scholarly journals Increase in Percentage of Seronegative Toxoplasma gondii and Cytomegalovirus in Pregnant Women: An Improvement in Hygienic Conditions in Certain Areas?

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan-Bogdan Navolan ◽  
Florin Gorun ◽  
Cristian Oancea ◽  
Ioana-Mihaela Ciohat ◽  
Daniel Malița ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Primary Infection ◽  
Food Quality Control ◽  
Fetal Infection ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Pathogenic Agents

(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus belong to a group of pathogens entities called TORCH agents. TORCH represents an acronym which derives from the name of a series of certain pathogenic agents (Toxoplasma gondii, Other agents, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes virus). They could cross the placenta barrier and cause serious damage to the fetus if a primary infection occurs in a pregnant woman. Immunized women are relatively protected against a reinfection and the risk of a materno-fetal infection in these categories of pregnant women is considered low. (2) Aim of the study: To analyze changes in the percentage of pregnant women seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus along a period of ten years, from 2008 to 2018. (3) Material and Methods: We studied the changes in percentage of seronegative Toxoplasma gondii and Cytomegalovirus pregnant women along two periods: 2008–2010 and 2015–2018. Only pregnant women with declared medium of provenience and unequivocal results were enrolled in the study. (4) Results: In urban areas, we found an increase in the percentage of pregnant women seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii (RR = 1.488, p < 0.0001), respectively to cytomegalovirus (RR = 1.985, p < 0.0001), from 2008–2010 to 2015–2018. A similar increasing trend was found also in rural areas: Toxoplasma gondii (RR = 1.136, p < 0.0322), respectively cytomegalovirus (RR = 1.088, p < 0.8265) but it did not reach a significant threshold for cytomegalovirus. (5) Conclusion: Our study showed that the percentage of women seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus antibodies increases along a period of ten years, from 2008–2010 to 2015–2018, in both urban and rural areas. Probably, the main cause of this trend is represented by the improvement in hygienic condition and food quality control. These results present an argument for continuing the TORCH screening of pregnant women.

scholarly journals Urbanization Effect on the Diurnal Temperature Range: Different Roles under Solar Dimming and Brightening*

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 1022-1027 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Wang ◽  
Hong Ye ◽  
Feng Chen ◽  
Yongzhu Xiong ◽  
Cuiping Wang
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Diurnal Temperature Range ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Urbanization Effect ◽  
Diurnal Temperature ◽  
Temperature Range ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract Based on the 1960–2009 meteorological data from 559 stations across China, the urbanization effect on the diurnal temperature range (DTR) was evaluated in this study. Different roles of urbanization were specially detected under solar dimming and solar brightening. During the solar dimming time, both urban and rural stations showed decreasing trends in maximum temperature (Tmax) because of decreased radiation, suggesting that the dimming effects are not only evident in urban areas but also in rural areas. However, minimum temperature (Tmin) increased more substantially in urban areas than in rural areas during the dimming period, resulting in a greater decrease in the DTR in the urban areas. When the radiation reversed from dimming to brightening, the change in the DTR became different. The Tmax increased faster in rural areas, suggesting that the brightening could be much stronger in rural areas than in urban areas. Similar trends of Tmin between urban and rural areas appeared during the brightening period. The urban DTR continued to show a decreasing trend because of the urbanization effect, while the rural DTR presented an increasing trend. The remarkable DTR difference in the urban and rural areas showed a significant urbanization effect in the solar brightening time.

scholarly journals Health-Related Behaviors of Pregnant Women Residing in Urban and Rural Areas in Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Szubert ◽  
Malwina Ilowiecka ◽  
Jacek Wilczynski ◽  
Przemyslaw Bilinski ◽  
Cezary Wojtyla
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Folic Acid Supplementation ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Health Related Behaviors ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge regarding a healthy lifestyle and prophylaxis during pregnancy among women from rural and urban areas and how this changed within a 5-year period. Analyses of the population of pregnant women in Poland were made using a questionnaire survey. The survey was conducted in the years 2010–2012 and 2017. Questionnaires from 6128 pregnant women were collected. The statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS. The examined population was comprised of 41% women from rural areas and 59% women from urban areas. Alcohol consumption was lower among women from rural areas than among urban inhabitants in 2010–2012; in 2017 a trend of even lower consumption was observed. Folic acid supplementation was more broadly developed in the urban population; however, in 2017, higher percentage rates of both populations admitted taking folates before pregnancy. More women in urban than in rural areas performed physical activity during pregnancy, but the differences decreased in 2017. Knowledge of a healthy lifestyle and prophylaxis during pregnancy increased regardless of place of residence; however, the most evident change could be observed among women from rural areas.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in dogs in the municipality of Poconé, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. e158367
Author(s):  
Andréia Lima Tomé Melo ◽  
Juliana Maria Vasconcelos Grangeiro ◽  
Daniel Moura de Aguiar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
The State ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Tis study evaluated the presence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 320 domestic dogs living in urban and rural areas of the municipality of Poconé, located in the Pantanal wetlands of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Anti-N. caninum (cut-of point 50) and anti-T. gondii (cut-of point 16) antibodies were detected by means of immunofuorescence assays (IFA), using NC-Bahia and RH strains as antigens, respectively. Anti-N. caninum antibodies were detected in 69 (21.56%; 95% CI: 17.27%-26.56%) dogs, 31 (44.93%) of which lived in urban areas and 38 (55.07%) in rural areas, and endpoint titers ranged from 50 to 3200. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 132 (41.25%; 95% CI: 35.84%-46.87%) dogs, 58 (43.94%) from urban areas and 74 (56.06%) from rural areas, and endpoint titers ranged from 16 to 8192. A total of 33 dogs (10.3%) (12 urban and 21 rural animals) reacted to both agents (P <0.05). Tis study showed a higher prevalence of anti-T. gondii compared to anti-N. caninum antibodies in the dogs living in the Pantanal region, suggesting that both protozoans circulate in the studied region. Tis information is relevant, in view of its implications for animal and public health.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and associated risks factors in pregnant women of northern Durango, Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (6, Nov-Dic) ◽  
pp. 875
Author(s):  
Rolando Adair Facio-Campos ◽  
Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel ◽  
Edgar Olivas-Calderon
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Environmental Temperature ◽  
The North ◽  
Subsequent Investigation ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Risks Factors ◽  
Desert Zone

Toxoplasmosis is caused by intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). T. gondii infection in pregnancy can result in serious consequences for the developing fetus or newborn, including spontaneous abortion, hydrocephalus, and even death (1).  The infection could be acquired by ingestion of food (raw or uncooked meat from infected animals), direct contact with cat feces or soil contaminated with oocysts.  In 2012 Caballero-Ortega et al., (2) found an increase in the toxoplasmosis distribution in the north region (35%) finding the highest prevalence in coastal regions (67.5%) of México. There is no data historic available about this seroprevalence, specifically of the “Comarca Lagunera” of Durango State. Moreover, previous study of T. gondii seroprevalence in Durango City showed that 6.1% of pregnant woman of urban areas and 8.2% of rural areas were found positives (3). In 2018, 434 pregnant women who used the Health Services of Durango State in the “Comarca Lagunera Region” were studied with an average age of 22.2 years (± 5.95); we found four (0.92%) IgG and none (0.0%) IgM antibodies anti-T. gondii (Table I). Consumption of dried meat (OR = 16.5; 95% CI 1.7 – 161.48; p= 0.01) and sheep and goat meat (OR = 15.61; 95% CI 1.1 – 224.05; p= 0.043) were associated factors to the infection. Number and different types of pets and cats was not associated with anti-T. gondii antibodies. The “Comarca Lagunera” of Durango being a cattle zone, frequently local meat is consumed in general, representing a possible risk factor. It is particularly interesting since this study’s seroprevalence was 0.91% in a small area of Durango State, differing from the global prevalence in the State.  Probably, this results could be due to Durango State having a geographical diversity, Durango capital is located in a valley, unlike the “Comarca Lagunera” region, which is a semi-desert zone with high environmental temperature (Up to 45°C), that could explain the reduced survival of oocysts which implies a subsequent investigation to this work.

scholarly journals A serological survey of agents causing leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis in Rattus rattus in the city of Umuarama, northwest Paraná, Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karoline Franciani Cardoso Lopes ◽  
Ricardo De Melo Germano ◽  
Edson Gerônimo ◽  
Danila Zago ◽  
Eduardo Herrera Dias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Bacterial Diseases ◽  
Preventative Measures ◽  
Northwestern Region ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Synanthropic Rodents

Synanthropic rodents, present in both urban and rural areas, are responsible for the zoonotic transmission of several diseases to humans as well as for significant economic losses. They act as reservoirs for important viral diseases, bacterial diseases such as leptospirosis, and parasitic diseases such as toxoplasmosis and leishmaniasis. The aim of the present study was to assess the seropositivity of synanthropic rodents in Umuarama city, located in the northwestern region of Paraná State, Brazil, to agents causing leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis. The microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) was used to detect anti-Leptospira antibodies, and the indirect immunofluorescence reaction (IIFR) was used to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Of 178 animals collected, four (2.24%) were seropositive for Leptospira spp. and ten (5.62%) for Toxoplasma gondii. Ninety-five (53.38%) of the collected animals were male and 83 (46.62%) were female, and two (1.23%) originated from urban areas while 176 (98.87%) originated from peri-urban areas. Serological results showed that the synanthropic rodents examined here had low seroreactivity for agents causing both leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis, in both urban and peri-urban regions of Umuarama city. This could be associated with the high Human Development Index for the study area. However, preventative measures must continue to be observed, as rodents are important reservoirs for, and disseminators of, disease causing agents.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women

2013 ◽  
Vol 66 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 459-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Jerant-Patic ◽  
Vesna Milosevic ◽  
Ivana Hrnjakovic-Cvjetkovic ◽  
Aleksandra Patic ◽  
Sandra Stefan-Mikic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Clinical Diagnoses ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽  
Specific Symptoms

Introduction. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of seropositive pregnant women, i.e. of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii in order to provide an insight into the risk of developing congenital toxoplasmosis in our community. Material and Methods. In the period of two years, 662 pregnant women from Vojvodina were examined serologically. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests were performed to determine IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and the complement fixation test was done to detect total antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii. Results and Discussion. Seropositivity was determined in 180 pregnant women (27.19%). Of 135 pregnant women examined in the routine control in pregnancy, 16.30% were seropositive and out of five proven, completely new Toxoplasma gondii infections, three were detected in pregnant women who had undergone the routine check-up for no specific symptoms. A detailed analysis of the frequency of seropositive findings in relation to clinical diagnoses and the place of residence of pregnant women (urban and rural areas) was performed. At the same time, the results from the serological reactions were presented, commented and interpreted, and recommendations were given for the implementation of additional examinations (eg, IgG antibody avidity test) in order to make the accurate diagnosis. Conclusion. It can be concluded that the occurrence of congenital toxoplasmosis is still a problem in our community and that the best prevention is the prompt and adequate examination of pregnant women for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii infection.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in dogs from the state of Tocantins: serology and associated factors

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Macedo Raimundo ◽  
Andresa Guimarães ◽  
Larissa Martins de Brito Moraes ◽  
Lucélia Azevedo Santos ◽  
Leandro Lopes Nepomuceno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Neospora Caninum ◽  
The State ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Abstract This study investigated occurrences of anti-Neospora caninum and anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies by means of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFAT), along with risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, in 204 dogs from urban and rural areas of the municipality of Araguaína, state of Tocantins, Brazil. One hundred and thirty samples (63.7%) were positive for T. gondii using ELISA: 57.1% and 70.7% in the urban and rural areas, respectively. The seropositivity frequency for T. gondii observed through IFAT was 57.4%, distributed between rural and urban areas as 62.6% and 52.4%, respectively. The factors associated with canine toxoplasmosis were age and breed (p<0.05). In relation to N. caninum, 88 samples (43.1%) were positive, according to ELISA, distributed as 42.9% in urban areas and 43.3% in rural areas. Anti - N. caninum antibodies were detected through IFAT in 62 dogs (30.4%), distributed as 31.3% and 29.5% between rural and urban areas, respectively. Age and breed were associated with neosporosis occurrence (p<0.05) by IFAT. This study provides the first detection of IgG antibodies for canine toxoplasmosis and neosporosis in the state of Tocantins and highlights the importance of dogs in the epidemiological chain of these diseases.

scholarly journals A rural-urban comparison of ownership and utilization of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets among pregnant women in Ogun State Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-50
Author(s):  
Temitope 'Wunmi Ladi-Akinyemi ◽  
Babatunde Oladipupo Ladi-Akinyemi ◽  
Adedoyin Oyeyimika Ogunyemi ◽  
Frances Ademola Oluwole
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Group 15 ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

Background: The use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLINs) in Africa increased mean birth weight by 55g, reduced the incidence of low birth weight by 23% and decreased miscarriages/stillbirths by 33%. However, the benefit of the LLINs may be limited by the rate of ownership and utilization by pregnant women. Objective: To determine and compare the ownership and utilization of LLINs among pregnant women in urban and rural areas of Ogun State. Methods: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study on 72 and 74 pregnant women living in urban and rural areas, respectively of Ogun State was carried out. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique and a pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire, information on LLINs ownership and use were obtained. Results: Ownership of LLINs was 81.1% in rural areas compared to 66.7% in urban areas. About 65% of participants in rural versus 44.4% in urban areas slept under LLINs. The predictor of ownership of LLIN was age group 15-24 years [AOR 0.10 (95%CI 0.01 - 0.56)]. The predictors of utilization of LLINs included urban residence [AOR 0.29 (95%CI 0.13 – 0.65)], age group 15-24 years [AOR 0.17 (95%CI 0.04 – 0.70)], registration of pregnancy for antenatal care [AOR 5.12 (95%CI 1.14 – 23.03)] and knowledge on prevention of malaria [AOR 4.94 (95%CI 1.51 – 16.17)]. Conclusion: Pregnant women should visit ANC clinics regularly, and health education on malaria should focus more on the prevention of malaria as well as encouraging the consistent use of the nets, particularly in the urban areas.

scholarly journals Knowledge and intake of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects among pregnant women in urban China: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingming Cui ◽  
Xiao-Lin Lu ◽  
Yan-Yu Lyu ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Xiao-Lu Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Neural Tube Defects ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Unplanned Pregnancy ◽  
Urban China ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background The prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in China declined during 2000–2017 with periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation, which is effective in reducing the risk of birth defects. We aimed to assess the knowledge and actual use of FA among Chinese pregnant women and to explore factors associated with FA use before pregnancy. Methods All data were collected in face-to-face interviews during health visits among pregnant women. We collected information about knowledge and use of FA supplements and demographic, socioeconomic, and health status. One maternity and childcare hospital was chosen in each of four cities: Beijing, Huaibei, Kunming, and Haikou. In total, 435 pregnant women were randomly recruited for interviews conducted from June to December 2016. Results A total of 428 pregnant women were included in this survey. Of these, 82.0% (351/428) knew that FA can prevent NTDs, and 75.9% (325/428) knew the correct time to take FA. Overall, 65.9% (282/428) of women knew both that FA can prevent NTDs and the recommended time to take FA before pregnancy. Approximately 95.1% (407/428) of women reported having ever taken FA, only 46.3% (198/428) had begun to take FA supplementation before conception, and 64.5% (109/169) of women from rural areas failed to take FA before pregnancy. Women living in northern China (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18–2.77), those with unplanned pregnancy (OR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.30–3.04), and highly educated women (OR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.45–3.88) were more likely to know about FA. Women who were homemakers (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.21–3.11) and had unplanned pregnancy (OR = 6.18, 95% CI 4.01–9.53) were less likely to begin taking FA before pregnancy. Conclusions Our survey showed that most pregnant women knew about FA. Although preconception intake of FA can help to reduce NTDs, improving the rate of FA intake before pregnancy is needed in urban areas of China, especially among homemakers and women from rural areas or with unplanned pregnancy. Campaigns are needed to increase awareness about FA and FA use before pregnancy among rural women, homemakers, and those with unplanned pregnancy and lower education levels.

scholarly journals Patterns of Alcohol Consumption in the PURE Poland Cohort Study and Their Relationship with Health Problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4185
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Zatońska ◽  
Piotr Psikus ◽  
Alicja Basiak-Rasała ◽  
Zuzanna Stępnicka ◽  
Maria Wołyniec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Frequent Consumption ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Socio Demographic Factors ◽  
High Level

(1) Background: Alcohol is a leading risk factor of premature morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate the patterns of alcohol consumption in the PURE Poland cohort study baseline. (2) Methods: A Polish cohort was enrolled in the baseline study in 2007–2010. The study group consisted of 2021 adult participants of urban and rural areas from the Lower Silesia voivodeship in Poland (747 men and 1274 women). (3) Results: In the overall study population, 67.3% were current drinkers, 10.3% were former drinkers, and 22.4% were abstainers. Current use of alcohol products was more prevalent in men (77.2%), people living in urban areas (73.0%), and people with a higher level of education (78.0%). The percentage of current drinkers decreased with increasing age (from 73.4% in 30- to 44-year-olds to 48.8% in participants aged 64 and more). The majority of participants (89.2%) declared a low level of alcohol intake. The chance of high level of intake of alcohol was four times higher in men than in women (OR 4.17; CI 1.64–10.6). The majority of participants (54.6%) declared most frequent consumption of low-alcohol drinks (beer, wine) and 21% declared most frequent consumption of spirits. Current drinkers had almost 1.5-fold higher odds of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) than never drinkers (OR 1.49, CI 1.03–2.17; OR 1.66, CI 1.27–2.18, respectively). Former drinkers had higher odds for hypertension and CVD than never drinkers (1.73, CI 1.05–2.85; OR 1.76, CI 1.22–2.53, respectively). (4) Conclusions: In our cohort study, we observed several socio-demographic factors differentiating the patterns of alcohol consumption. The preventive programs should focus predominantly on men, people aged <45 years, and those with a higher level of education.

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