( 4 to < 8 yr group). Serum IgA antibodies to all GTFs were not detected until after this time. Fifteen sera were used to develop IgG immunoblots with the GTF antigens. Some positive sera (7/12) demonstrated reaction(s) with GTF from each of the three streptococcal species. Individual sera showed IgG antibody bands to GTF from several serotypes of the mutans streptococci. No immunoblot reaction was observed with GTF and sera (3) from the four-to-seven-year and younger age groups. These results indicate the presence of serum antibody to bacteria and bacterial products associated with plaque formation very early in life and during and after the pre-adolescent years. The potential exists for this serum antibody to modulate bacterial colonization or accumulation in the oral cavity.

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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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Seroprevalence rates of Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus among first trimester pregnant women in Istanbul

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20205749 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 22

Author(s):

Aysegul Ozer ◽

Mujde Canday ◽

Aslihan Yurtkal ◽

Ebru Alici Davutoglu ◽

Yasam Kemal Akpak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

First Trimester ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

University Hospital ◽

Infectious Agents ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Common Causes ◽

Obstetric Clinic

Background: Toxoplasma Gondii, Rubella, and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) are the most common causes of congenital infections worldwide. There is not a consensus on these infectious agents should be screened during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of toxoplasma, rubella, and CMV infections in order to know the need for antenatal screening.Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on 1309 ambulatory pregnant patients who applied to the obstetric clinic of a university hospital between October 2016 and April 2018. Documents of patients in the first trimester were reviewed and serologic data of Toxoplasma gondii, CMV, Rubella infections were retrieved from the computer database.Results: Of 1309 pregnant women, positivity for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody was 352(26.9%), while 17(1.3%) of the subjects tested were positive for the anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibody. These positivities of the pregnant women for anti-Rubella IgG and IgM were 1147(87.6%) and (0.1%), respectively. These positivities of the pregnant women for anti-CMV IgG and IgM were 1163(88.8%) and 17(1.3%), respectively.Conclusions: We detected high rates of immunity against Rubella and CMV but low rates of immunity against Toxoplasma in this retrospective cohort of pregnant women. Due to high rates of seropositivity against Rubella and CMV, routine nationwide screening may not be necessary.

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Seroepidemiological Study of Toxocariasis in Children Aged 6-14 Year Old in Sanandaj, Western Iran

Iranian Journal of Parasitology ◽

10.18502/ijpa.v15i3.4209 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yahya MAROUFI ◽

Ashkan FARIDI ◽

Mohammadbagher KHADEMERFAN ◽

Fares BAHRAMI ◽

Ghasem ZAMINI

Keyword(s):

Demographic Data ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Larva Migrans ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Medical Diagnostic ◽

History Of ◽

Low Prevalence

Background: Toxocariasis is a disease caused by Toxocara nematodes and occurs from consuming their eggs. The main hosts of these worms are dogs and cats. The disease in humans becomes a visceral larva migrans (VLM). This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of toxocariasis in children aged 6–14 years. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from Jun 1 2016 to Dec 1 2017 in Sanandaj, west of Iran. A total of 182 serum samples were collected from children age 6 to14 yr referred to medical diagnostic laboratories. Demographic data (age, sex, and parents' literacy status), clinical signs (cough, headache, fever, abdominal pain), and the history of contact with dogs and cats was collected by a questionnaire. The presence of anti-Toxocara IgG antibody was detected by T. canis IgG ELISA (IBL, Germany) kit. Results: Of 182 subjects, 97 (53.3%) were male and 85 (46.7%) female. The average age was 9.2 years. Antibodies against T. canis were positive in three cases (1.65%) of all the studied subjects. Conclusions: The results showed a low prevalence of toxocariasis in children studied.

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Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant mother in Makassar, Indonesia

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0245572 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (6) ◽

pp. e0245572

Author(s):

Nurul Fadilah Ali Polanunu ◽

Sitti Wahyuni ◽

Firdaus Hamid

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Protozoan Parasite ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Antibody Positivity ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Pregnant Mothers

The protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect one-third of the world’s population. Infection in pregnant women can cause severe conditions for their babies. Until now, there is no data regarding Toxoplasma infection from Makassar pregnant mothers. This study aims to obtain information on Toxoplasma specific antibodies and to measure the risk factor associate with parasite infection. This cross-sectional study conducted in 9 of 47 primary health centres (Puskesmas) in Makassar. Blood samples and questionnaires were collected from 184 pregnant women aged 15–42 years old from September to October 2020. ELISA technique was used to examine the IgG and IgM antibodies. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to measure factors that independently associate with Toxoplasma antibody positivity. Our result showed the range of Toxoplasma IgM and IgG are 0.06–1.01 and 0.09–3.01, respectively. While no one of our participants has an acute Toxoplasma gondii infection (IgM positive), we found 32,6% pregnant mothers are exposed to parasite (positive IgG). Contact with cats [OR(95%CI): 10.45(3.77–28.99)], consume chicken satay [OR(95%CI): 9.72(3.71–25.48)] and consume un-boiled water/ filtered water [OR(95%CI): 5.98(1.77–20.23)] are independently associate with positive Toxoplasma IgG antibody. Based on the result, we conclude that pregnant women in Makassar are exposed to T. gondii and the oocyst and tissue cyst of parasite contaminates food and water in Makassar.

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The comparison of plasma fibronectin in term and preterm delivery: A cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study

International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine ◽

10.18502/ijrm.v18i1.6191 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 11-20

Author(s):

Zahra Moradi ◽

Parvin Moradi ◽

Mohamad Hassan Meshkibaf ◽

Mehrnoosh Aleosfoor ◽

Mehdi Sharafi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Preterm Delivery ◽

Maternal Plasma ◽

Maternal Serum ◽

Screening Tests ◽

Plasma Fibronectin ◽

Obese Women ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Maternal Serum Screening ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Preterm delivery is one of the main causes of infant death. Therefore, prediction of preterm delivery may eliminate a large number of prenatal complications. Objectives: The present study aimed to understand if preterm delivery can be predicted by assessing maternal plasma fibronectin concentration. Materials and Methods: Serum samples from 105 pregnant women participating in this study were collected. The plasma fibronectin were measured at 24-28 wk of gestation and again at 32-36 wk of gestation. Unfortunately, only 65 of the 105 pregnant women, returned for the second sampling. The plasma fibronectin was analyzed using ELISA method and its concentration in term and preterm deliveries was compared. The delivery dates of all the women were also recorded. Results: Out of 105 pregnant women, 28 delivered preterm (26.7%). The Plasma fibronectin concentrations in women with preterm delivery were higher than in those who delivered at term (p = 0.001). Accordingly, Plasma fibronectin concentrations were significantly higher in the second serum samples (p = 0.01). Plasma fibronectin concentrations was also higher in obese women and in those suffering from preeclampsia (p = 0.12) and gestational diabetes (p = 0.81). Conclusion: Plasma fibronectin concentrations test could be used as an optional screening test for preterm delivery at 28 to 34 wk of gestation in pregnant women who prefer to avoid vaginal sampling. Key words: Premature birth, Fibronectin, Maternal serum screening tests.

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SCREENING OF PREGNANT WOMEN FOR PRESENCE OF IGG ANTIBODIES FOR RUBELLA, MUMPS, MEASLES AND VARICELLA VIRUSES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL , JAIPUR

10.36106/gjra/0700438 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Seema Malav ◽

Bharti Malhotr

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Igg Antibodies ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Immunosorbant Assay ◽

Child Bearing ◽

Education Status ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay

Background : The aim of this study were assess the susceptible pregnant women for vaccine preventable infection like rubella, mumps, measles and varicella viruses. Infection of mothers with these viruses during pregnancy can be serious. They can cause congenital infections, miscarriage, stillbirth and death of fetuses. Material and Method : This study is cross sectional. To determine the presence of IgG antibodies for rubella, mumps, measles and varicella viruses, blood samples were collected, stored at -700 c. Serum was separated for detection of IgG antibodies for these viruses by using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay. Results : Of 277 samples evaluated for IgG antibodies. Susceptibility Of pregnant women for rubella, mumps measles and varicella viruses were 7.6%, 17.6%,7.2% and 19.5% respectively. Susceptibility rates for rubella and mumps were higher in rural population as compares to urban while for varicella urban population was more susceptible, but it was not statistically signicant. No correlation could be observed in susceptibility to different to different viruses and their education status and age of patients, but youngest age group was most susceptible to varicella and oldest group to rubella. Primigravida were more susceptible to rubella and varicella while multigravida were more susceptible to mumps and measles. Conclusion : Majority of the pregnant women had protective levels of IgG antibody although susceptibility to rubella, mumps measles and varicella were low. Intensication of MMRV immunization of all females of child-bearing age is advocated.

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A Cross-sectional Serological Study for Measles among Italian Medical Students in 2020

The Open Public Health Journal ◽

10.2174/1874944502013010692 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 692-695

Author(s):

Trabucco Aurilio Marco ◽

I Iannuzzi ◽

L Di Giampaolo ◽

A Pietroiusti ◽

C Ferrari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Antibody Titre ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Health Concern ◽

Age Group ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Workers ◽

Protective Antibodies ◽

Antibody Levels

Background: Measles is an infectious disease and a major health concern worldwide. Among individuals with a higher risk of exposure to measles, there are the Health Care Workers (HCWs), who may transmit the virus to other people. According to the Italian National Plan for Immunization and Prevention, all HCWs should have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles (documented two doses of MMR vaccination) or serological evidence of protective antibodies. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the immunological status, the vaccine coverage, and the protective IgG antibody titre for measles in medical students of the teaching hospital PoliclinicoTor Vergata (PTV). Methods: IgG measles antibodies titre was evaluated in a sample of 461 medical students undergoing annual health surveillance visits from January 1st to May 31th, 2020. Results: 73.7% of medical students showed protective measles IgG antibody levels. The immunization rate was higher among subjects aged less than 25 years with respect to students aged over 25 years (77.4% vs. 66.4%; P <0,001). Furthermore, average antibody titre showed a statistically significant association with the age group (124,2 AU/ml for the age group 18-25 and 133,2 AU/ml among subjects aged 25 or more; P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study shows a non-protective measles IgG antibody titre, especially among the older students. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the serological levels, to vaccinate those subjects whose antibody level is not adequate, and promote the vaccination even in the general population.

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