Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Tepehuanos in Durango, Mexico

The epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection is known to depend on a number of behavioral factors, including contact with animals and eating habits. The epidemiology in specific populations (i.e., in indigenous ethnic groups) is not well studied. We therefore investigated the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies in 156 Tepehuanos, an indigenous ethnic group in Durango State in northern Mexico, using ELISAs. Of the 156 Tepehuanos (mean age 31.03±16.71 years), 35 (22.4%) had anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies. IgG levels of 14-99, 100-150, and >150?IU/mL were found in 15 (42.9%), 1 (2.8%), and 19 (54.3%) anti-Toxoplasma IgG-positive Tepehuanos, respectively. Also, 15 (9.6%) subjects had anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. Male Tepehuanos aged 31-50 years showed a significantly higher frequency of exposure to T. gondii than female Tepehuanos of the same age. Seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies was significantly higher in Tepehuanos without education than those with 7-12 years of education. Tepehuanos suffering from frequent headaches had significantly higher seroprevalences of anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies than those without this clinical feature. In addition, Tepehuanos suffering from hearing impairment had significantly higher seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies than those without this clinical feature. Logistic regression analysis did not show an association of T. gondii exposure with any behavioral characteristics, including contact with cats or eating habits. The seroprevalence of T. gondii exposure in Tepehuanos is comparable to that reported in other populations in North America; however, seroprevalence in the largely rural Tepehuanos is higher than that reported in a nearby urban center. Toxoplasma may be impacting the health of Tepehuanos. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in Tepehuanos, and the results should prove useful for the design of preventive measures.     

石家庄地区健康自愿献血者弓形虫感染筛查

石家庄地区健康自愿献血者弓形虫感染率为4.83%,不同职业、年龄、文化程度、民族等存在不同程度的差异。应进一步加强对献血者进行弓形虫感染筛查,防止血源性感染。     

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection among healthy blood donors in south‐east of Iran

This prospective cross‐sectional study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of IgM and IgG anti‐T. gondii antibodies and the associated risk factors among healthy blood donors in Kerman province, south‐eastern Iran. Structured questionnaires (before the donors gave blood) were used to obtain information on risk factors for infection. Totally, 500 serum samples from healthy blood donors of Kerman Blood Transfusion Organization (KBTO) at Kerman, Iran, were screened for IgG and IgM anti‐T. gondii antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Roche Elecsys Toxo IgM assay. Real‐time PCR was used to detect DNA of T. gondii in the IgM‐positive samples. Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM anti‐T. gondii antibodies was 28·8% and 3·2%, respectively. In the multiple logistic regression, it could be observed that living in rural regions, having B blood type, being in contact with cats, consuming raw vegetables and raw milk/egg and doing agricultural activities were independent risk factors for Toxoplasma seropositivity. T. gondii DNA was also found in one (9·0%) of IgM‐positive samples. In this study, it was found that T. gondii infection was present among healthy blood donors in south‐east of Iran. Therefore, it is suggested to design screening programmes for preventing transfusion‐transmitted toxoplasmosis.     

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in elderly people in a northern Mexican city

Whereas it is well-known that the seroprevalence of infection with Toxoplasma gondii increases with age, details of the seroepidemiology of infection in elderly people are largely unknown. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibody levels were determined in 483 subjects aged ≥60 years old in Durango City, Mexico, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics from each participant were also obtained. In total, 58 (12%) of 483 participants (mean age 70.35±6.63 years) had anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, and 14 (2.9%) also had anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies. Seroprevalence of infection varied significantly with age, birthplace, and educational level. Seroprevalence increased with age, especially in women (p=0.01), and was higher in subjects born outside of Durango State than those born within Durango State (p=0.008). Seroprevalence was higher in men with up to 12 years of education than in men with more than 12 years of education (p=0.01). Multivariate analysis of behavioral data showed a positive association of T. gondii infection with the presence of cats in the neighborhood, as well as consumption of boar, pigeon, iguana, and armadillo meats, and chorizo. Gender-specific analysis showed the described associations in women but not in men. In contrast, consumption of beef showed a negative association with T. gondii infection. This is the first report of the seroprevalence and contributing factors for T. gondii infection in elderly people, and of an association of the consumption of armadillo and iguana meats with T. gondii infection. Our results will provide the basis for the design of optimal preventive measures against T. gondii infection.     

Seroepidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in General Population in Rural Durango,Mexico

Background:

The seroepidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in rural areas in Mexico has been poorly studied.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and correlates of anti-HEV IgG antibodies in adults in rural areas in Durango, Mexico.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a cross-sectional study to determine the frequency of anti-HEV IgG antibodies in 273 adults living in rural Durango, Mexico using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. In addition, we searched for an association of HEV exposure with the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the subjects studied.

Results:

One hundred (36.6%) of the 273 rural adults (mean age: 39.85 ± 17.15 years) had anti-HEV IgG antibodies. Multivariate analysis of socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the participants showed that HEV exposure was associated with increasing age (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.04-1.05; P < 0.001), consumption of untreated water (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.06-3.46; P = 0.03), and availability of water at home (OR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.07-3.27; P = 0.02). In contrast, other socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics including educational level, occupation, socio-economic status, foreign travel, consumption of unwashed raw fruits, consumption of raw or undercooked meat and raising animals did not show associations with HEV exposure.

Conclusions:

The seroprevalence of HEV infection found in rural Durango is higher than those reported in other Mexican populations. Consumption of untreated water is an important factor for HEV exposure in rural areas in Durango. The correlates of HEV seropositivity found in the present study can be used for an optimal planning of preventive measures against HEV infection.     

金标法用于献血员弓形虫感染现场筛查效果的观察

目的 观察评价金标法用于献血员弓形虫感染现场筛查的效果。 方法 收集ALT、 HBV、 抗?HCV、 抗?HIV和抗? TP均为阴性的献血员血液, 经抗凝离心后分离出血浆, 采用金标法与ELISA法平行检测血浆中弓形虫IgG阳性率, 分析、 评价检测效果。 结果 金标法与ELISA法检测弓形虫IgG阳性率分别为5.46% （49/898） 和4.90% （44/898）, 2种方法的阳性检出率间差异无统计学意义 （χ2 =0.610, P＞0.05）; 检测结果同为阳性者占4.45% （40/898）, 同为阴性者占94.1% （845/898）,总符合率为98.6% （885/898）; Kappa值为0.843, 2种方法检测献血员的结果一致。 结论 金标法检测献血员血浆中弓形虫 IgG抗体符合率高, 且具有操作简单快速等优点, 可用于献血员的现场筛查。     

Prevalence of IgG antibodies specific to Toxoplasma gondii among blood donors in Recife, Northeast Brazil

A serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in blood donors was carried out in order to identify seroprevalence in Recife, Brazil. Sera from 160 individuals (119 male and 41 female) were evaluated by using a Toxoplasma IgG-antibody enzyme immunoassay (Denka Seiken Co., LTD., Tokyo, Japan). The seropositive percentual for males (79.0%) showed to be higher (p < 0.05) than for females (63.4%). This percentage increases with age, ranging from 18.2% to 92.6% for individuals aging under 20 and 40-50 years old, respectively. For women of childbearing age (18-40 years) it was found a prevalence of 51.6%.     

Short report: neonatal screening pilot study of Toxoplasma gondii congenital infection in Mexico

Congenital toxoplasmosis is an obstetric problem in Mexico, but its actual frequency is unknown. Using a network for screening of non-infectious disorders, we performed a pilot study to determine the frequency of IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in 1,003 infants (53.1% male, mean +/- SD age = 18.3 +/- 13.0 days, birth weight = 3.116 +/- 0.453 kg) in Mexico City from March to April 2003. Blood samples embedded in filter paper were assayed for IgM antibodies using a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and results were confirmed by Western blot. Two asymptomatic newborns, one of them premature, had IgM and IgG antibodies in a serum sample taken from both the infant and the mother and were clinically followed. Our data suggest a frequency of approximately two cases of congenital T. gondii infection per 1,000 newborns in Mexico City.     

Toxoplasma gondii infection of cats in Beirut, Lebanon

The prevalence of serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii was determined by the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test in cats of Beirut, Lebanon from September 1980 to July 1983 (35 months). Testing revealed that 253/324 (78.1%) cats had antibodies in the IFA test. While the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies in stray cats was considerably greater than in owned cats at the beginning of the study, this difference diminished over time, and prevalence was similar by the end of the study. Faecal shedding of Toxoplasma-like oocysts was found in 31/313 (9.9%) of cats, while 38/313 (12.1%) shed other Isospora spp. oocysts. The occurrence of dual infections was statistically significant.     

Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnancy.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, which has a wide geographical distribution. The main infection routes are ingestion of cysts from raw or badly-cooked meat, ingestion of oocysts from substrates contaminated with the feces of infected felines and congenital transmission by tachyzoites. The congenital form results in a severe systemic disease, because if the mother is infected for the first time during gestation, she can present a temporary parasitemia that will infect the fetus. Many of the clinical symptoms are seen in congenitally-infected children, from a mild disease to serious signs, such as mental retardation. Early diagnosis during the pregnancy is highly desirable, allowing prompt intervention in cases of infection, through treatment of pregnant women, reducing the probability of fetal infection and consequent substantial damage to the fetus. Conventional tests for establishment of a fetal diagnosis of toxoplasmosis include options from serology to PCR. Prevention of human toxoplasmosis is based on care to avoid infection, understanding the disease and serological exams during gestation. Pregnant women should be tested serologically from three months gestation, until one month after childbirth. Inclusion of serology for congenital toxoplasmosis along with the basic Guthrie test for PKU is of fundamental importance for early diagnosis of infection and so that treatment is initiated, in order to avoid possible sequels in the infant.     

河北石家庄地区健康献血人群弓形虫感染特征及危险因素调查

目的调查了解河北省石家庄地区健康献血人群弓形虫感染现状及危险因素,为制定科学有效的防治措施提供依据。方法选择石家庄市1 630例符合献血者健康检查标准的无偿献血者为调查对象,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)检测弓形虫抗体。对比分析不同性别、年龄、职业、文化程度、居住地献血人群的弓形虫感染率。对弓形虫感染危险因素进行问卷调查,对调查结果进行统计分析。结果在1 630例健康献血者中,共检出弓形虫抗体阳性126例,感染率为7.73%。不同性别、年龄、职业、文化程度献血人群弓形虫感染率比较,差异均有统计学意义(χ~2=4.36、13.98、9.71、7.65,P均0.05);不同居住地献血人群弓形虫感染率无明显差异(χ~2=1.63,P0.05)。问卷调查结果显示,弓形虫感染与饲养宠物、经常在外就餐、喜吃火锅或烧烤、生熟食共用砧板、无饭前洗手习惯等不良生活卫生习惯密切相关(χ~2=35.90、175.44、7.41、15.72、6.94,P均0.01)。结论河北石家庄地区健康献血人群有一定的弓形虫感染率。加强献血者弓形虫认知教育和感染监测是避免输血感染的重要环节。     

2008-2010年北京协和医院住院患者弓形虫感染的血清流行病学调查

目的 了解北京协和医院住院患者弓形虫感染的情况.方法 收集2008-2010年期间北京协和医院住院和门诊患者的血样,用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测血清抗弓形虫IgG抗体,计算住院患者血清弓形虫抗体的阳性率,并按科室和疾病分别统计分析患者弓形虫抗体的阳性率.结果 住院组和门诊组患者的弓形虫抗体阳性率分别为2.22%...     

Study on detecting antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in pooled serum of blood donors by Dot-IGSS

To prevent post-transfusion toxoplasmosis, the sera of blood donors, per six of which were mixed as a pool, were examined for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibiodies by Dot-immunogold silver staining (Dot-IGSS) with the single serum specimens examined simultaneously. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of serum pool method were 92.31% and 99.96% respectively. The consistent rate between the two methods was 99.73% and kappa value was 0.947 (p<0.01). Considering the mean infection rate of Toxoplasma gondii being 4.86% in China, if the serum pool method be adoped, with pool size k=5, a 57% reduction in the number of tests, as well as the cost of the screen, can be expected. Beside the social benefit, consequent upon the interruption of the Toxoplasma gondii infection spread through blood transfusion also can be expected.     

Toxoplasma gondii infection in rural Guatemalan children

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in Guatemalan children, in 1999 and 2003 we surveyed caretakers and serologically tested children in the San Juan Sacatepequez area using Platelia Toxo IgG TMB enzyme immunoassay kits. In 1999, of 532 children six months to two years old, 66 (12.4%) were antibody positive. In 2003, in 500 children 3-10 years old antibody prevalence increased from 24% to 43% at age five years then leveled off. By multivariate analysis, drinking well water (relative risk [RR] = 1.78, 95% confidence limit [CL] = 1.00, 3.17, P = 0.05) and not cleaning up cat feces (RR = 2.06, 95% CL = 1.00, 4.28, P = 0.05) increased the risk of T. gondii seropositivity. Most T. gondii infections in children from these villages occurred by age five, but half were still not infected by adolescence. Therefore, it is important to educate girls entering child-bearing age about the risks of acute T. gondii infection and the local risk factors for infection.     

肿瘤患者弓形虫感染调查

弓形虫属于一种机会性致病原虫,对免疫缺陷、免疫功能低下及免疫抑制患者有潜在的威胁。现已证明,不少肿瘤患者细胞免疫功能低于正常人,且在抗肿瘤治疗过程中,化疗及放射治疗,使患者免疫功能进一步降低,因而对机会性感染的病原体特别易感。本实验采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)对112例临床确诊恶性肿瘤患者和78例健康体检者进行了弓形虫循环抗原(CAg)、抗弓形虫抗体IgM、IgG检测,了解肿瘤患者弓形虫感染状况,探讨弓形虫感染与该人群的相关性,结果报告如下。     

HBV患者中弓形虫感染情况分析

目的了解陕北乙肝患者中弓形虫的感染情况。方法本研究筛查了139例乙肝患者,并以43例健康人群作为对照研究。结果陕北弓形虫感染率较低,即乙肝患者中的感染率为5.04%,而健康人群中的感染率为0。弓形虫感染者主要为男性、HBeAg阳性、HBV病毒载量高的患者;统计分析显示弓形虫感染与以上3种因素之间均无统计学相关性。结论陕北弓形虫感染率较低,并且弓形虫感染与HBV无统计学相关性。     

石家庄市大学生献血者弓形虫感染调查

目的 了解石家庄市大学生献血者弓形虫感染情况。 方法 2012年3-10月采集石家庄市4所大学大学生献血者和健康体检成人血清标本, 采用酶联免疫吸附试验 （ELISA） 检测弓形虫感染情况。 结果 共检测石家庄市4所大学864 例大学生献血者和95例健康成人, 弓形虫IgG阳性率分别为5.1%和7.4%, 差异有统计学意义 （P ＜ 0.05）。男性和女性大学生献血者弓形虫IgG阳性率分别为5.0%和5.2%, 差异无统计学意义 （P ＞ 0.05）; 不同大学的大学生献血者弓形虫IgG阳性率差异无统计学意义 （P＞0.05）。结论 大学生献血人群中部分感染弓形虫, 有必要加强弓形虫病防控工作。     

Seroprevalence of infection with Toxoplasma gondii in indigenous Brazilian populations

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in indigenous Brazilian tribes with different degrees of acculturation was studied in the Enawenê-Nawê, an isolated tribe, in the state of Mato Grosso, the Wai?pi, with intermittent non-Indian contacts, in the state of Amapa, and the Tiriyó, with constant non-Indian contacts, in the state of Para. An IgG-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgG-ELISA) or an IgG/IgM-indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay were performed for the detection of antibodies to T. gondii in 2000-2001. Both assays showed that the Tiriyó had the lowest crude seroprevalence (55.6%), the Enawené-Nawé the highest crude seroprevalence (80.4%), and the Wai?pi an intermediate crude seroprevalence (59.6%). The age-adjusted prevalence (95% confidence intervals) values for the Tiriyó, Enawenê-Nawê, and Wai?pi were 57.3% (53.4, 61.1%), 78.8% (72.2, 85.7%), and 57.7% (52.5, 62.9%), respectively. Contact with non-Indians probably did not influence the prevalence of the infection. However, differential contact with soil-harboring oocysts from wild felines may be responsible for the various seroprevalences in the different tribes.