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Dragomir A, Lupu MA, Maciuceanu CG, Chicea LM, Olariu TR. Risk Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases from Western Romania. Microorganisms 2024; 12:673. [PMID: 38674617 PMCID: PMC11052096 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040673] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited data are available in the existing literature regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection among cardiovascular patients. We aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors among Romanian cardiovascular patients. METHODS Serologic testing was conducted in 1205 patients with cardiovascular diseases to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies. An avidity test was performed in patients with detectable IgG and IgM antibodies. A structured questionnaire was designed to identify the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii. Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 52.1%, with the highest value observed in patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (66.66%) and the lowest in patients with myopericarditis (30.0%). The 11 patients found with detectable IgM and IgG antibodies had a high avidity test result. A patient's area of residence, gender, educational level, owning dogs, owning any pet, and toxoplasmosis awareness were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity in multiple logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel and valuable insights into the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii among Romanian cardiovascular patients. Our findings reiterate the importance of toxoplasmosis awareness and health education for better control and prevention of infection with T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dragomir
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cosmin Gheorghe Maciuceanu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Liana Maria Chicea
- Department II Medical Clinic, “Victor Papilian” Faculty of Medicine, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania;
- Internal Medicine Department, Academic Emergency Hospital, 550245 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.D.); (C.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Paduraru AA, Lupu MA, Popoiu CM, Stanciulescu MC, Tirnea L, Boia ES, Olariu TR. Cystic Echinococcosis in Hospitalized Children from Western Romania: A 25-Year Retrospective Study. Biomedicines 2024; 12:281. [PMID: 38397884 PMCID: PMC10886803 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020281] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a cosmopolitan parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. We aimed to assess the epidemiological aspects of the disease in hospitalized children from Western Romania, a well-known endemic area for CE. We retrospectively investigated the medical records of children hospitalized between 1998 and 2022. A total of 144 patients were included, and 58.3% were from rural areas. The number of cases increased with age, from 9% in the age group 3-5 years to 59.7% in the age group 11-17 years. The liver was more frequently affected (65.3%), and a significant association between gender and the affected organ was noted; liver cysts were more frequently diagnosed in girls, while lung cysts were recorded mostly in boys. Complications were more frequently reported in patients with pulmonary CE compared to hepatic CE (p = 0.04). Boys had more complications (16/23, 69.6%) compared to girls (7/23, 30.4%) (p = 0.03). A third of the children were hospitalized for more than 14 days, and multiple hospitalizations were recorded in 31.3% of the patients. This paper provides new insights into the epidemiologic features of cystic echinococcosis in children from Western Romania. Our findings indicate that exposure to the parasite starts in childhood, and the rate of hospitalization increases with age. Public health strategies should be implemented and permanently improved in order to lower the prevalence of CE in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.A.P.); (M.A.L.); (L.T.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.A.P.); (M.A.L.); (L.T.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Calin Marius Popoiu
- Discipline of Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, Department of Pediatrics, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.M.P.); (M.C.S.)
- Pediatric and Orthopedic Surgery Clinic, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children “Louis Turcanu”, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Corina Stanciulescu
- Discipline of Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, Department of Pediatrics, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.M.P.); (M.C.S.)
- Pediatric and Orthopedic Surgery Clinic, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children “Louis Turcanu”, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Livius Tirnea
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.A.P.); (M.A.L.); (L.T.); (T.R.O.)
| | - Eugen Sorin Boia
- Discipline of Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics, Department of Pediatrics, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (C.M.P.); (M.C.S.)
- Pediatric and Orthopedic Surgery Clinic, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children “Louis Turcanu”, 300011 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.A.P.); (M.A.L.); (L.T.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Grada S, Mihu AG, Oatis DA, Susan M, Lupu MA, Olariu TR. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors in Psychiatric Patients from Western Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study. Microorganisms 2024; 12:172. [PMID: 38257998 PMCID: PMC10820121 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010172] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection with the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii was associated with an increased risk of several mental disorders. We conducted a case-control study of 464 consecutive psychiatric patients and assessed the prevalence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii and the potential risk factors associated with infection. T. gondii-specific antibodies were determined using a chemiluminescence assay. A questionnaire was utilized to assess the potential correlation between risk factors and Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity. IgG antibodies were found in 325 (70.04%) of the patients. We observed a higher likelihood of positive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in older individuals, patients residing in rural areas, and females. We also noted associations between Toxoplasma gondii infection and certain risk factors, like activities that involve contact with soil, low-income levels, and limited educational attainment. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii infection among psychiatric patients from Western Romania and provide new information regarding the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii in this population group. This study may serve as a foundation for future research and the development of preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Grada
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 310300 Arad, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 310300 Arad, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniela Adriana Oatis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University, 310300 Arad, Romania;
| | - Monica Susan
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Paduraru AA, Lupu MA, Sima L, Cozma GV, Olariu SD, Chiriac SD, Totolici BD, Pirvu CA, Lazar F, Nesiu A, Mihu AG, Cumpanas AA, Cretu OM, Olariu TR. Cystic Echinococcosis in Hospitalized Adult Patients from Western Romania: 2007-2022. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2388. [PMID: 37894047 PMCID: PMC10609572 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102388] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a neglected parasitic disease caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological features of human cystic echinococcosis in patients from Western Romania. We retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients hospitalized with CE between 1 January 2007 and 1 September 2022. A total of 366 patients (range 18-90 years) were recorded. The number of hospitalized individuals was higher in patients aged 50-59 years (83/366, 22.7%), in females (194/366, 53%), and in residents of rural areas (225/366, 61.5%). The liver was the most common localization of the cysts (302/366, 82.5%). Ninety-eight patients (26.8%) presented complications, including biliary fistula, allergies, and infection of the cyst. Patients with complications had a longer mean hospital stay (15.7 ± 8.3 days) compared to patients without complications (11.5 ± 7.3 days) (p < 0.001). The results of this study revealed that patients diagnosed with CE required hospitalization and extended medical care, indicating that this zoonotic disease remains a significant public health problem in Western Romania. Public health authorities should enhance CE surveillance by implementing control programs and mandatory notification of new cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania (M.A.L.); (A.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania (M.A.L.); (A.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Laurentiu Sima
- Discipline of Surgical Semiology I and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery I, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania (G.V.C.)
- General Surgery Clinic, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Gabriel Veniamin Cozma
- Discipline of Surgical Semiology I and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery I, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania (G.V.C.)
- Thoracic Surgery Clinic, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Dan Olariu
- General Surgery Clinic, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania; (S.D.O.)
- Discipline of Surgery I, Department of Surgery II, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Dan Chiriac
- Discipline of Surgery III, Department of Surgery II, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Bogdan Dan Totolici
- Department of General Surgery, Vasile Goldis Western University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Catalin Alexandru Pirvu
- General Surgery Clinic, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania; (S.D.O.)
- Discipline of Surgical Emergencies, Department of Surgery II, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Fulger Lazar
- General Surgery Clinic, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania; (S.D.O.)
- Discipline of Surgery II, Department of Surgery II, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alexandru Nesiu
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 310025 Arad, Romania;
- Department of Urology, Arad County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 310037 Arad, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania (M.A.L.); (A.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 310025 Arad, Romania;
| | - Alin Adrian Cumpanas
- Discipline of Urology, Department XV, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Octavian Marius Cretu
- Discipline of Surgical Semiology I and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery I, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania (G.V.C.)
- General Surgery Clinic, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania (M.A.L.); (A.G.M.); (T.R.O.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Dragomir A, Lupu MA, Lighezan R, Paduraru AA, Olariu TR. Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases from Western Romania: A Case-Control Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1575. [PMID: 37511950 PMCID: PMC10382031 DOI: 10.3390/life13071575] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately one third of the world's human population. The seroepidemiology of T. gondii in cardiovascular patients is poorly discussed in the existing literature. We aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence of T. gondii in cardiovascular patients from Western Romania. (2) Methods: Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies was conducted in 256 patients with cardiovascular diseases and 261 matched blood donors. (3) Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 64.06% in patients with cardiovascular diseases and 52.88% in blood donors and tended to increase with age in both groups. The seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was significantly higher in cardiovascular male patients (69.94%) compared to male blood donors (55.69%) (p = 0.006). When compared to the control group, a significantly higher prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was found among patients with hypertension (82.35%; p = 0.01) and unstable angina (67.56%; p = 0.02). (4) Conclusions: This study brings new epidemiological information on the prevalence of T. gondii in Romanian cardiovascular patients. T. gondii seroprevalence was significantly higher in patients with hypertension and unstable angina, suggesting that individuals with these diagnoses may be more frequently infected with T. gondii. This study may be a valuable starting point for further research to better evaluate the impact of T. gondii exposure on patients with cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Dragomir
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Lighezan
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Regional Blood Transfusion Center, 300737 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Dărăbuș G, Lupu MA, Mederle N, Dărăbuș RG, Imre K, Mederle O, Imre M, Paduraru AA, Morariu S, Olariu TR. Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium Infection in Romania: A Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1793. [PMID: 37512965 PMCID: PMC10384979 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1983, when the first report of a human Cryptosporidium spp. infection was published in Romania, and until now, many studies on cryptosporidiosis have been published in our country, but most of them are in the Romanian language and in national journals less accessible to international scientific databases. Although the infection was first recognized as a problem in children or immunocompromised people or more of a problem in low-income or underdeveloped global countries, we have shown in this review that it can also occur in people with normal immunological function and that the epidemiology of our country can provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of a Cryptosporidium spp. prevention strategy. In addition, 9.1% of healthy children and 73% of immunocompromised children were observed to have Cryptosporidium spp. infections. Higher rates have also been reported in immunocompromised adults (1.8-50%). Analyzing the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in animals, we found values of 28.52% in cattle, 18% in buffalo calves, between 27.8 and 60.4% in pigs, 52.7% in dogs, and 29.4% in cats. Furthermore, in Romania, the burden of cryptosporidiosis, including acute infections and long-term sequelae, is currently unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheorghe Dărăbuș
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Narcisa Mederle
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Georgiana Dărăbuș
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Kalman Imre
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Mederle
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mirela Imre
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Morariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences King Michael I, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Pavel R, Ursoniu S, Lupu MA, Olariu TR. Trichinellosis in Hospitalized Children and Adults from Western Romania: A 11-Year Retrospective Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040969. [PMID: 37109498 PMCID: PMC10146625 DOI: 10.3390/life13040969] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichinellosis, a serious and sometimes fatal human disease, is a consequence of consuming raw or improperly cooked meat containing the infective larvae of Trichinella spp. The aim of this observational cohort retrospective study is to compare the epidemiological, laboratory, clinical and therapeutic aspects of trichinellosis in children and adults from Western Romania. We investigated the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with trichinellosis and hospitalized between 17 January 2010 and 31 December 2020. One hundred thirty-three patients were identified according to the electronic databases of infectious disease hospitals, located in four counties from Western Romania. A total of 19 patients (14.28%) were children and 114 patients (85.71%) were adults. In children, the most frequent symptoms were digestive in 78.94%, followed by fever in 57.89%, eyelid or facial edema in 57.89% and myalgia in 52.63% of cases, while adults presented mainly myalgia in 87.71%, followed by fever in 77.19%, digestive symptoms in 68.42% and eyelid or facial edema in 66.66% of cases. The source of infection was pork meat products in the majority of patients (89.47%). Our results revealed a general declining trend in infection rates for both children and adults during the studied period. The vast majority of cases were severe and all required hospitalization. Education of the population along with public health strategies should be improved and maintained to fully prevent trichinellosis in Western Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Pavel
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Discipline of Epidemiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- Discipline of Public Health, Department of Functional Sciences, Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300173 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300079 Timisoara, Romania
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Paduraru AA, Lupu MA, Lighezan R, Pavel R, Cretu OM, Olariu TR. Seroprevalence of Anti- Echinococcus granulosus Antibodies and Risk Factors for Infection in Blood Donors from Western Romania. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040871. [PMID: 37109399 PMCID: PMC10143201 DOI: 10.3390/life13040871] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic echinococcosis is a worldwide-distributed zoonotic parasitic disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors potentially associated with Echinococcus granulosus in healthy blood donors from Timis County, an endemic region in Western Romania. Serum samples were collected from 1347 Romanian blood donors. Serologic tests to determine the presence of anti-Echinococcus antibodies were performed using an anti-Echinococcus-ELISA immunoassay. Anti-Echinococcus antibodies were detected in 38 blood donors, indicating an overall seroprevalence of 2.8%. The seropositivity rate was 3.7% in females and 3.1% in blood donors residing in urban areas. The highest seropositivity was found in the age group of 31-40 years (3.6%). There were no significant differences between Echinococcus seropositivity and gender, area of residence, age, contact with dogs, or raising sheep. This serologic survey evaluated for the first time the presence of Echinococcus antibodies in healthy blood donors from Western Romania and the potential risk factors associated with echinococcosis. Our results suggest that this zoonotic infection might evolve asymptomatically in apparently healthy individuals. Further studies should be conducted in the general population to estimate the true extent of human echinococcosis and its risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Lighezan
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Regional Blood Transfusion Center, 300737 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Radu Pavel
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Discipline of Epidemiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Octavian Marius Cretu
- Discipline of Surgical Semiology I and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery I, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- General Surgery Clinic, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Lupu MA, Lighezan R, Paduraru AA, Dragomir A, Pavel R, Grada S, Mihu AG, Ursoniu S, Olariu TR. Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Blood Donors from Western Romania. Microorganisms 2022; 10:973. [PMID: 35630416 PMCID: PMC9143041 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is estimated to infect 33% of blood donors worldwide, and seroprevalence varies widely between countries. We aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii in blood donors from Western Romania. Methods: Serologic testing to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies was conducted in 1347 healthy blood donors. Risk factors for T. gondii infection were assessed through an epidemiological questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 45.9%, with a significant age-associated increase (p < 0.001) from 32.6% in age group 18−25 years to 67.6% in age group 56−63 years. T. gondii seroprevalence decreased with increasing level of education, from 64.3% in individuals who graduated from elementary/middle school to 40.4% in those who graduated from University (p < 0.001). The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, level of education and having pets (cats and/or dogs) were significantly associated with T. gondii infection. Conclusions: This study brings new and valuable data regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in Romania. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in blood donors and may serve as a starting point for further epidemiological studies that should lead to implementation of prevention programs for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Lighezan
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Regional Blood Transfusion Center, 300737 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Angela Dragomir
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Radu Pavel
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Discipline of Epidemiology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sebastian Grada
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- Department of Functional Sciences, Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (R.L.); (A.A.P.); (A.D.); (R.P.); (S.G.); (A.G.M.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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10
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Olariu TR, Craciun AC, Vlad DC, Dumitrascu V, Pop LL, Horhat F, Lupu MA. SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Children from Western Romania, March to June 2021. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:267-270. [PMID: 35384727 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited data are available regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence in children. In this study, we assessed for the first time the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children from Romania. Serum samples of 379 children were investigated for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies. Serologic tests were performed using Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 electrochemiluminiscence immunoassay that targets the nucleocapsid protein of the virus. The overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies was 46.70%. No significant difference was observed between seropositive and seronegative children according to age groups, gender, and area of residence. Our findings revealed a high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Romanian children at the end of the third COVID-19 pandemic wave. Results suggest that children, regardless of age, gender, or area of residence, are susceptible to infection with SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence in children was similar to the seroprevalence reported in the adult population from Western Romania during the same period of time, March to June 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Daliborca Cristina Vlad
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Victor Dumitrascu
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Liviu Laurentiu Pop
- Department of Pediatrics, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania.,Bega's Pediatric Clinic, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Florin Horhat
- Multidisciplinary Research Center on Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Louis Ţurcanu Emergency Hospital for Children, Timişoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Timisoara, Romania
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11
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Olariu TR, Lighezan R, Ursoniu S, Craciun AC, Mihu AG, Lupu MA. High SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in blood donors from Romania after the third COVID-19 pandemic wave. Infect Dis (Lond) 2022; 54:534-537. [PMID: 35147060 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2022.2036811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square #1, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Lighezan
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square #1, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- Department of Functional Sciences, Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square #1, Timisoara, Romania.,Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, Arad, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square #1, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Timisoara, Romania
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12
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Mihu AG, Micle O, Lupu MA, Olariu TR. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Females Aged 15-45 Years from Bihor County, Western Romania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:195-198. [PMID: 35138942 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0052] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes an important worldwide zoonosis called toxoplasmosis. This infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent people. If the infection occurs in pregnant women, it poses great risks to the infant due to its clinical manifestations as mental retardation, seizures, or chorioretinitis. In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii in females aged 15-45 years in Bihor County, Romania. Serum samples drawn from 1935 females aged 15-45 years were screened for IgG antibodies against T. gondii. T. gondii antibodies were found in 706 females (36.48%) and the proportion of IgG positive females tended to increase with age. The seroprevalence was higher in females residing in rural areas (47.79%) compared with those from urban areas (30.95%). This is the first study on the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in females aged 15-45 years from Bihor County, Romania. Our survey brings new and important data regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii and provides an insight into the demographic risk factors as a basis for a future prevention program for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Discipline of Microbiology, Vasile Goldis Western University, Arad, Romania.,Bioclinica, Arad, Romania
| | - Otilia Micle
- Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania.,Bioclinica, Oradea, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
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13
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Pavel R, Ursoniu S, Paduraru AA, Lighezan R, Lupu MA, Olariu TR. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Trichinella spiralis Infection in Blood Donors from Western Romania. Medicina (Kaunas) 2022; 58:medicina58010128. [PMID: 35056436 PMCID: PMC8780118 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Trichinellosis, a serious and sometimes fatal human disease, is a foodborne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Trichinella. Humans are infected with Trichinella larvae through the ingestion of meat that has not been properly cooked. Romania reported most of the confirmed cases of trichinellosis among the EU countries. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate, for the first time, the seroprevalence and risk factors of Trichinella infection in blood donors from Western Romania. Materials and Methods: Serum samples of 1347 consecutive blood donors were investigated using an immunoenzymaticassay (ELISA) for the determination of specific IgG class antibodies against T.spiralis. A questionnaire interview was used to obtain information regarding the potential risk factors associated with T. spiralis infection. Mantel–Haenszel chi-squared test or the Fisher exact two-tailed test, as appropriate, were used for comparison between T. spiralis positive and T. spiralis negative blood donors. Student’s t-test was used to evaluate differences between means in studied groups and body mass index was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info Version 7.2 and Stata 16.1. Results: T. spiralis IgG antibodies were detected in 2.00% (27) of 1347 consecutive blood donors. Eating raw and/or undercooked meat, from pigs or wild boars, was found to be the main risk factor (p < 0.001). Strong alcoholic drink consumption was highly associated with T. spiralis infection (p = 0.009). Trichinella seroprevalence was higher among rural residents and males. Subjects identified as Trichinella seropositive were not previously diagnosed and have not been treated for Trichinella infection with any specific therapy. Conclusions: The demonstration of T. spiralis antibodies in healthy blood donors suggests that Trichinella infection may be detected in asymptomatic individuals that were not previously diagnosed with this zoonosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radu Pavel
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.A.P.); (R.L.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Discipline of Epidemiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (R.P.); (T.R.O.)
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- Discipline of Public Health, Department of Functional Sciences, Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300173 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.A.P.); (R.L.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300079 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Rodica Lighezan
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.A.P.); (R.L.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Regional Blood Transfusion Centre, 300737 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.A.P.); (R.L.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.A.P.); (R.L.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300079 Timisoara, Romania
- Correspondence: (R.P.); (T.R.O.)
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Olariu TR, Ursoniu S, Marincu I, Lupu MA. Dynamics of Antibody Response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine: A 7-Month Follow-Up Study. Medicina (Kaunas) 2021; 57:1330. [PMID: 34946275 PMCID: PMC8708569 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57121330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Comprehension regarding immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is limited, and the durability of immune responses after vaccination is currently unknown. Several studies have reported on the antibody response in fully vaccinated individuals with a limited follow-up of the participants, i.e., below 7 months. Materials and Methods: The antibody response to complete vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was assessed monthly, for 7 months, in 92 healthcare workers, between February 26 and September 26, 2021. The SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike protein IgG (IgGS) antibody was detected using the SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay (Abbott, Diagnostics Division, Sligo, Ireland), a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) with a sensitivity of 98.1% and specificity of 99.6%. Participants were divided into two groups, one for individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and the other for individuals without previous infection. Results: The median IgGS titers decreased monthly both in previously infected individuals and in the uninfected group. Previously infected individuals had significantly higher median titers of IgGS compared with previously uninfected subjects at all seven time points after complete vaccination (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Seven months after vaccination, the median IgGS titer had decreased by more than 92% both in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and in uninfected individuals. However, IgGS antibodies were still detected in all study participants and persisted throughout the 7 months after the second dose of the vaccine. Further studies should be conducted to monitor the antibody response to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine beyond 7 months, to assess the need for a new booster dose in order to extend the duration and amplitude of the specific immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Department of Functional Sciences, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Iosif Marincu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Lupu MA, Pavel R, Lazureanu VE, Popovici ED, Olariu TR. Trichinellosis in hospitalized patients from Western Romania: A retrospective study. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:895. [PMID: 34194571 PMCID: PMC8237275 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichinellosis is a public health problem and an economic issue in porcine animal production and food safety. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the current epidemiologic, laboratory, clinical and therapeutic aspects of human trichinellosis in Western Romania. We retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients hospitalized in infectious diseases hospitals from three counties in Western Romania, between January 1st, 2012 and December 31st, 2016. A total of 83 patients diagnosed with trichinellosis were included in the study. Pork meat was the food source of infection in 76 (91.6%) patients and wild boar meat in 4 (4.8%). Patients were aged between 2 and 78 years; 48 (57.8%) were males and 27 (32.5%) came from an urban area. The most frequent symptoms included myalgia in 66 (79.5%) patients, fever in 55 (66.3%), eyelid edema in 40 (48.2%) and asthenia in 35 (42.2%). Two patients died and the others had favorable outcome. Although the number of reported cases has decreased in the past years, trichinellosis remains an important public health problem in Western Romania. Educational programs for both swine breeders and consumers are imperative, and implementation of strict hygienic measures aimed to control infection transmission are strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alina Lupu
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Radu Pavel
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Epidemiology, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Voichita Elena Lazureanu
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Infectious Diseases, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Emilian Damian Popovici
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Epidemiology, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rareș Olariu
- Department of Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.,Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Olariu TR, Lighezan R, Ursoniu S, Craciun AC, Paduraru AA, Lupu MA. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 2115 blood donors from Romania. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:S1198-743X(20)30787-4. [PMID: 33421577 PMCID: PMC8084417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania; Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania; Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.
| | - Rodica Lighezan
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania; Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania; Regional Blood Transfusion Centre, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- Discipline of Public Health, Department of Functional Sciences, Center for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania; Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania; Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania; Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania; Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Timisoara, Romania
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Mihu AG, Balta C, Marti DT, Paduraru AA, Lupu MA, Olariu TR. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among women of childbearing age in an endemic region of Romania, 2016-2018. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:59. [PMID: 33198884 PMCID: PMC7669453 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020057] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an important worldwide zoonosis caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasitic infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent people. However, if the infection occurs in pregnant women, it can have serious consequences for the foetus. In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of T. gondii in women of childbearing age in Arad County, Western Romania. Serum samples from 2626 women were analysed using a Siemens ADVIA Centaur XP Immunoassay System. Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies were demonstrated in 1081 women (41%) and prevalence tended to increase with age, from 32% in women aged 15–19 years to 62% in women aged 40–45 years. There was a higher prevalence in rural areas (46%) than in urban areas (36%). This study provides new data on T. gondii seroprevalence in women of childbearing age from Western Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania - Bioclinica, Dreptatii Street, No. 23, Bl. 707, 310300 Arad, Romania - Vasile Goldis Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- Vasile Goldis Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania
| | - Daniela Teodora Marti
- Vasile Goldis Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania
| | - Ana Alexandra Paduraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania - Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Strada Gheorghe Dima Nr. 5, 300254 Timisoara, Romania - Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania - Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Strada Gheorghe Adam Numarul 13A, 300310 Timisoara, Romania - Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania - Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Strada Gheorghe Dima Nr. 5, 300254 Timisoara, Romania - Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Piata Eftimie Murgu, No. 1, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Olariu TR, Ursoniu S, Hotea I, Dumitrascu V, Anastasiu D, Lupu MA. Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Pregnant Women from Western Romania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2020; 20:763-767. [PMID: 32589521 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2019.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection were assessed among pregnant women in Western Romania. T. gondii seroprevalence was evaluated in 208 pregnant women by demonstration of serum antibodies using the commercial Vitros anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM assays. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding the risk factors associated with T. gondii seropositivity. Chi-squared tests, Fisher exact test, and Stata 9.2 (Statacorp, Texas) were used to evaluate differences between T. gondii positive and negative women. T. gondii antibodies were demonstrated in 116 (55.8%) of 208 pregnant women. Lower level of education and working with meat were found to be risk factors for T. gondii seropositivity. Pet owners (cats and/or dogs) had a higher T. gondii seroprevalence than those who did not report having any pet (p = 0.032). Women with ≥4 live births were more frequently T. gondii seropositive than those without previous births (p < 0.002). Women with histories of spontaneous abortions were more frequently T. gondii seropositive than those without such a history (p = 0.036). Our results indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in pregnant women in Romania. Risk factors for T. gondii past infection were being in the older age group, working with meat, having pets, a lower level of education, higher gravidity, and history of spontaneous abortions. This survey provided the first data regarding risk factors for T. gondii infection in pregnant women from Western Romania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Sorin Ursoniu
- Discipline of Public Health, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ionela Hotea
- Discipline of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Victor Dumitrascu
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Doru Anastasiu
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Timisoara, Romania
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Abstract
The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Romanian children is currently unknown. A serological survey was undertaken to determine T. gondii infection among children from Western Romania. Serum samples of 441 children (aged 1-18 years) were screened for T. gondii immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M antibodies. The overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 16.6% and tended to increase with age. Seroprevalence was 18.4% in children from rural regions and 14.7% in those from urban regions. T. gondii antibodies were demonstrated in 19.5% of females and 13.3% of males. This report provided the first seroepidemiological data and evaluated the demographic risk factors regarding T. gondii infection in children from Western Romania. Our results may serve as a basis for a future prevention program for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ionuț Dragoș Căpraru
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara, Romania.,Public Health Authority Timiș County, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Florin Horhat
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Louis Ţurcanu Emergency Hospital for Children, Timișoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rareș Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timișoara, Romania.,Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, Timișoara, Romania
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