[In vitro anti-toxoplasma effects of ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium L., Carum copticum L. and Gossypium Hirsutum]

Background: Production of anti-Toxoplasma drug with high efficacy and low side effect is one of the main priorities in toxoplasmosis researches. Herbal extracts has considered as a candidate for this purpose

Objective: This study was performed in order to determine lethal effect of Artemisia absinthium L., Carum copticum L. and Gossypium hirsutum extracts on Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in vitro free cell line

Methods: Tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain were treated with concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/ml of Artemisia absinthium L., Carum copticum L., and Gossypium hirsutum extracts within 10, 30, and 45 min. Afterward, the tachyzoites were stained with alkaline methylene blue. Mortality rates of tachyzoites treated with extracts were determined. The results were analyzed with one way ANOVA and Post Hoc Test by SPSS software. P<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant

Results: The overall, 100% of tachyzoites were killed at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/ml of Artemisia absinthium L. and 200 mg/ml of Carum copticum L. after 10, 30, and 45 min treatment. The lowest mortality rates at concentration of 10 mg/ml were 19.6 +/- 8.4, 4.30 +/- 2.26, and 4.63 +/- 2.1 for Artemisia absinthium L., Carum copticum L., and Gossypium hirsutum, respectively. The highest and lowest mortality rate of tachyzoites by Gossypium hirsutumin extract was 13.3 +/- 7.1. The mortality of tachyzoites were confirmed by bioassay in mice

Conclusion: Anti-Toxoplasma activities of Artemisia absinthium L. and Carum copticum L. were significantly higher than Gossypium hirsutum. Further studies in order to clarify effectors are recommended

Evaluation of confounder in toxoplasmosis indirect fluorescent antibody assay

The IFA test is one of the most usual methods for detecting anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, although it has not any unique standardization. It seems that the microscopic judgment of results is an important confounder in IFA test. Therefore, we conducted the present study to clarify the role of microscopic observer, and other confounders on the test. Eighty sera were collected from patients suspicious to toxoplasmosis for detection IgG anti-T. gondii by this test. Samples were examined against different series of antigens, IgG anti-human conjugates, and observes. There were no significant differences between the two series of antigens and conjugates. For the observers groups the kappa coefficient of the test results in the experts group [0.97, 0.94- 1.00] were significantly higher than the less experienced observers [0.77, 0.68-0.87]. We recommend the IFA test to be performed only in reference laboratories and by laboratory technicians that have enough experience for this test. Otherwise, we suggest the substitution of this test with other tests like ELISA for the diagnosis and epidemiological studies

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in unmarried women in Qazvin, Islamic Republic of Iran

In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among 400 women referred to Qazvin community health centre laboratory for pre-marriage examinations. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was used to detect IgG anti-toxoplasma. Titres >/= 1: 20 were considered positive. The overall seropositivity was 34%. Mean age was significantly higher in seropositive women [P < 0.05]. Seropositivity was highest among unemployed women [38.3%] and lowest among students [22.6%], and was significantly higher in women with less than high-school education [P < 0.05]. With two-thirds of these unmarried women seronegative, they represent a high-risk group in pregnancy. Such women need to be educated to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis

[Seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii among females referred to Qazvin community-based medicine center for pre-marriage examinations]

Fetus in a pregnant woman is at high risk of congenital toxoplasmosis if the first exposure to Toxoplasma gondii occurs during pregnancy. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in pre-marrigae females can reflect the high risk group in population. To identify the seropositivity rate of T- gondii in females referred to laboratory for pre-marriage examinations. This was a descriptive study performed on 400 pre-marriage females referred to Qazvin community-based medicine center in 2001. Indirect fluorescent antibody test was used to detect anti-toxoplasma IgG antibody titer in sera of the study population. IgG-IFA >/= 1:20 was considered as positive. The overall seropositivity rate was 34%. Mean age of seropostive females was significantly higher than in seronegative cases [P< 0.02]. Seropostivity rate was indicative of a significant negative correlation with education [P < 0.03]. There was no meaningful difference between the rural and urban residents, statistically. Based on data found in our study, emphasis on educational program for women at their pre-marriage ages to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis is suggested