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Kassie E, Kebede N, Kassa T, Garoma A, Girma M, Asnake Y, Alemu A, Degu S, Tsigie M. Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women at Debre Markos Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024; 118:61-68. [PMID: 37571984 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women at the Debre Markos Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A facility-based cross-sectional study was undertaken among pregnant women from March 2020 to May 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from randomly selected participants. Five millilitres of blood was collected and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to test for T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. A logistic regression model was computed to identify the risk factors. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was estimated along with the 95% confidence interval (CI). A statistically significant association was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS T. gondii IgG antibody positivity was found in 38.8% (n=132) of 340 pregnant women. Contact with cats (AOR 2.5 [95% CI 1.5 to 4.2]), eating raw/undercooked meat (AOR 5.7 [95% CI 3.2 to 10.3]), consuming unwashed vegetables (AOR 4.1 [95% CI 2.1 to 8.0]), a history of abortion (AOR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1 to 3.3]) and drinking water sources (AOR 2.5 [95% CI 1.2 to 5.2]) demonstrated a statistically significant association with T. gondii infection. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasmosis was found to be fairly common in pregnant mothers. Proper cat excreta disposal, not eating raw/undercooked meat, maintaining hand cleanliness and following environmental sanitation protocols could be important to decrease T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enirsie Kassie
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Nigatu Kebede
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfu Kassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abebe Garoma
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Musse Girma
- National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center, Sebeta, Ethiopia
| | - Yewbnesh Asnake
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ayinalem Alemu
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sileshi Degu
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Zeinali S, Khademvatan S, Jafari R, Vazifekhah S, Yousefi E, Behroozi-Lak T. Prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among women with miscarriage and their aborted fetuses in the northwest of Iran. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283493. [PMID: 37883415 PMCID: PMC10602335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide disease of various animals and human and results from infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Abortion and congenital defects are important consequences of the T. gondii infection. The aim of this study was to determine the Toxoplasma-induced abortions among women with miscarriage and the presence of T. gondii in their aborted fetuses in Urmia, the northwest of Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 215 women with abortion and their aborted fetuses, from 2020 to 2021. Seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM were determined using the sera of the aforesaid women. Nested PCR was carried out using RE-529 gene sequences, and sequencing was performed using the T. gondii GRA6 gene on the remnant of pregnancy after abortion. The tissue positive samples were then subjected to another PCR on GRA6 gene and sequenced for genotyping. Among 215 serum samples of women with abortion, 70 (32.6%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG, and three (1.4%) were positive for IgM. The RE-529 sequence of T. gondii was positive in three (1.4%) of the aborted fetuses. The analysis of GRA6 gene indicated that all three positive samples carried a GRA6 allele (GRA6I) of T. gondii type I genotype. Our findings suggest that T. gondii is one of the causative agents of spontaneous abortion in West Azerbijan Province, the northwest of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiva Zeinali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology& Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shahram Khademvatan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology& Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Rasool Jafari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology& Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shabnam Vazifekhah
- Maternal and Childhood Obesity Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Elham Yousefi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology& Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Tahereh Behroozi-Lak
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Infertility, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Gouda MA, AboShabaan HS, Abdelgawad AS, Abdel Wahed AS, A Abd El-Razik K, Elsaadawy Y, Abdel-Wahab AA, Hawash Y. Association between breakthrough infection with COVID-19 and Toxoplasma gondii: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17636. [PMID: 37848511 PMCID: PMC10582182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44616-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The breakthrough infection following COVID-19 vaccination has been a subject of concern recently. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccine efficacy diminishes over time due to multiple factors related to the host, and vaccine. Coinfection with other pathogens was claimed earlier as a contributing cause for this phenomenon. Hence, we aimed to stratify the association of post-COVID-19 vaccination breakthrough coinfection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and its impact on disease severity. This cross-sectional study included 330 COVID-19-vaccinated patients confirmed by RT-PCR. They were also screened for anti- T. gondii antibodies using ELISA. Toxoplasma seropositive cases' whole blood was screened for DNA using PCR to correlate results with COVID-19 severity. Out of 330 COVID-19 vaccinated patients with breakthrough infection, 34.5% (114 patients) showed positivity for Toxoplasma IgG by ELISA, and none of the cases was IgM positive. Eleven patients (9.6%) of the IgG-positive cases were positive by PCR. Positive PCR cases correlated positively with the Toxoplasma IgG titer (P < 0.001), and the Cutoff point was 191.5. Molecular analysis of Toxoplasma and COVID-19 severity showed that 8 (72.7%), 1 (9.1%), and 2 cases (18.2%) had mild, moderate, and severe courses of the disease, respectively, with no significant correlation. Our study reported a heightened prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis among mild cases of COVID-19 breakthrough infection. Nevertheless, a discernible correlation between latent toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 severity is lacking. Hence, implementing studies on a larger scale could provide a more comprehensive comprehension of this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa A Gouda
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Hind S AboShabaan
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Abdelgawad
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Aliaa Sabry Abdel Wahed
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Khaled A Abd El-Razik
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yara Elsaadawy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection Control, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Yousry Hawash
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Parasitology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
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Selim A, Alshammari A, Gattan HS, Alruhaili MH, Rashed GA, Shoulah S. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 101:102058. [PMID: 37672959 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii and affecting all warm-blooded animals. The available data about the epidemiological situation of T. gondii in water buffaloes in Egypt are scarce. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in water buffaloes in three Egyptian governorates and to evaluate the associated risk factors for the infection. A total of 430 sera samples were examined using commercial Indirect ELISA Multi-species kit. The overall seroprevalence rate of T. gondii in examined water buffaloes was 7.4 %, and the highest rate (9.3 %) was found in Kafr ElSheikh governorate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that adult buffalo (OR = 7.10; 95 % CI: 0.87-57.68; P = 0.067) and small herds (OR = 8.42; 95 % CI: 1.07-66.02; P = 0.043) were more likely than young buffalo and large herds to become infected with T. gondii. Moreover, the risk of buffaloes contracting T. gondii infection was higher in winter and especially among animals contacted with cats. It is necessary to identify risk factors in order to determine what mitigation, control, and prevention strategies to implement in order to reduce, control, and prevent T. gondii infection in domestic animals, which will in turn reduce human infection with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt.
| | - Ayed Alshammari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hattan S Gattan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H Alruhaili
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gehan A Rashed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt
| | - Salma Shoulah
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh 13736, Egypt
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Selim A, Marzok M, Alshammari A, Al-Jabr OA, Salem M, Wakid MH. Toxoplasma gondii infection in Egyptian domestic sheep and goats: seroprevalence and risk factors. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:182. [PMID: 37129639 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03603-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite that has been associated with reproductive failure in small ruminants. Although T. gondii infections in ruminants and humans have been recorded in several Egypt's governorates, but little is known about the risk factors associated with T. gondii infections. In this study, 350 sheep and 290 goat serum samples from three governorates in Egypt were examined for presence of antibodies against T. gondii, and evaluate the associate risk factors for the infection. The seroprevalence in sheep and goats was 24% and 38.28%, respectively. In sheep and goats, age, sex, the presence of cats, and hygienic conditions were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. In addition, the prevalence rates were significantly higher in older animals more than 2 years old, females, among animals contacted with cats, and animals living in bad hygienic condition. In conclusion, sheep and goats in the examined regions are commonly infected with T. gondii. The identification of risk variables defines the sort of actions to be implemented in order to decrease, and prevent T. gondii infection in small ruminant animals and, as a result, human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelfattah Selim
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Marzok
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Ayed Alshammari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hafr Al-Batin, Hafr Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar A Al-Jabr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Asha, 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Salem
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 12613, Egypt
| | - Majed H Wakid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Hassan ZR, Zekry KM, Heikal EA, Ibrahim HF, Khirala SK, Abd El-Hamid SM, Amin DR, Seliem N, El-Aal GNA, Alkherkhisy MM, Elhamid SAA, Mahgoub EA, Hefny MEN, El Nady GH, Badr MS. Toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus infection and their role in Egyptian autistic children. Parasitol Res 2023. [PMID: 36917369 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a significantly increased incidence rate across the world over the past few years. Toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are globally prevalent and have been associated with diverse neurological and psychiatric disorders. A few studies have demonstrated the role of toxoplasmosis and CMV as potential etiological factors for autism. Accordingly, this study was performed to estimate the relationship between toxoplasmosis and CMV infection in children with autism as well as to assess their impact on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score. A total of 45 autistic children (6 girls, 39 boys) and 45 (21 girls, 24 boys) healthy control children were enrolled in our study. Their blood samples were collected and tested for the presence of Toxoplasma and CMV (IgG and IgM) antibodies and DNA by ELISA and real-time PCR (RT-PCR), respectively. Toxoplasmosis was detected in 11 (24.4%) autistic children through the ELISA [10 (22.2%) IgG + /IgM - and 1 (2.2%) IgG + /IgM +]; however, RT-PCR assay recorded only 1 positive case (2.2%), while it was detected in 10 (22.2%) control children through ELISA [9 (20%) IgG + /IgM - and 1 (2.2%) IgG + /IgM +] and 1 (2.2%) by RT-PCR. On the other hand, CMV infection was detected in all autistic children with 44 (97.8%) testing positive by ELISA [24 (53.3%) IgG + /IgM - , 18 (40%) IgG + /IgM + and 2 (4.4%) IgG - /IgM +] and 25 (55.6%) testing positive by RT-PCR assay. In addition, ELISA assay recorded 43 (95.6%) [19 (42.2%) IgG + /IgM + and 22 (48.9%) IgG + /IgM - and 2 (4.4%) IgG-/IgM +] and RT-PCR recorded 21 (46.7%) positive samples in control children with CMV. No significant difference was noted between autistic and control children for the overall prevalence of Toxoplasma or/and CMV infection. Similarly, the CARS score indicated a non-significant difference with Toxoplasma or/and CMV infection. Our data does not show an association between autism and toxoplasmosis or/and CMV infection. Nevertheless, considering that autistic children are at a high risk of contracting these infections, further studies with a larger sample size are recommended.
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Hassanen EAA, Makau DN, Afifi M, Al-Jabr OA, Abdulrahman Alshahrani M, Saif A, Anter RGA, El-Neshwy WM, Ibrahim D, Abou Elez RMM. Interplay between cross sectional analysis of risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women and their domestic cats. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1147614. [PMID: 37035808 PMCID: PMC10080162 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1147614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The primary aim of this study was to identify hygienic and cat management practices that could affect the occurrence of T. gondii in cats and their owners in Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. T. gondii infection was evaluated in 80 pregnant women and 29 domestic cats using Real-time PCR. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding the risk factors associated with T. gondii infection. Blood samples were collected from enrolled pregnant women, and fecal samples were collected from their pet cats. Firth logistic regression model complemented with random forest (RF) analysis was used to evaluate the association of different hygiene and cat management practices with T. gondii infection in pregnant women. T. gondii infection was identified in 27.5% of pregnant women and 17% of domestic cats. Drinking raw milk and contacting stray and pet cats were significantly associated with higher odds of T. gondii infection. The proportion of T. gondii-positive women who ate raw meat (60.0%) was higher than those ate heat-cooked meat (25.3%). Moreover, women who did not wash their hands after contact with cats were 6 times (OR 6.12; CI: 3.03-9.21) more likely to experience T. gondii infection than those washed their hands after cat contact. The RF analysis showed that washing hands constitute a serious yet preventable public health concern that requires targeted, community-specific efforts. Cat owners, particularly pregnant women, need to be aware about the risk of T. gondii infection, while handling cat and pet's owner should be advised to take necessary hygienic measures to prevent its infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman A. A. Hassanen
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Dennis N. Makau
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - Mohamed Afifi
- Department of Animal Wealth Development, Biostatistics Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
| | - Omar A. Al-Jabr
- Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmed Saif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham G. A. Anter
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Wafaa M. El-Neshwy
- Department of Animal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Doaa Ibrahim
- Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Doaa Ibrahim
| | - Rasha M. M. Abou Elez
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Liu X, Fan L, Tan Q, Chen X, Li H, Zhao X, Zhang X. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs determined by ELISA based on recombinant SAG1 in Shandong province, China. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 83:101781. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Hajimohammadi B, Ahmadian S, Firoozi Z, Askari M, Mohammadi M, Eslami G, Askari V, Loni E, Barzegar-Bafrouei R, Boozhmehrani MJ. A Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis in Livestock and Poultry Worldwide. Ecohealth 2022; 19:55-74. [PMID: 35133541 PMCID: PMC8823692 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-022-01575-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis with a global prevalence in the world. A large proportion of human illness is most frequently associated with consuming raw and undercooked meat or other animal products containing infective parasitic stages of T. gondii. This systematic review and meta-analysis study evaluated the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in cattle, sheep, camels, goats, and poultry worldwide. The search was performed in databases including PubMed, WoS, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ISC from 2000 to 2019 in Persian and English. The main inclusion criteria were the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among livestock and poultry and the prevalence indices by sample size. During these 20 years, the overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in livestock and poultry was 28.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 25-31.9%) using the random-effects meta-analysis model. The highest prevalence of T. gondii in livestock and poultry animals was found in Asia in 2014 with 89.8% (95% CI 78.5-95.5%). The lowest prevalence was found in Asia in 2013 with 1.26% (95% CI 0.4-3.8%). A quarter of livestock and poultry were infected with T. gondii. Since livestock products are globally important sources of people's diet, our findings are useful for policymakers to control T. gondii infection in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahador Hajimohammadi
- Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Shohadaye Gomnam Blvd., Yazd, 8916188638, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Salman Ahmadian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Zohre Firoozi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Maryam Askari
- Diabetes Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Masoud Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
| | - Gilda Eslami
- Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Shohadaye Gomnam Blvd., Yazd, 8916188638, Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Vahideh Askari
- Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Shohadaye Gomnam Blvd., Yazd, 8916188638, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Elahe Loni
- Research Center for Food Hygiene and Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Shohadaye Gomnam Blvd., Yazd, 8916188638, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Raziyeh Barzegar-Bafrouei
- Department of Food Hygiene and Safety, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Boozhmehrani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Ibrahim HM, Abdel-Rahman AAH, Bishr NM. Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies among buffaloes and cattle from Menoufia Province, Egypt. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:952-8. [PMID: 34789977 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01386-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The main reasons behind performing the current study were the high distribution of the water buffaloes Bubalus bubalis and cattle in Menoufia province, the veterinary importance of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii and the limited information on the seropositivity of these parasites in Menoufia province, Egypt. Therefore, the current study was conducted to estimate the distribution of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgM and IgG) in water buffaloes and cattle from Menoufia province. ELISA methods based on the surface antigen 1 of N. caninum (NcSAG1t) and the surface antigen 2 of T. gondii (TgSAG2t) were utilized to detect both specific IgM and IgG for these parasites. The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum and T. gondii in cattle of Menoufia Province were (12.21% and 1.91% for IgM) and (14.89% and 3.05% for IgG), respectively. In water buffaloes, seroprevalences of N. caninum and T. gondii were (6.97% and 9.02% for IgM) and (13.52% and 8.2% for IgG), respectively. The mixed infection rate was 1.5% in cattle and 4.92% in buffaloes. No significant differences were detected regarding age or gender. Statistically significant changes in the prevalence of both parasites were demonstrated in relation to a period of the year. In conclusion, seroprevalence of neosporosis was more than toxoplasmosis in cattle and buffaloes in Menoufia Province, Egypt.
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Haif A, Khelifi-Ouchene NA, Khelifi M, Ouchetati I, Zeroual F, Ouchene N. Abortive diseases and their various associated risk factors in small ruminants in Algeria: a systematic review. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:520. [PMID: 34669051 PMCID: PMC8526997 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02926-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Abortive infections are a major health challenge affecting productive and reproductive performance of sheep and goats. However, there is no comprehensive summary on the occurrence and distribution of these infections in Algeria. This systematic review provides a comprehensive summary on the prevalence of different abortive diseases and assesses potential risk factors in small ruminants in Algeria. Five databases were used to search epidemiological data on the prevalence of different abortive diseases (bacterial, parasitic, and viral). Data were collected from 25 papers published between 2003 and 2020. The total mean sample size was 53,080 small ruminants. The majority of the diseases/infections were diagnosed by serological and molecular tests. The overall prevalence of brucellosis was 0.39% in sheep and 5.31% in goats. Chlamydia and Q fever were observed in 32.72% and 20.62% of small ruminants, respectively. The prevalence of peste des petits ruminants was 15.76% and the overall prevalence of bluetongue in sheep and goats was, respectively, 13.41% and 44.50%. Border disease and bovine viral diarrhea were detected in 22.68% and 1.01% of sheep examined, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii infection prevalence among sheep and goats was 21.43% and 32.31% respectively. This study is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of abortion diseases in small ruminants in Algeria and will therefore be a useful tool for researchers. Larger and more robust prevalence studies are needed to adequately support risk assessment and management of animal and public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Haif
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of El Tarf, 36000, El Tarf, Algeria
| | - Nadjet Amina Khelifi-Ouchene
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Saad Dahlab of Blida 1, Street Soumaa, BP270, 09000, Blida, Algeria.
- Laboratory PADESCA, Veterinary Sciences Institute, Road of Guelma, El-khroub, 25100, Constantine, Algeria.
| | - Manal Khelifi
- Bordj Menaiel Hospital, Street Madaoui Ali, BP70, 35000, Boumerdes, Algeria
| | - Imane Ouchetati
- Normal High School of Technological Teaching, University of Skikda, 21000, Skikda, Algeria
| | - Fayçal Zeroual
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of El Tarf, 36000, El Tarf, Algeria
| | - Nassim Ouchene
- Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Saad Dahlab of Blida 1, Street Soumaa, BP270, 09000, Blida, Algeria
- Laboratory PADESCA, Veterinary Sciences Institute, Road of Guelma, El-khroub, 25100, Constantine, Algeria
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El-Sayad MH, Salem AI, Fazary H, Alzainny HN, Abd El-Latif NF. Detection of toxoplasmosis in aborted women in Alexandria, Egypt using ELISA and PCR. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:539-545. [PMID: 34295052 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01327-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide infection that can be acquired through the ingestion of tissue cysts in poorly cooked meat, and/or oblivious intake of sporulated oocysts in cat faeces, and transplacental. The infection in pregnant women is mainly asymptomatic. It produces abortion or congenital infection. The present study aimed to test the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on placental tissues in comparison to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect infections with Toxoplasma gondii in aborted women presented to Al-Shatby Maternity Hospital, Alexandria University, Egypt. Specific Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM were detected in serum by ELISA. Placental tissues from each participant were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR amplification. It was found that overall seroprevalence was 73%, DNA was detected in placenta tissues by using PCR analysis in 46% of cases. {× 2 (p) 18.124(< 0.001)}. Toxoplasma IgG/IgM by ELISA was positive in 23% of the cases, 20% showed amplified DNA by PCR. Positive IgG without IgM was seen in 27% cases, only 2% of them were positive by PCR. Moreover, positive PCR among positive ELISA IgM aborted women was 21 of the 23 cases. Positive PCR was obtained in three seronegative women. Our results showed that PCR sensitivity was 58.90 specificity 88.89, positive predictive value was 93.48%, and negative predictive value 44.44%. Although ELISA assay is still the gold standard of diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, other diagnostic modalities are highly required particularly in those ELISA seronegative cases. PCR can be used as a sensitive and precise modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Hassan El-Sayad
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Aziza Ibrahim Salem
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hisham Fazary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Haneen Nawaf Alzainny
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Naglaa Fathi Abd El-Latif
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 165, Horreya Avenue, Hadara, Alexandria, Egypt
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I Ammar A, Moharm IM, Shaapan RM, A Rady A. <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Infection in Cattle Egret (<i>Bubulcus ibis</i>): First Report from Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Pak J Biol Sci 2020; 23:1442-1449. [PMID: 33274873 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2020.1442.1449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is capable of infecting a broad range of intermediate hosts. Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a species of herons that is common in Egypt. This work aimed to study the prevalence of T. gondii in cattle egret which is an efficient tool of investigating environmental contamination with T. gondii. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum, heart and brain tissues of 51 cattle egrets were collected from Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt and tested using Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) and mice bioassay. RESULTS There was a detection rate of 13.7% (7/51) in these birds using MAT. By intraperitoneal injection of mice with heart and brain tissues digest of MAT positive birds, the parasite was isolated from two T. gondii sero-positive birds (28.6%). The mice bioassay was confirmed by MAT, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HAND E) staining of the brain of the infected mice, also by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing. CONCLUSION This is the first report of T. gondii infection in cattle egret from Egypt and more studies are needed on Egyptian wildlife to understand the sylvatic life cycle of the parasite.
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Vueba AN, Faria CP, Almendra R, Santana P, Sousa MDC. Serological prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Luanda (Angola): Geospatial distribution and its association with socio-demographic and clinical-obstetric determinants. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241908. [PMID: 33156846 PMCID: PMC7647088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a study on toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Luanda, Angola, determining the seroprevalence, geospatial distribution and its association with socio-economic features, dietary habits and hygiene and health conditions. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM were quantified in serum samples of women attended at the Lucrecia Paim Maternity Hospital between May 2016 and August 2017. The IgG avidity test and qPCR assay were used for dating the primary infection. Data were collected by questionnaire after written consent, and spatial distribution was assessed through a Kernel Density Function. The potential risk factors associated with Toxoplasma infection were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were quantified in 878 pregnant women, and 346 (39.4%) samples were IgG positive, 2 (0.2%) positive for IgM and IgG, and 530 (60.4%) negative for both immunoglobulins. The longitudinal study showed that none of the seronegative women seroconverted during the survey. Regarding other infections, 226 (25.7%) were positive for hepatitis B, while 118 (13.4%) were HIV-positive. The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was similar in most municipalities: 43.8% in Cazenga (28 of 64); 42.5% in Viana (88 of 207); 42.3% in Cacuaco (22 of 52); and 41.1% in Luanda ((179 of 435). In contrast, the seroprevalence in municipality of Belas was lower (25.8%; 31 of 120) and bivariate and multivariate analysis has shown a lower risk for toxoplasmosis in this area (OR 0.479, CI: 0.305–0.737; OR 0.471, CI: 0.299–0.728). The multivariate analysis has shown a significant increased risk for toxoplasmosis in women in the last trimester of pregnancy (OR 1.457, CI: 1.011–2.102), suffering spontaneous abortion (OR 1.863, CI: 1.014–3.465) and having pets at home (OR 1.658, CI: 1.212–2.269). Also, women who tested positive for hepatitis B (OR 1.375, CI: 1.008–1.874) and HIV (OR 1.833, CI: 1.233–2.730) had a significant increased risk for T. gondii infection. In conclusion, our study showed that a large number of pregnant women are not immunized for toxoplasmosis and identified the risk factors for this infection in Luanda. It is crucial to establish the diagnosis of primary maternal infection as well as the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Our results underlined the need for diagnostic and clinical follow-up of toxoplasmosis, HIV and hepatitis B during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clarissa Perez Faria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra (FFUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Almendra
- Centre of Studies on Geography and Spatial Planning (CEGOT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Santana
- Centre of Studies on Geography and Spatial Planning (CEGOT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre of Studies on Geography and Spatial Planning (CEGOT), Department of Geography and Tourism, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria do Céu Sousa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra (FFUC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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Peterson B, Barnes AN. Feline-Human Zoonosis Transmission in North Africa: A Systematic Review. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:731-744. [PMID: 32706618 PMCID: PMC7526296 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout human history, domestic animal species have represented a unique zoonotic disease risk for the transmission of pathogens ranging from viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal. In North Africa, cats have a particularly long record and occupy a specialized niche within many communities. This systematic review was conducted to analyze the current and historical literature documenting the breadth and variety of zoonoses in North Africa, specifically relating to the domesticated feline. Multiple electronic databases were searched on January 16, 2019, for published reports on feline zoonoses in North Africa. A total of 76 studies met the inclusion criteria for a full assessment. Articles selected for the review ranged in publication dates from 1939 to 2019 and included a case study, cross-sectional surveys, genomic analyses, and a book chapter. The most commonly studied pathogen was Toxoplasma gondii (n = 17) followed by a variety of helminths (n = 10). Of the countries in the target region, most publications were of studies conducted in Egypt (n = 53) followed by Tunisia (n = 12), Algeria (n = 11), Morocco (n = 5), and Libya (n = 3). The results of this review identify a variety of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic zoonotic diseases associated with cats in North Africa, ranging from historically endemic diseases in both human and animal populations in the region, to emerging infections with recent confirmatory diagnoses. This review describes reported feline zoonoses in North Africa and provides recommendations for their prevention and control. In addition to vaccination campaigns for domesticated felines and postexposure prophylaxis for humans, prompt veterinary and medical care of exposure risks and subsequent infections are essential in limiting the zoonotic disease burden in North African communities of humans and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breck Peterson
- Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Amber N. Barnes
- Department of Public Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Dubey JP, Murata FHA, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Kwok OCH, Su C. Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: 2009-2020. Vet Parasitol 2020; 286:109195. [PMID: 32979682 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, diagnosis, control, and genetic diversity of T. gondii in sheep in the past decade. There is debate and uncertainty concerning repeat congenital infection as evidenced by finding T. gondii DNA in progeny of chronically infected sheep. However, there is no concrete evidence that T. gondii is the cause of repeated abortions in sheep. Recent data concerning pathogenesis of abortion in acutely infected sheep are reviewed. PCR-RFLP typing of T. gondii DNA derived from viable T. gondii isolates or tissues of infected sheep revealed low genetic diversity in sheep in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America but high diversity in South America. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
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Dubey J, Murata F, Cerqueira-Cézar C, Kwok O, Su C. WITHDRAWN: Economic and public health importance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in sheep: the last decade. Vet Parasitol X 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vpoa.2020.100028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Ali S, Amjad Z, Khan TM, Maalik A, Iftikhar A, Khan I, Ahmed H. Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and associated risk factors in women in selected districts of Punjab province, Pakistan. Parasitology 2020; 147:1133-9. [PMID: 32517832 DOI: 10.1017/S0031182020000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis 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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Abdelbaset AE, Hamed MI, Abushahba MFN, Rawy MS, Sayed ASM, Adamovicz JJ. Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and the associated risk factors in sheep and pregnant women in El-Minya Governorate, Egypt. Vet World 2020; 13:54-60. [PMID: 32158151 PMCID: PMC7020121 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.54-60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The cosmopolite protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, has a significant economic and medical impact. Cats traditionally play a predominant role in the disease maintenance cycle; however, humans can be infected as a result of milk and meat consumption of Toxoplasma-infected livestock. In addition, infected pregnant women, even symptomless, can pass the disease to their unborn fetus. The limited clinical records and absence of specific national educational programs in countries like Egypt underscore the need for periodic toxoplasmosis disease evaluation. Here, we identified T. gondii seroprevalence among sheep and pregnant women and the associated risk factors in El-Minya Governorate, Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using peripheral blood, we detected T. gondii-specific antibodies in 151 sheep and 96 pregnant women sera from El-Minya Governorate using latex agglutination and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The impact of different environmental and behavioral risk factors identified with in-person interviews and serology results on acquiring toxoplasmosis was statistically analyzed. RESULTS The overall toxoplasmosis seroprevalence was 39.1% and 22.9% in sheep and pregnant women, respectively. Significantly higher seroprevalence was correlated with increasing sheep age and geographical location. Nonetheless, no statistical significance was found based on abortion history and pregnancy status of the examined sheep. Exposure factors important for pregnant women included pregnancy trimester, contact with cats, and the habit of eating undercooked sheep meat, which all had a statistically significant association with Toxoplasma seropositivity. CONCLUSION The current study confirms increased antibodies against toxoplasmosis in both sheep and pregnant women in El-Minya Governorate and a clear association between women's age, contact with cats, and the habit of eating undercooked sheep meat and seroreactivity to T. gondii. These results strongly suggest the need for a more comprehensive epidemiological study and public health awareness education for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbaset E. Abdelbaset
- Department of Animal Medicine (Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 71526-Assiut, Egypt
| | - Maha I. Hamed
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 71526 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mostafa F. N. Abushahba
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 71526 Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211-5130, USA
| | - Mohamed S. Rawy
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Minia University, El-Minya, Egypt
| | - Amal S. M. Sayed
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 71526 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Jeffrey J. Adamovicz
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211-5130, USA
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Abstract
The present paper summarizes prevalence, epidemiology and clinical disease of natural Toxoplasma gondii infections in humans and animals from Egypt. The current situation of toxoplasmosis in Egypt is confusing. There is no central laboratory or group of researchers actively investigating toxoplasmosis in humans or animals, and no reports on the national level are available. Based on various serological tests and convenience samples, T. gondii infections appear highly prevalent in humans and animals from Egypt. Living circumstances in Egypt favour the transmission of T. gondii. Up to 95% of domestic cats, the key host of T. gondii, are infected with T. gondii; they are abundant in rural and suburban areas, spreading T. gondii oocysts. Many women have been tested in maternity clinics, most with no definitive diagnosis. Toxoplasma gondii DNA and IgM antibodies have been found in blood samples of blood donors. Clinical toxoplasmosis in humans from Egypt needs further investigations using definitive procedures. Reports on congenital toxoplasmosis are conflicting and some reports are alarming. Although there are many serological surveys for T. gondii in animals, data on clinical infections are lacking. Here, we critically review the status of toxoplasmosis in Egypt, which should be useful to biologist, public health workers, veterinarians and physicians.
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Arefkhah N, Pourabbas B, Asgari Q, Moshfe A, Mikaeili F, Nikbakht G, Sarkari B. Molecular genotyping and serological evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii in mothers and their spontaneous aborted fetuses in Southwest of Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 66:101342. [PMID: 31437675 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.101342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the lack of routine screening and the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Iran, the current study aimed to find out the rate and features of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the spontaneously aborted human fetuses in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwestern Iran. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 spontaneously aborted fetuses' tissues and their mother blood samples. The mothers' sera were evaluated for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies while their buffy coat and aborted fetuses tissues were evaluated for Toxoplasma DNA. PCR product at GRA6 locus was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was done. Likewise, quantitative Real-Time PCR was performed to find out the parasite burdens in mothers buffy coat and fetuses tissues. RESULTS Using serological method, anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 7 (7%) and 3 (3%) out of 100 sera from women with spontaneous abortion. Real-time PCR method detected T. gondii DNA in the buffy coat of one seronegative and 2 (out of 3) IgM seropositive cases. None of the samples from aborted fetuses were infected with T. gondii. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis showed that the sequenced isolates belonged to type I of T. gondii and two identified T. gondii isolates were taxonomically grouped into one clade. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed type I genotype of T. gondii in two mothers with spontaneous abortion, without fetus involvement. It is necessary to examine more aborted fetuses' samples from different geographical areas to determine the association between Toxoplasma genotype and abortion.
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Abdallah MC, Kamel M, Karima B, Samir A, Djamel K, Rachid K, Khatima AO. Cross-Sectional Survey on Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Algeria: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors. Vet Sci 2019; 6:vetsci6030063. [PMID: 31295942 PMCID: PMC6789635 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6030063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the seroprevalence and identifying the risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in eight provinces located in two main Algerian agro-ecological zones was carried out from October 2015 to March 2018. Blood sera from 4074 animals of both sexes were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, using the indirect, enzyme-linked, immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). Moreover, to identify the potential risk factors of T. gondii infection, a survey through a breeders' questionnaires was conducted. Nearly one-fourth of the total number of animals tested (1024/4074)-i.e., 25.1%--were seropositive. The seroprevalence in cattle, sheep, and goats was 28.7%, 25.6%, and 11.9%, respectively. The area, sex, age, and herd size were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Higher seropositivity rates were recorded in cows and goats (odds ratio (OR) = 1.63 and 6.4), in old animals (cattle, OR = 2.1; sheep, OR = 1.9; and goat, OR = 3.9), and in small size herds (cattle, OR = 2.5; sheep, OR = 1.9; goat, OR = 2.2). In conclusion, there is widespread T. gondii infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in these two strategic agricultural areas. The identification of the risk factors determines the type of measures and strategies to be undertaken to reduce, control, and prevent T. gondii infection in domestic animals, and thereby reduce human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Cherif Abdallah
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Miroud Kamel
- Laboratoire Epidémio-surveillance, santé, productions et reproduction, expérimentation et thérapie cellulaire des animaux domestiques et sauvages (ESSPRETCADS), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Chadli Bendjedid El-Tarf, ElTarf 36000, Algeria
| | - Benfodil Karima
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Ansel Samir
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Khelef Djamel
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Kaidi Rachid
- Laboratoire Biotechnologie et Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Blida, Ouled Yaïch, Algeria
| | - Ait-Oudhia Khatima
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria.
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Abdallah MC, Kamel M, Karima B, Samir A, Djamel K, Rachid K, Khatima AO. Cross-Sectional Survey on Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Cattle, Sheep, and Goats in Algeria: Seroprevalence and Risk Factors. Vet Sci 2019. [PMID: 31295942 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci6030063.pmid:31295942;pmcid:pmc6789635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the seroprevalence and identifying the risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in eight provinces located in two main Algerian agro-ecological zones was carried out from October 2015 to March 2018. Blood sera from 4074 animals of both sexes were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, using the indirect, enzyme-linked, immunosorbent assay technique (ELISA). Moreover, to identify the potential risk factors of T. gondii infection, a survey through a breeders' questionnaires was conducted. Nearly one-fourth of the total number of animals tested (1024/4074)-i.e., 25.1%--were seropositive. The seroprevalence in cattle, sheep, and goats was 28.7%, 25.6%, and 11.9%, respectively. The area, sex, age, and herd size were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Higher seropositivity rates were recorded in cows and goats (odds ratio (OR) = 1.63 and 6.4), in old animals (cattle, OR = 2.1; sheep, OR = 1.9; and goat, OR = 3.9), and in small size herds (cattle, OR = 2.5; sheep, OR = 1.9; goat, OR = 2.2). In conclusion, there is widespread T. gondii infection in cattle, sheep, and goats in these two strategic agricultural areas. The identification of the risk factors determines the type of measures and strategies to be undertaken to reduce, control, and prevent T. gondii infection in domestic animals, and thereby reduce human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Cherif Abdallah
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Miroud Kamel
- Laboratoire Epidémio-surveillance, santé, productions et reproduction, expérimentation et thérapie cellulaire des animaux domestiques et sauvages (ESSPRETCADS), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Université Chadli Bendjedid El-Tarf, ElTarf 36000, Algeria
| | - Benfodil Karima
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Ansel Samir
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Khelef Djamel
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Kaidi Rachid
- Laboratoire Biotechnologie et Reproduction Animale (LBRA), Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires Blida, Ouled Yaïch, Algeria
| | - Ait-Oudhia Khatima
- Laboratoire Hygiène Alimentaire et Système Assurance Qualité (Hasaq), Ecole Nationale Supérieure Vétérinaire d'Alger. Rue Issad. Oued Smar., Bab Ezzouar, Algeria.
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Robert-Gangneux F, Djurković-Djaković O. Serological and molecular screening of umbilical cord blood for Toxoplasma gondii infection; a reply to Botein et al. Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 21:e13127. [PMID: 31179601 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Olgica Djurković-Djaković
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Botein EF, Darwish A, El-Tantawy NL, El-Baz R, Eid MI, Shaltot AM. Serological and molecular screening of umbilical cord blood for Toxoplasma gondii infection. Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 21:e13117. [PMID: 31102567 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human umbilical cord blood has proven to be a successful alternate source of hematopoietic stem cells for pediatric patients with major hematologic disorders. Toxoplasma gondii is a global opportunistic protozoan which cause fatal complications in immunocompromised individuals. AIM Our goal is to study the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in umbilical cord blood (UCB) and to assess the sensitivity of ELISA and PCR for Toxoplasma infection screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred cord blood samples were collected immediately after delivery. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were determined using ELISA method; Toxoplasma DNA was detected using nested PCR technique. Total nucleated cells (TNC) and HB were also determined. Demographic data and risk factors data related to the transmission of toxoplasmosis, were collected from mothers. RESULTS Among 100 cord blood samples, 36 (36%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and 6 (6%) were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. The nested PCR showed 11 (11%) samples containing Toxoplasma DNA from which, 6 (55%) samples were IgM positive. There was no significant association between the risk of Toxoplasma transmission and cord blood positivity for toxoplasmosis. CONCLUSION Owing to the prevalence of toxoplasmosis, its rapid progression and its fatal outcome in immunocompromised patients, cord blood screening for toxoplasmosis with nested PCR should be incorporated into cord blood bank screening protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman F Botein
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Unit, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Darwish
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Unit, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nora L El-Tantawy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Rizk El-Baz
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Genetics Unit, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed I Eid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ali M Shaltot
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Genetics Unit, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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26
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Rouatbi M, Amairia S, Amdouni Y, Boussaadoun MA, Ayadi O, Al-Hosary AAT, Rekik M, Ben Abdallah R, Aoun K, Darghouth MA, Wieland B, Gharbi M. Toxoplasma gondii infection and toxoplasmosis in North Africa: a review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:6. [PMID: 30767889 PMCID: PMC6376878 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2019006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis caused by an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii. The disease is distributed worldwide and can affect all warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. The present review aimed to collect, compile and summarize the data on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in humans and animals in the five North African countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt). Published data from national and international databases were used. Distribution patterns and risk factors for T. gondii infection are discussed, focusing on biotic and abiotic factors. This review is a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of T. gondii infection in North Africa and will therefore be a useful tool for researchers. It can also be used to propose or enhance appropriate national toxoplasmosis control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariem Rouatbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Safa Amairia
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Anis Boussaadoun
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Ouarda Ayadi
- Université des Frères Mentouri, Constantine 1, Institut des Sciences Vétérinaires, Route de Batna, El Khroub 25100, Constantine, Algérie
| | - Amira Adel Taha Al-Hosary
- Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, 71526 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box, 950764 Amman 11195, Jordan
| | - Rym Ben Abdallah
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, BPO 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Karim Aoun
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, BPO 74, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Aziz Darghouth
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Barbara Wieland
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Univ. Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Costa DF, Fowler F, Silveira C, Nóbrega MJ, Nobrega HAJ, Nascimento H, Rizzo LV, Commodaro AG, Belfort R. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in Processed Pork Meat. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2018; 15:734-736. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2018.2438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deise F. Costa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávio Fowler
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Heloisa Nascimento
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Ibrahim HM, Osman GY, Mohamed AH, Al-Selwi AGM, Nishikawa Y, Abdel-Ghaffar F. Toxoplasma gondii: Prevalence of natural infection in pigeons and ducks from middle and upper Egypt using serological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical diagnostic methods. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2018; 13:45-49. [PMID: 31014887 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most serious coccidian parasites, which infect human and nearly all warm-blooded animals. Domestic farm birds, which represent a good source of animal protein for humans, are subjected to such infection. Because pigeons and ducks get their feed from the soil, they are susceptible to being infected orally with Toxoplasma oocysts. Consequently, these birds may represent a public health problem for humans. Lack of information on T. gondii infection in pigeons and the insufficient data on its epidemiology in ducks were the main reasons to perform the present study. In the current study, four hundred and fifty-two blood and tissue samples were collected from 310 pigeons and 142 ducks from Asyut, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, and Giza provinces, Egypt. Specific antibodies for Toxoplasma gondii were determined using recombinant TgSAG2t specific surface antigen based ELISA. Histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations were also performed. Overall Toxoplasma positivity was 13.55%, 1.61%, and 1.61% in pigeons and 10.56%, 2.11%, and 2.11% in ducks using ELISA, histopathology, and IHC, respectively. Statistically significant difference in the T. gondii prevalence was observed in relation to period of the year. No significant changes were recorded regarding the gender or age. The current study indicated soil contamination and observable Toxoplasma infection in pigeons and ducks, which could represent a major danger for human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M Ibrahim
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt.
| | - Gamalat Y Osman
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Azza H Mohamed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | | | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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