scholarly journals Study on Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis and Associated Risk Factors in Nangarhar

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
Huma Ahmady

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that represents an actual public health problem. Nangarhar is a tropical region in southern of Afghanistan, due to importance of abortions by Toxoplasmosis and absence of study evidences in this field in Nangarhar province, this cross sectional hospital based research was accomplished. Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii and possible risk factors associated with the infection among the women who have abortion in Nangarhar province. Methodology: Designed questionnaire for obtaining history of abortion and interviewing with aborted patients were use, the convenient sampling method as well using Latex agglutination Lab Test (LAT) a total of 100 serum samples of miscarriage women from Nangarhar different districts were collected and tested for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. All collected data were analysed using ANOVA. SPSS Program.Findings: The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in mentioned women was 47% (47/100 cases).  From 47 positive cases 17 (34%) was in women resident in Urban areas and 30 (60%) was those resident in Rustic areas. The prevalence rate showed there was significant differences between women resident in Rustic and those in urban areas. The people who are living in rustic area (30%) were more exposed to infection than those who were living in urban area (17%) (P < 0.015). Higher prevalence was observed in 25-30 years old group than the others (P <0.05). The result showed that Contact with raw or uncooked meet, water and soil, contaminated food and animals were significant (P <0.05).

Author(s):  
Julio César Castillo-Cuenca ◽  
Álvaro Martínez-Moreno ◽  
José Manuel Diaz-Cao ◽  
Angel Entrena-García ◽  
Jorge Fraga ◽  
...  

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Dahmane ◽  
S. Boussena ◽  
F. Hafsi ◽  
F. Ghalmi

AbstractToxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite prevalent in humans and other animals worldwide having medical and veterinary importance on account of reproductive failure causing significant socioeconomic losses. The aims of this study were to estimate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in goats, determined the possible risk factors associated, and evaluate the performances of the latex agglutination test (LAT) to anti-T. gondii antibodies screening using the indirect Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a reference test (iELISA). A total of 184 serum samples from goats reared on 25 farms in Mila district from North-Eastern Algeria were collected and tested for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies using two commercial serological tests (ELISA and LAT). A seroprevalence rate of 71.73 % and 63.58 % was obtained by both ELISA and LAT tests, respectively. The analysis of some factors thought to be related to the onset of this infection such as age, sex, management system, locality and presence of cats showed no significant relationship (P > 0.05); these factors did not seem to affect the frequency of the infection. The seropositivity level of T. gondii was significantly higher in aborted goats (P = 0.007), which suggested that they may play a significant role in pregnancy failure. In the concordance evaluation between the two serological tests (ELISA and LAT), the Cohen’s Kappa value was calculated and the results showed a K of 0.519 (p = 0.000) belonging to the range of 0.41—0.60 indicating just average agreement. The results of the Mc Nemar test showed that both tests gave significantly different results and seropositivity values (P < 0.05). The high prevalence observed in this study indicated a widespread exposure to T. gondii from goats and the potential risk of T. gondii infection for humans in North-Eastern Algeria. These results elucidate the challenges of applying serology to estimate goat exposure to T. gondii. The choice between the two serological tests will depend on their performances, as well as the availability of the equipment, laboratory conditions and the number of samples to be tested.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Animen Ayehu ◽  
Yibeltal Aschale ◽  
Wossenseged Lemma ◽  
Animut Alebel ◽  
Ligabaw Worku ◽  
...  

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially in sesame and sorghum growing areas. Compared to other populations, labor migrants are the most exposed. Knowing the seroprevalence ofLeishmania donovaniand associated risk factors is essential to design appropriate control measures. The main aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers and associated risk factors in agricultural camps of West Armachiho district, Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the seroprevalence and associated risk factors ofL. donovaniinfection.Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 laborers from October to December 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants from selected agricultural camps. After obtaining written informed consent, data were collected using a structured pretested Amharic version questionnaire using the interview technique. A single finger prick blood sample was collected from the study participants and the blood samples were subjected to the serological diagnostic method using the rk39 kit. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated withL. donovaniinfection.Result. Among 185 participants examined using rk39, 14 (7.6%) were seroreactive forL. donovani.Leishmania donovaniinfection had a statistically significant association with sleeping underBalanitestrees (AOR: 4.36, 95%CI: 1.186-16.06), presence of domestic animals near sleeping place (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.25-17.56), and lack of knowledge about VL transmission (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.07-13.47).Conclusion. Seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers in agricultural camps of West Armachiho was low. Prevention measures and health education about risk factors that expose toL. donovaniinfection for the laborers are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Omar Mohamed Abdi

Background: Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. Capripneumoniae (Mccp), is one of the most important goat diseases causing high morbidity and mortality, these results in heavy economic losses to countries like Somalia, which is a country affected the civil war of the 1990s. Objective: Generally, the disease presence has been reported in the country. However, there is no quantitative data on the prevalence and distribution of the disease has been scientifically reported in the country. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to June 2020 in three villages of Afgoye district of Somalia to assess the seroprevalence and identify the associated risk factors for the occurrence of the CCPP. The risk factors considered included sex, age, and locations. Results: A total of 100 blood samples were collected and evaluated by Capri-Latex Agglutination Test (Capri-LAT). A total of 49/100 (49%, CI 95%: (38.86%-59.2%) goats were seropositive for anti-CCPP antibody. The epidemiological risk factors considered, sex, age and locations, were not significantly associated with the CCPP sero prevalence (p>0.05). However, the sero positivity was slightly higher in female (51%, 95% CI: 39.8-62.6), >3 years old goats (86.3%, 95% CI: 48.9-87.4) and Markazka village (56%, 95% CI: 41.3-70.0) compared to male (40%, 95% CI: 19.1-63.9), 1-3 years old (57.5%, 95% CI: 40.9- 73.0), and Shareeco (43.8%, 95% CI: 19.8-70.1) and Siinka (41.2%, 95% CI: 24.7-59.3) villages, respectively. Conclusion: The present study indicates the prevalence of CCPP in the studies areas and this requires practicable measures to be put in place towards the control of the disease.


Author(s):  
Ahsan Anjum ◽  
Asim Aslam ◽  
Raheela Akhtar ◽  
Tahir Yaqub ◽  
Junaid Naseer ◽  
...  

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. 


Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (10) ◽  
pp. 1133-1139
Author(s):  
Shahzad Ali ◽  
Zona Amjad ◽  
Tahir Mahmood Khan ◽  
Abdul Maalik ◽  
Anam Iftikhar ◽  
...  

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.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e027896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aminur Rahman ◽  
Jagnoor Jagnoor ◽  
Kamran ul Baset ◽  
Dan Ryan ◽  
Tahera Ahmed ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the fatal drowning burden and associated risk factors in Southern Bangladesh.SettingsThe survey was conducted in 39 subdistricts of all 6 districts of the Barisal division, Southern Bangladesh.ParticipantsAll residents (for a minimum 6 months prior to survey) of the Barisal division, Southern Bangladesh.Intervention/methodsA cross-sectional, divisionally representative household survey was conducted in all six districts of the Barisal division between September 2016 and February 2017, covering a population of 386 016. Data were collected by face-to-face interview with adult respondents using handheld electronic tablets. International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-v. 10 (ICD-10) Chapter XX: External causes of morbidity and mortality codes for drowning, W65–W74, X36–X39, V90, V92, X71 or X92, were used as the operational definition of a drowning event.ResultsThe overall fatal drowning rate in Barisal was 37.9/100 000 population per year (95% CI 31.8 to 43.9). The highest fatal drowning rate was observed among children aged 1–4 years (262.2/100 000/year). Mortality rates among males (48.2/100 000/year) exceeded that for females (27.9/100 000/year). A higher rate of fatal drowning was found in rural (38.9/100 000/year) compared with urban areas (29.3/100 000/year). The results of the multivariable logistic regression identified that the factors significantly associated with fatal drowning were being male (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.3), aged 1–4 years (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.4 to 6.4) and residing in a household with four or more children (four or more children OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.9; and five or more children OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.7).ConclusionDrowning is a public health problem, especially for children, in the Barisal division of Southern Bangladesh. Male gender, children 1–4 years of age and residing in a household with four or more children were associated with increased risk of fatal drowning events. The Barisal division demands urgent interventions targeted at high-risk groups identified in the survey.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prajjwal Pyakurel ◽  
Deepak Kumar Yadav ◽  
Jeevan Thapa ◽  
Nishant Thakur ◽  
Pramita Sharma ◽  
...  

Background: Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in developing region. It has also been recognized as one of the major public health problems in the developing countries since the early seventies and the rate is increasing not only in urban areas but in rural areas with low socio-economic condition.  Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Jogidaha Village Development Comittee(VDC) and Triyuga Municipality of Udaypur district of South-Eastern Nepal. A total of 430 participants of age 18-59 years were selected. Semi-structured questionnaire (WHO NCD STEPS instrument) was used to collect information on demographic variables and associated risk factors with use of show cards. Clinical and anthropometric measurement were done. Primary outcome was prevalence of hypertension. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed to show strength of association among various risk factors with hypertension.  Results: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 25.1%. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 49.8%. Hypertension was significantly associated with age (AOR=1.09, CI=1.05-1.10) and gender (male >female; AOR= 2.12,CI =1.22-3.68). Similarly, increased waist-hip ratio(7.12; CI 2.87-17.67),alcohol consumption(OR=2.82,CI=1.77-4.52), and use of tobacco products (OR =1.8,CI=1.02-3.20) showed significant association with hypertension. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of hypertension in rural districts of South-Eastern Nepal. A community-based preventive approach with early detection and treatment and life-style modification is needed to reduce the burden of disease and make sustainable changes. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nora A. AlFaris ◽  
Nora M. AlKehayez ◽  
Fatema I. AlMushawah ◽  
AbdulRhman N. AlNaeem ◽  
Nadia D. AlAmri ◽  
...  

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is an epidemic public health problem worldwide. It is common in the Middle East and is more severe in women. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess vitamin D deficiency and associated risk factors in women living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured in 166 women aged 30–65 years. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and health status characteristics, as well as intake of selected dietary supplements, were collected. Weight and height were measured. Vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL) was reported in 60.2% of participants. Mean of serum 25(OH)D was 20.7 ng/mL. Older age and taking the supplements of vitamin D, multi-vitamins or calcium were identified as factors that associated with a lower risk of hypovitaminosis D. A national strategy is needed to control a hypovitaminosis D crisis in Saudi Arabia. This could be accomplished by raising public awareness regarding vitamin D, regulating and enhancing vitamin D fortification and supplementation and screening vitamin D status among women at high risk.


2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (9) ◽  
pp. 2018-2024 ◽  
Author(s):  
X.-X. ZHANG ◽  
Q. ZHAO ◽  
C.-W. SHI ◽  
W.-T. YANG ◽  
Y.-L. JIANG ◽  
...  

SUMMARYA cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2013 to August 2015 to determine the seroprevalence and possible risk factors for humanToxoplasma gondiiinfection in Korean, Manchu, Mongol and Han ethnic groups in eastern and northeastern China. A total of 1842 serum samples, including Han (n= 802), Korean (n= 520), Manchu (n= 303) and Mongol (n= 217) groups, were analysed using enzyme-linked immunoassays to detect IgG and IgMT. gondiiantibodies. The overallT. gondiiIgG and IgM seroprevalences were 13·79% and 1·25%, respectively. Of these groups, Mongol ethnicity had the highestT. gondiiseroprevalence (20·74%, 45/217), followed by Korean ethnicity (16·54%, 86/520), Manchu ethnicity (13·86%, 42/303) and Han ethnicity (11·35%, 98/802). Multiple analysis showed that the consumption of raw vegetables and fruits, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat and the source of drinking water were significantly associated withT. gondiiinfection in the Han group. Likewise, having a cat at home was identified as being associated withT. gondiiinfection in the Korean, Manchu and Mongol groups. Moreover, the consumption of raw/undercooked meat was identified as another predictor ofT. gondiiseropositivity in the Mongol group. The results of this survey indicate thatT. gondiiinfection is prevalent in Korean, Manchu, Mongol and Han ethnic groups in the study region. Therefore, it is essential to implement integrated strategies with efficient management measures to prevent and controlT. gondiiinfection in this region of China. Moreover, this is the first report ofT. gondiiinfection in Korean, Manchu, and Mongol ethnic groups in eastern and northeastern China.


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