scholarly journals Measurement of the IgG Avidity Index in the Diagnosis of Clinical Toxocariasis Patients

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1086
Author(s):  
Estelle Menu ◽  
Lora Kopec ◽  
Léa Luciani ◽  
Sophie Legrand ◽  
Coralie L’Ollivier
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Helminth Infection ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Larva Migrans ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
Active Infection ◽  
Ocular Toxocariasis ◽  
Laboratory Results ◽  
Visceral Larva Migrans Syndrome

Toxocara spp. are parasitic nematodes responsible for human toxocariasis, a common zoonotic helminth infection. The five main features of human toxocariasis are the classical ocular toxocariasis and visceral larva migrans syndrome, followed by covert toxocariasis, common toxocariasis and neurotoxocariasis. The diagnosis of toxocariasis is feasible by considering clinical symptoms, anamnestic history and serology laboratory results; however, serological criteria cannot be used to distinguish active Toxocara infection from past exposure, which is an area of much discussion in clinical practice. In this context, we developed avidity tests (ELISA and immunoblotting) and evaluated their clinical usefulness in distinguishing past from active toxocariasis. Our study involved 46 patients divided into two groups: “active toxocariasis” (n = 14) and “chronic toxocariasis” (n = 32). According to the avidity indices obtained for both the chronic and active toxocariasis groups, we proposed two thresholds: first, an AI lower than 32% supports an active infection; secondly, a threshold above 42% can exclude an active infection. In order to use this assay in routine clinical practice, however, is still requires standardisation with regards to the method and threshold values, which can be established through studies involving larger populations.

scholarly journals Molecular evaluation of Toxocara infection in stray cats using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique as a rapid, sensitive, and simple screening assay

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Azimian ◽  
Hamidreza Shokrani ◽  
Shirzad Fallahi
Keyword(s):  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Lamp Assay ◽  
Isothermal Amplification ◽  
Larva Migrans ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Screening Assay ◽  
Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
Stool Samples

Abstract Background: Toxocara species are parasitic nematodes of dogs and cats with a worldwide distribution. The adult worm lives in the intestine of dogs and cats, and infection occurs through eating paratenic host or embryonated eggs. These nematodes are considered as one of the common pathogens of humans and livestock, and in humans cause Visceral larva migrans (VLM) syndrome, which is accompanied by different clinical symptoms, sometimes lead to respiratory problems and even death. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular frequency of Toxocara species in stray cats using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. Methods: During 3 months (July to September 2018) a total of 95 stool samples were randomly collected from stray cats in Khorramabad city, Lorestan province, West of Iran. To separate the parasite’s eggs, the flotation method with chlorine solution was applied to saturation. Microscopic examination was performed after the separation and extraction of supernatants. To rupture the four layers of Toxocara egg, and extraction of DNA, sonication and freeze and thaw processes were used. After DNA extraction from the stool specimens, the LAMP reaction was performed using the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene primers of Toxocara species and the appropriate LAMP master mix. Results: The overall prevalence of Toxocara spp. in stray cats of Khoramabad city was 20% (19/95) by parasitological and molecular assessments. The microscopic examination of stool samples revealed that 19 samples were positive for Toxocara spp. The same 19 positive samples were also positive in the LAMP experiments. Interestingly, based on the results of the LAMP assay, out of 95 studied samples, 18 (18.41%) specimens were belonged to Toxocara canis, while only 1 (0.5%) sample was diagnosed as Toxocara cati. Conclusion: Identification of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats as the important sources of human infections especially for children is particularly important. The relatively high prevalence of Toxocara species, especially and interestingly the canis species in the studied cats shows the role of these animals in spreading the disease and the risk of transmission of infection to humans. Precautionary measures such as preventing cats from traveling in public places, especially children's playgrounds, as well as avoiding direct contact with stray cats are recommended.

scholarly journals Variable clinical characteristics and laboratory results in five patients with Chinese Good's syndrome (thymoma and hypogammaglobulinemia): an 8-year retrospective analysis in a university hospital in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinyao Ni ◽  
Junwu Zhang ◽  
Yanxia Chen ◽  
Weizhong Wang ◽  
Jinlin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Lichen Planus ◽  
Hospital Information System ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Ivig Treatment ◽  
Good’S Syndrome ◽  
Laboratory Results

Abstract Background Good's syndrome (GS) is a rare secondary immunodeficiency disease presenting as thymoma and hypogammaglobulinemia. Due to its rarity, the diagnosis of GS is often missed. Methods We used the hospital information system to retrospectively screen thymoma and hypogammaglobulinemia patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from Apr 2012 to Apr 2020. The clinical, laboratory, treatment, and outcome data for these patients were collected and analyzed. Results Among the 181 screened thymoma patients, 5 thymoma patients with hypogammaglobulinemia were identified; 3 patients had confirmed diagnoses of GS, and the other 2 did not have a diagnosis of GS recorded in the hospital information system. A retrospective review of the clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and follow-up data for these 2 undiagnosed patients confirmed the diagnosis of GS. All 5 GS patients presented with pneumonia, 2 patients presented with recurrent skin abscesses, 2 patients presented with recurrent cough and expectoration, 1 patient presented with recurrent oral lichen planus and diarrhea, and 1 patient presented with tuberculosis and granulomatous epididymitis. In the years after the diagnosis of hypogammaglobulinemia with mild symptoms, all 5 patients had received irregular intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. As the course of the disease progressed, the clinical symptoms of all patients worsened, but the symptoms were partly resolved with IVIG in these patients. However, 4 patients died due to comorbidities. Conclusion GS should be investigated as a possible diagnosis in thymoma patients who present with hypogammaglobulinemia, especially those with recurrent opportunistic infections, recurrent skin abscesses, chronic diarrhea, or recurrent lichen planus.

scholarly journals Peripheral Blood Leukocytes and Serum Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction Are Complementary Methods for Monitoring Active Cytomegalovirus Infection in Transplant Patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. e69-e74 ◽  
Author(s):  
PD Andrade ◽  
MT Fioravanti ◽  
EBV Anjos ◽  
C De Oliveira ◽  
DM Albuquerque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Positive Predictive Value ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Cytomegalovirus Infection ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Peripheral Blood Leukocytes ◽  
Active Infection ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Blood Leukocytes ◽  
Polymerase Chain

BACKGROUND: Human cytomegalovirus is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has proven to be a sensitive and effective technique in defining active cytomegalovirus infection, in addition to having low cost and being a useful test for situations in which there is no need for quantification. Real-time PCR has the advantage of quantification; however, the high cost of this methodology makes it impractical for routine use.OBJECTIVE: To apply a nested PCR assay to serum (sPCR) and to evaluate its efficiency to diagnose active cytomegalovirus infection compared with PCR of peripheral blood leukocytes (L-PCR).METHODS: Samples of 37 patients were prospectively evaluated. An internal control was created and applied to sPCR to exclude false-negative results.RESULTS: In total, 21 patients (57%) developed active cytomegalovirus infection. After analyzing the two methods for the diagnosis of active infection, higher sensitivity and negative predictive value of the L-PCR versus sPCR (100% versus 62%), and higher specificity and positive predictive value of sPCR versus L-PCR (81% versus 50% and 72%, respectively) were observed. Discordant results were observed in 11 patients who were L-PCR-positive but sPCR-negative for active cytomegalovirus infection, five of whom developed clinical symptoms of cytomegalovirus. Clinical symptoms were observed in 14 patients, 12 of whom were diagnosed with active infection by nested L-PCR (P=0.007) and seven by nested sPCR (P=0.02). Higher specificity and a positive predictive value for sPCR were observed.CONCLUSION: Nested L-PCR and sPCR were considered to be complementary methods for the diagnosis and management of symptomatic cytomegalovirus infection.

scholarly journals Advances in Acupuncture and its Associated Therapies for the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaiya Zhang ◽  
Yuanyuan Ren ◽  
Yanyan Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Metabolic Disease ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Embedding Therapy ◽  
Prevention And Treatment ◽  
Treatment Of Obesity

Obesity type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease in clinical practice, and its prevalence is increasing rapidly with the aging of the population and changes in lifestyle. Acupuncture, as a distinctive therapy, has its unique advantages in the treatment of obesity type 2 diabetes and has an irreplaceable role in a variety of treatment methods. The author organized the literature on acupuncture and its related therapies to prevent and treat obesity type 2 diabetes in recent years and found that acupuncture and its associated therapies to prevent and treat obesity type 2 diabetes mainly include: simple acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupoint catgut embedding therapy, auricular-plaster therapy and other treatments, all of which can safely and effectively improve clinical symptoms, acupuncture and its related therapies to treat obesity type 2 diabetes has a broad prospect, worthy of further clinical promotion.

Uveitis associated with Toxocara; Clinic, Diagnosis, and Treatment

2019 ◽  
pp. 244-246
Keyword(s):  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Vitreoretinal Surgery ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Posterior Pole ◽  
Larva Migrans ◽  
Toxocara Cati ◽  
Ocular Toxocariasis ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Ocular Larva Migrans

Ocular toxocariasis or ocular larva migrans is a parasitic infection via the ingestion of dog nematode Toxocara canis and cat nematode Toxocara cati larvae. It usually affects only one eye of the child under the age of sixteen. The most common clinical findings in ocular toxocariasis are peripheral granuloma, posterior pole chorioretinal eosinophilic granulomas, and endophthalmitis or pars planitis. It is diagnosed with clinical findings in developing countries, ELISA antibody tests, and, if necessary, intraocular fluid analysis can be made. Ocular toxocariasis must be distinguished from retinoblastoma and other congenital and inflammatory eye conditions of childhood. In treatment, besides anthelmintic agents, steroid use and vitreoretinal surgery may be needed.

scholarly journals Study of toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis in patients suffering from ophthalmic disorders using serological and molecular methods

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 2151-2157
Author(s):  
Jasem Saki ◽  
Elham Eskandari ◽  
Mostafa Feghhi
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Molecular Methods ◽  
Ocular Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Larva Migrans ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Ocular Toxocariasis ◽  
Khuzestan Province ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Introduction Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that can cause ocular toxoplasmosis with most complications such as retinal detachment. Toxocara parasite, round worm, found in dogs and cats appears as larva migrans in humans can cause serious ocular complications such as debilitating vision loss.In Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran, T. gondii infection has been reported to be significant but toxocariasis was rare. However, the frequency of ocular toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis has not been studied in this area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ocular toxoplasmosis and ocular toxocariasis using serological and molecular methods. Method In this case control study, 310 patients were identified by ophthalmologist as ocular toxoplasmosis and then 5 cc of venous blood samples were taken from each of them. Serum samples and buffy coat were prepared and ELISA was used to detect IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and the molecular PCR was used to detect Toxoplasma DNA parasite in buffy coats. ELISA test was used to detect of IgG anti-Toxocara antibodies. Results Totally, for ocular toxoplasmosis, 130 (41.93%) of 310 patients were positive by ELISA, of them 121 (39%) IgG positive and nine (2.9%) IgM positive were diagnosed. Of 121 cases with IgG+, 119 (98.35%) were diagnosed with high IgG avidity indicating chronic phase of the infection. For ocular toxocariasis evaluation, antibodies against Toxocara were not detected in any of the samples. By PCR molecular method, 11 out of 310 patients (3.54%) had T. gondii DNA in the blood. In control, in total, 21 cases were detected positive by serology method, which showed a significant difference with the results of the case group(P < 0.05).By PCR method, only three cases showed positive which also indicated significant difference with result of case group (3 vs 9) (P < 0.05). In the control group, also no anti-toxocara antibodies were found. Conclusion It can be concluded that T. gondii in Khuzestan province as the etiologic agent of ocular toxoplasmosis and physicians should consider diagnostic methods for identifying the infection when they visit the patients.

scholarly journals ILC2s mediate systemic innate protection by priming mucus production at distal mucosal sites

2019 ◽  
Vol 216 (12) ◽  
pp. 2714-2723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Campbell ◽  
Matthew R. Hepworth ◽  
Jayde Whittingham-Dowd ◽  
Seona Thompson ◽  
Allison J. Bancroft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Goblet Cell ◽  
Helminth Infection ◽  
Host Immunity ◽  
Mucosal Barrier ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Cell Hyperplasia ◽  
Mucus Production ◽  
Mucin Production ◽  
Helminth Infections

Host immunity to parasitic nematodes requires the generation of a robust type 2 cytokine response, characterized by the production of interleukin 13 (IL-13), which drives expulsion. Here, we show that infection with helminths in the intestine also induces an ILC2-driven, IL-13–dependent goblet cell hyperplasia and increased production of mucins (Muc5b and Muc5ac) at distal sites, including the lungs and other mucosal barrier sites. Critically, we show that type 2 priming of lung tissue through increased mucin production inhibits the progression of a subsequent lung migratory helminth infection and limits its transit through the airways. These data show that infection by gastrointestinal-dwelling helminths induces a systemic innate mucin response that primes peripheral barrier sites for protection against subsequent secondary helminth infections. These data suggest that innate-driven priming of mucus barriers may have evolved to protect from subsequent infections with multiple helminth species, which occur naturally in endemic areas.

Cognitive Impairment in Children with Arachnoid Cyst of Sylvian Fissure: Does it Justify the Neurosurgical Treatment?

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 (04) ◽  
pp. 362-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Kwiatkowska ◽  
Magdalena Dębicka ◽  
Agnieszka Maryniak ◽  
Stanisław Kwiatkowski
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Neurosurgical Treatment ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractThis report discusses the relationship between arachnoid cysts (ACs) and cognitive deficits, and we ask if cognitive impairments could justify neurosurgical treatment. In clinical practice, only AC patients with symptoms of intracranial hypertension or focal neurological deficits are referred to surgery. Occasionally, one might assume that nonspecific problems such as impairment of learning, speech, or cognitive functions are caused by an AC and can be improved by surgery. We describe three patients, in which surgery was indicated on the basis of clinical symptoms such as headaches and the size of the cysts. A neuropsychological examination before AC surgery revealed reduced cognitive potential, and the same examination repeated after surgery showed improvement. We have not found any other reason for this change, except for the decompression of the AC.

scholarly journals Clinical Practice Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyponatraemia

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goce Spasovski ◽  
Raymond Vanholder ◽  
Bruno Allolio ◽  
Djillali Annane ◽  
Steve Ball ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Clinical Practice Guideline ◽  
Practice Guideline ◽  
European Society ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Electrolyte Balance ◽  
Holistic View

Abstract Hyponatraemia, defined as a serum sodium concentration <135 mmol/l, is the most common disorder of body fuid and electrolyte balance encountered in clinical practice. It can lead to a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, from subtle to severe or even life threatening, and is associated with increased mortality, morbidity and length of hospital stay in patients presenting with a range of conditions. Despite this, the management of patients remains problematic. The prevalence of hyponatraemia in widely different conditions and the fact that hyponatraemia is managed by clinicians with a broad variety of backgrounds have fostered diverse institution-and speciality-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment. To obtain a common and holistic view, the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) and the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association (ERA-EDTA), represented by European Renal Best Practice (ERBP), have developed the Clinical Practice Guideline on the diagnostic approach and treatment of hyponatraemia as a joint venture of three societies representing specialists with a natural interest in hyponatraemia. In addition to a rigorous approach to methodology and evaluation, we were keen to ensure that the document focused on patient-important outcomes and included utility for clinicians involved in everyday practice.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document