Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody and evaluation of risk infection factors in goats raised in Sergipe state, Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpo anti-Toxoplasma gondii e avaliação de fatores de risco de infecção em caprinos criados no estado de Sergipe, Brasil

The objective was to determine, through indirect immunofluorescence reaction (RIFI, 1:64), the occurrence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and the risk factors associated with infection in goats in the state of Sergipe. To this study were used 675 samples of blood of animals from 41 farms of the three state mesoregions from 2013 to 2014. The occurrence of seropositive goats was 30.07%, with 90.24% of farms with seropositive animals. The distribution of titers obtained was 37.93%, 11.82%, 17.24%, 18.22%, and 17.77% for 64, 128, 512 and 1024 respectively. The risk factors observed were farms that did not have facilities (p=0.000, OR=2.30, CI 95%=1.41-3.74), with flooded soils (p=0.011, OR=2.94, CI 95%=1.27-6.79), which provided feed on the ground (p=0.032, OR=1.69, CI 95%=1.04-2.74), in uncovered cages (p=0.032, OR=1.69, CI 95%=1.04-2.74), pasture-based feed (p=0.003, OR=3.52, CI 95%=1.53-8.09), with access from cats to (p=0.031, OR=1.45, CI 95%=1.03-2.04) and introduced new breeders in the last five years (p=0.036, OR=1.58, CI 95%=1.02-2.74).(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar, através da reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI, 1:64), a ocorrência de anticorpos IgG para o Toxoplasma gondii e os fatores de risco associados à infecção em rebanhos caprinos do estado de Sergipe, a partir de 675 amostras de sangue de animais de 41 propriedades das três mesorregiões do estado entre os anos de 2013 e 2014. A ocorrência de caprinos soropositivos foi de 30,07% com 90,24% de propriedades com animais soropositivos. A distribuição dos títulos obtidos foi de 37,93%, 11,82%, 17,24%, 18,22% e 17,77% para 64, 128, 512 e 1024 respectivamente. Os fatores de riscos observados foram propriedades que não possuíam instalações (p=0,000, OR=2,30, IC 95%=1,41-3,74), com terrenos alagados (p=0,011, OR=2,94, IC 95%=1,27-6,79), que disponibilizam a ração no chão (p=0,032, OR=1,69, IC 95%=1,04-2,74), em cochos descobertos (p=0,000, OR=1,97, IC 95%=1,32-2,94), alimentação à base de pastagem (p=0,003, OR=3,52, IC 95%=1,53-8,09), com acesso de gatos à fonte de água (p=0,031, OR=1,45, IC 95%=1,03-2,04) e que introduziram novos reprodutores nos últimos cinco anos (p=0,036, OR=1,58, IC 95%=1,02-2,74).(AU)

Ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii e anti-Neospora caninum em ovinos com distúrbios reprodutivos e fatores de risco / Occurrence of antibodies anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum in sheep with history of reproductive disorders and risk factors

Objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência, sinais clínicos e fatores de risco associados a soropositividade para Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em ovinos. Foram utilizados 294 animais com histórico de distúrbios reprodutivos de 28 fazendas do estado de São Paulo, Brasil, diagnosticados através da imunofluorescência indireta (1:64 e 1:50). A ocorrência de T. gondii foi de 29,9% (88/294) e de N. caninum 18% (53/294), sendo 3,7% (11/294) dos ovinos soropositivos para ambos. Observou-se com maiores chances à infecção pelo T. gondii: ovinos mestiços (p=0,04), Santa Inês (p=0,006), fornecimento de pastagem (p<0,001) ou associada a concentrado (p<0,001), uso exclusivamente de monta natural (p=0,002, OR=2,28 e IC95%=1,37-3,79) e a presença de aves nas propriedades (p=0,001). Na infecção por N. caninum essa chance aumentou em: fêmeas (p=0,031), propriedades sem aprisco (p<0,001) e sistema de criação semi-intensivo (p<0,001). Em relação ao histórico de problemas reprodutivos, ovelhas infectadas pelo N. caninum e T. gondii apresentaram redução da chance de apresentarem abortamento (p=0,044) e repetição de estro (p=0,025) respectivamente. O T. gondii esteve mais presente sorologicamente que o N. caninum em ovinos com histórico de distúrbios reprodutivos e apesar de suas semelhanças, diferiram epidemiologicamente em aspectos relacionados as características da criação como raça, sexo, sistema de criação, tipo de alimentação e manejo reprodutivo.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the occurrence, clinical signs and risk factors associated with seropositivity to Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in sheep. We used 294 sheep with history of reproductive disorders from 28 farms located in the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Producers were interviewed, and blood samples were collected to perform indirect immunofluorescence tests (1:64 and 1:50 respectively). The frequency of T. gondii infection was found to be 29.9% (88/294), the frequency of N. caninum was 18% (53/294), and 3.7% (11/294) of the sheep were seropositive for both. We observed the following risk factors associated with T. gondii infection: crossbred sheep (p=0.04), Santa Inês breed (p=0.006), pasture supply (p<0.001) or associated with concentrate (p<0.001), exclusive use of natural breeding (p=0.002), and presence of birds on farms (p=0.001). For N. caninum the factors were: female sheep (p=0.031), absence of barns (p<0.001), and semi-intensive system (p<0.001). In relation to the history of reproductive problems, N. caninum and T. gondii infected sheep presented a reduction in the risk of having an abortion (p=0.044) and repeated estrus (p=0.025) respectively. T. gondii was more serologically present than N. caninum in sheep with a history of reproductive disorders and, despite their similarities, differed epidemiologically in aspects related to breeding characteristics such as race, sex, breeding system, type of feeding and reproductive management.(AU)

Fatores de risco associados à prevalência de anticorpos anti-Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora spp. e Toxoplasma gondii em equinos de Roraima, Amazônia / Risk factors associated to the prevalence of anti-Sarcocystis neurona, Neospora spp. and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in horses from Roraima, Brazilian Amazon

Amostras de sangue de 303 equinos provenientes de 56 propriedades do município de Rorainópolis, Roraima, foram avaliadas por Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIF) para pesquisa de anticorpos contra Sarcocystis neurona, Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora spp. Algumas amostras de soros positivos para Sarcocystis spp. foram avaliadas pelo Western Blotting (WB) utilizando antígenos crus de S. neurona. A partir dos resultados sorológicos, possíveis fatores de risco foram avaliados frente a variáveis individuais e de propriedade. A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Sarcocystis spp. foi estimada em 43,2% (37,6-49,0%), anti-Neospora sp. em 26,7% (21,9-32,2%) e anti-T. gondii de 18,5% (14,3-23,4%). Quatorze amostras (14/15) testadas por WB resultaram positivas para antígenos de S. neurona. Das propriedades, 76,8% (43/56) apresentaram pelo menos um equino positivo para Sarcocystis spp.; 69,6% (39/56) para Neospora spp. e 55,4% (31/56) para T. gondii. Dos equinos, 13 (4,3%) apresentarem anticorpos para os três agentes, 50 (16,5%) para Sarcocystis spp. e Neospora spp., 10 (3,3%) para Neospora spp. e T. gondii, e oito (2,6%) para Sarcocystis spp. e T. gondii. As variáveis associadas (P≤0,05) à presença de anticorpos foram: para Neospora spp. não pastejar em áreas alugadas, ausência de assistência veterinária na propriedade, sexo masculino, não estabular animais e plantel equino acima de 5 animais; enquanto para T. gondii foram o contato com felinos, animais da raça lavradeiro, animal estabulado, criação de bovinos na propriedade e plantel equino acima de 5 animais. Não houveram variáveis associadas a presença de anticorpos contra S. neurona. Relata-se no presente estudo a primeira detecção de anticorpos anti-S. neurona, Neospora spp. e T. gondii em equinos do estado de Roraima, localizado na Amazônia Setentrional Brasileira, ressaltando para a elevada frequência de fazendas com equinos soropositivos.

Samples of 303 horses from 56 ranches of Rorainópolis municipality, state of Roraima, were evaluated by means of the Indirect Immunofluorescence Test (IFAT) to detect antibodies against Sarcocystis spp., Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora spp. A subset of positive sample (n=15) against Sarcocystis spp. was evaluated by Western Blotting (WB) with crude antigen of S. neurona. From the serological result, possible risk factors were evaluated against individual or farming variables. The prevalence of anti-Sarcocystis spp. antibodies was estimated to be 43.2% (37.6-49.0%), anti-Neospora sp. was 26.7% (21.9-32.2%), and anti-T. gondii was 18.5% (14.3-23.4%). Fourteen samples (14/15) evaluated by WB were positive for S. neurona antigens. From the ranches, 76.8% (43/56) presented at least one positive horse for Sarcocystis spp., 69.6% (39/56) for Neospora spp., and 55.4% (31/56) for T. gondii. Thirteen (14.3%) horses had antibodies against all agents, 50 (16.5%) had antibodies against Sarcocystis spp. and Neospora spp., 10 (3.3%) for Neospora spp. and T. gondii, and eight (2.6%) for Sarcocystis spp. and T. gondii. Associated variables (P≤0.05) for antibodies against Neospora spp. were not found in horses fed on rented pastures, not in horses without veterinary assistance and stables, and not in herds up to 5 horses; while they were associated for T. gondii by contact with cats, in the Lavradeiro breed with use of stables, in horses raise with cattle, and in herds up to 5 horses. There were no variables associated with the presence of antibodies against S. neurona. Antibodies against S. neurona, Neospora spp. and T. gondii were reported in horses from the state of Roraima, Northern Brazilian Amazon, highlighting to the elevate prevalence on ranches.(AU)

Sterculic Acid and Its Analogues Are Potent Inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis is a serious disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, one of the most widespread parasites in the world. Lipid metabolism is important in the intracellular stage of T. gondii. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), a key enzyme for the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acid is predicted to exist in T. gondii. Sterculic acid has been shown to specifically inhibit SCD activity. Here, we examined whether sterculic acid and its methyl ester analogues exhibit anti-T. gondii effects in vitro. T. gondii-infected Vero cells were disintegrated at 36 hr because of the propagation and egress of intracellular tachyzoites. All test compounds inhibited tachyzoite propagation and egress, reducing the number of ruptured Vero cells by the parasites. Sterculic acid and the methyl esters also inhibited replication of intracellular tachyzoites in HFF cells. Among the test compounds, sterculic acid showed the most potent activity against T. gondii, with an EC50 value of 36.2 μM, compared with EC50 values of 248-428 μM for the methyl esters. Our study demonstrated that sterculic acid and its analogues are effective in inhibition of T. gondii growth in vitro, suggesting that these compounds or analogues targeting SCD could be effective agents for the treatment of toxoplasmosis.

Anti-Toxoplasma activities of methanolic extract of Sambucus nigra (Caprifoliaceae) fruits and leaves / Actividad anti-Toxoplasma de extractos metanólicos de frutos y hojas de Sambucus nigra (Caprifoliaceae)

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular parasite that infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans. Considering the severity of toxoplasmosis, side effects of current treatments, and the contribution of the ethnopharmacological knowledge for the treatment of parasitic infections, the aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of methanolic extracts from the fruits and leaves of Sambucus nigra against tachyzoite of T. gondii. For this, fruits and leaves of S. nigra were collected from Mazandaran province, Iran, were dried under the shade, and powdered using a commercial electrical blender. For extractions, methanol was used as solvent. Virulent RH strain of T. gondii was maintained in mice and macrophages containing tachyzoites were aspirated from the peritoneal cavity. Four concentrations (5, 10, 25 and 50mg/mL) of S. nigra extract were incubated with infected macrophages for 30, 60, 120 and 180 minutes and the viability of the tachyzoites were evaluated by trypan blue staining. Results showed that S. nigra fruit extracts at the concentrations of 5 and 10mg/mL killed 100% of T. gondii tachyzoites after 60 and 120 minutes, respectively; and concentrations of 25 and 50mg/mL killed 100% of the tachyzoites after 30 minutes. Additionally, extract of S. nigra leaves, at the concentrations of 5, 10 and 25mg/mL after 180 minutes, and concentration of 50mg/mL after 60 minutes, resulted with the highest efficacy. Our results showed that S. nigra has acceptable efficacy in vitro and the parasiticidal effect of fruit extract was significantly better than leaf extract. However, in vivo efficacy of this extract needs further investigation. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (1): 7-12. Epub 2015 March 01.

Toxoplasma gondii es un parásito intracelular obligatorio que infecta a una gran variedad de animales y seres humanos. Teniendo en cuenta la gravedad de la toxoplasmosis, los efectos secundarios de los tratamientos actuales, y la contribución de los conocimientos etnofarmacológicos para el tratamiento de infecciones parasitarias, el objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la eficacia de los extractos metanólicos de los frutos y hojas de Sambucus nigra contra el taquizoito de T. gondii. Para esto, se recogieron frutos y hojas de S. nigra en la provincia de Mazandaran, Irán, se secaron a la sombra, y se pulverizaron con una batidora eléctrica comercial. Para las extracciones, se empleó metanol como disolvente. La cepa virulenta RH de T. gondii se mantuvo en ratones y los macrófagos con taquizoitos se aspiraron de la cavidad peritoneal. Cuatro concentraciones (5, 10, 25 y 50mg/ mL) de extracto de S. nigra se encubaron con los macrófagos infectados durante 30, 60, 120 y 180 minutos y la viabilidad de los taquizoitos se evaluó mediante tinción con azul de tripano. Los resultados mostraron que los extractos de frutos de S. nigra en las concentraciones de 5 y 10mg/mL mataron al 100% de los taquizoitos de T. gondii después de 60 y 120 minutos, respectivamente; y las concentraciones de 25 y 50mg/mL mataron al 100% de los taquizoitos después de 30 minutos. Además, el extracto de hojas de S. nigra, en concentraciones de 5, 10 y 25mg/mL después de 180 minutos, y una concentración de 50mg/mL después de 60 minutos, resultaron más eficientes. Nuestros resultados mostraron que S. nigra tiene una eficacia aceptable in vitro y el efecto parasiticida del extracto de frutos fue significativamente mejor que el del extracto de hoja. Sin embargo, la eficacia in vivo de este extracto necesita más investigación.

Anti-toxoplasmosis effect of Dictamnus dasycarpus extract against Toxoplasma Gondii / 동물의과학연구지

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes a life-threatening opportunistic infection. Despite its clinical importance, very few therapeutic drugs against T. gondii are available. Furthermore, these therapeutic regimens are not always suitable for prolonged treatment due to adverse side effects as well as the potential of clinical failure by selecting drug-resistant parasite variants. Dictamnus dasycarpus is known to have many medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-fever, and anti-rheumatic activities. In this study, 70% ethanol extract of Dictamnus dasycarpus showed anti-T. gondii effects. Ethanolic extracts of Dictamnus dasycarpus used to treat T. gondii were tested in vitro for their anti-T. gondii activity and cytotoxicity. The selectivity of Dictamnus dasycarpus extract was 7.52, which was higher than that of Sulfadiazine (2.08). We conducted an in vivo animal test to evaluate the anti-T. gondii activity of Dictamnus dasycarpus extract as compared with that of Sulfadiazine. In T. gondii-infected mice, the inhibition rate of Dictamnus dasycarpus extract was high, similar to that of Sulfadiazine. This indicates that Dictamnus dasycarpus extract may be a source of new anti-T. gondii compounds.

Rol de anticuerpos anti- Toxoplasma gondii en la activación de la respuesta inmune en mujeres embarazadas / Role of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in immune responses in pregnant women

Objetivos: el estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar in vitro el rol de anticuerpos anti T. gondii en la activación de la respuesta inmune en mujeres embarazadas. Métodos: el estudio se realizó con células mononucleares de sangre periférica (PBMC) de mujeres embarazadas con toxoplasmosis crónica (n=15) que fueron estimuladas en presencia y ausencia de plasma autólogo (PA) (anticuerpos anti T. gondii). Resultados: los datos muestran que en PBMC estimuladas en ausencia de plasma autólogo existe mayor proliferación celular (P<0.05) que células en presencia de plasma autólogo. Niveles de IFN-y producidos en ambas condiciones (PA y SBF) fueron similares. Comparando la producción de IFN-y vs IL-10 muestra mayor producción de citoquinas Th1. Conclusiones: en general nuestros resultados sugieren que los anticuerpos presentes en el plasma autólogo modulan la respuesta inmune en mujeres embarazadas con toxoplasmosis crónica, de tal modo que el sistema inmune no exacerbe o inhiba esta respuesta específica. La presencia de anticuerpos anti T. gondii no influyen en producción de IFN-y en mujeres embarazadas con toxoplasmosis crónica, pero si en la proliferación celular.

Objectives: the study aimed to evaluate in vitro the role of anti T. gondiiin activating immune responses in pregnant women. Methods: the study was performed with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of pregnant women with chronic toxoplasmosis (n = 15) were stimulated in the presence and absence of autologous plasma (PA) (anti T. gondii antibody). Results: the data show that in PBMC stimu-lated in the absence of autologous plasma there is increased cell proliferation (P < 0.05) than cells in the presence of autologous plasma. Levels of IFN- y produced in both conditions (PA and SBF) were similar. Comparing the production of IFN- y vs IL - 10 shows increased production of Th1 cytokines. Conclusions: in general, our results suggest that the antibodies present in autologous plasma modulate the immune response in pregnant women with chronic toxoplasmosis, such that the immune system does not exacerbate or inhibit this specific response. The presence of antibodies to T. gondii not affecting IFN- y production in pregnant women with chronic toxoplasmosis, but if cell proliferation.

In vitro action of antiparasitic drugs, especially artesunate, against Toxoplasma gondii / Ação in vitro de drogas antiparasitárias, especialmente artesunato, contra Toxoplasma gondii

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasmosis is usually a benign infection, except in the event of ocular, central nervous system (CNS), or congenital disease and particularly when the patient is immunocompromised. Treatment consists of drugs that frequently cause adverse effects; thus, newer, more effective drugs are needed. In this study, the possible activity of artesunate, a drug successfully being used for the treatment of malaria, on Toxoplasma gondii growth in cell culture is evaluated and compared with the action of drugs that are already being used against this parasite. METHODS: LLC-MK2 cells were cultivated in RPMI medium, kept in disposable plastic bottles, and incubated at 36ºC with 5% CO2. Tachyzoites of the RH strain were used. The following drugs were tested: artesunate, cotrimoxazole, pentamidine, pyrimethamine, quinine, and trimethoprim. The effects of these drugs on tachyzoites and LLC-MK2 cells were analyzed using nonlinear regression analysis with Prism 3.0 software. RESULTS: Artesunate showed a mean tachyzoite inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.075µM and an LLC MK2 toxicity of 2.003µM. Pyrimethamine was effective at an IC50 of 0.482µM and a toxicity of 11.178µM. Trimethoprim alone was effective against the in vitro parasite. Cotrimoxazole also was effective against the parasite but at higher concentrations than those observed for artesunate and pyrimethamine. Pentamidine and quinine had no inhibitory effect over tachyzoites. CONCLUSIONS: Artesunate is proven in vitro to be a useful alternative for the treatment of toxoplasmosis, implying a subsequent in vivo effect and suggesting the mechanism of this drug against the parasite.

INTRODUÇÃO: Toxoplasmose é geralmente uma infecção benigna, exceto nos eventos de doença ocular, congênito e do sistema nervoso central, e particularmente quando o paciente é imunocomprometido. O tratamento consiste de drogas que frequentemente causam efeitos adversos, então novas drogas, mais efetivas são necessárias. Neste estudo, a possível atividade de artesunato, uma droga usada com sucesso no tratamento da malária, sobre o crescimento de Toxoplasma gondii em cultura celular é avaliado e comparado à ação de drogas que já estão sendo utilizadas contra este parasita. MÉTODOS: Células LLC-MK2 foram cultivadas em meio RPMI, mantidas em garrafas plásticas descartáveis e incubados a 36ºC com 5% CO2. Taquizoítos da cepa RH foram usados. As seguintes drogas foram testadas: artesunato, cotrimoxazol, pentamidina, pirimetamina, quinino e trimetoprima. Os efeitos dessas drogas sobre taquizoítos foram analisados por análise regressiva não linear com o software Prism 3.0. RESULTADOS: Artesunato mostrou uma concentração inibitória media (IC50) de 0,075µM e uma toxicidade sobre células LLC MK2 de 2,003µM. Pirimetamina foi efetiva a uma IC50 de 0,482µM e uma toxicidade de 11,178µM. Trimetoprima sozinha foi efetiva contra o parasita in vitro. Cotrimoxazol também foi efetivo contra o parasita, mas a concentrações mais altas que aquelas observadas para artesunato e pirimetamina. Pentamidina e quinino não tiveram efeitos inibitórios sobre os taquizoítos. CONCLUSÕES: Provou-se que artesunato in vitro pode ser uma alternativa útil para o tratamento da toxoplasmose, implicando um subsequente efeito in vivo e sugerindo o mecanismo desta droga contra o parasita.

Technical evaluation of serological screening tests for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies to prevent unnecessary transfusion risks / Avaliação técnica de testes de triagem sorológica para detecção de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii como medida preventiva a riscos transfusionais desnecessários

Serological assays to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and specific anamnesis associated with this highly prevalent infection could be necessary in hemotherapy services in order to regulate safer blood supplies thus avoiding unnecessary transfusion risks. Even though, such policies are not yet implemented. In order to evaluate this requirement, our research group designed a questionnaire filled up by 132 volunteer blood donors from Parana Hemotherapy Center (Hemepar) assessing the possible risk factors to toxoplasmic infection. A total of 20 IgG anti-Toxoplasma serological tests were done to check out for positive-reactivity. 60 percent of the selected serum samples reacted positively; from these, 50 percent reported having pets (average of 2 animals per person) and 33 percent of these pets were "semi-free". It suggested the probability of toxoplasmic infection through these animals. Only 2.2 percent of the interviewed individuals were aware of the correct concept of the disease and only 17 percent of them were actually approached by the Blood Center concerning the epidemiological importance of this disease. The current procedures established during blood transfusions are not entirely safe when associated to toxoplasmosis. Today there are no rules that standardize a seroscreening protocol, nor preventive measures for this disease related to hemotherapy services in Brazil, as well as in other services worldwide.

A avaliação da necessidade técnica de implantação de teste sorológico para a detecção de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em rotina de serviços de hemoterapia e de uma anamnese com questões ligadas ao ciclo de infecção por Toxoplasma gondii foi feita a partir da aplicação de 132 questionários ao público doador do Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Paraná (Hemepar) para avaliação dos possíveis fatores de risco ao contágio da toxoplasmose e de 20 testes sorológicos para análise de reatividade positiva a IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii. Das amostras analisadas sorologicamente, 60 por cento obtiveram reatividade positiva. Destes, 50 por cento possuíam animais domésticos (média de dois animais por pessoa), dos quais 33 por cento dos animais possuia vida semilivre. Após análise das amostras, foi aplicado um estudo de coorte para a formação de um grupo de doadores passíveis de infecção por Toxoplasma gondii e um grupo de não passíveis de infecção, o que não mostrou uma tendência significativa relacionada a fatores de risco. Tal cenário sugere a probabilidade de contágio a partir de animais, porém apenas 2,2 por cento da amostragem conhecia o conceito correto sobre a doença e somente 17 por cento dos doadores foram abordados pelo banco de sangue sobre a importância epidemiológica do parasito. Tais resultados levam a crer que os procedimentos estabelecidos durante as transfusões sangüíneas não se mostram tão seguros, possibilitando o contágio durante uma transfusão. Atualmente, não há nenhuma legislação que estabeleça um protocolo de diagnóstico para esta doença. Este cenário ocorre tanto no Brasil quanto em outros países, não existindo, portanto, a obrigatoriedade da realização dos testes de triagem sorológica para Toxoplasmose por parte dos bancos de sangue.

Prevalence of IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in patients with HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Com a aparição do vírus de inmunodeficiência humana (VIH), a prevalência de toxoplasmosis tem aumentado demais. Em dos pacientes com o síndrome de inmunodeficiência, a toxoplasmosis é a principal causa de morte. A incidência, de anticorpos nesse tipo de pacientes depende da prevalência da população onde se apresenta a doença. O método de Enzima Inmuno Ensaio absorvemnte (ELISA) foi aplicado a 92 pacientes para determinar si eram positivos a anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma IgG e IgM. O resultado foi: 46 (50.5%) foram seropositivos e un caso apresentou anticorpos IgM. D estos 92 pacientes, 53 apresentavam o virus de inmunodeficiência humana (HIV) y 39 tinham SIDA. A determinação e o "monitoreo" de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma em pacientes com HIV é indispensável, pois uma taxa elevada destos pacientes pode desenvolver a toxoplasmosis cerebral, a causa principal de morte nessos pacientes.

With the emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Toxoplasma gondii has arisen as an important opportunist pathogenic agent, especially in the central nervous system, being the most common cause of intracerebral lesions. The incidence of Toxoplasma gondii in HIV-infected patients depends principally on the existence of latent Toxoplasma parasitosis in the population affected. Through the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were found in 92 patients of which 46 (50.0%) were IgG seropositive, and only one case (1.0%) had IgM antibodies. Of the 92 patients: 53 were HIV seropositives and 39 had AIDS. The detection and monitoring of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in HIV patients is essential, since in this group there is a high percentage risk of developing cerebral toxoplasmosis, which is the second cause of death in this type of patients.

Clinical detection on anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody,antisperm antibody and interferon-? in infertile females / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To determine the levels of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody (ATAb) and antisperm antibody (AsAb) in serum samples and interferon-?(IFN-?) in supernatants of peripheral blood cell culture in females with infertility, and to analyze their correlation. Methods ELISA was applied to determine and compare the ATAb and AsAb in serum samples of 182 women with infertility and those of 94 women with normal pregnant history. The level of IFN-? in supernatants of peripheral blood cell culture was also measured and compared by ELISA. Results The positive rates of serum ATAb and AsAb in the cases of infertility were 15.38% and 18.13% respectively, which were significantly higher than those of women with normal pregnant history( 6.38% and 5.32%). The supernatant IFN-? level in infertile women was significantly higher than that of women with normal pregnant history (0.970?0.493) ?g/L vs (0.531?0.274) ?g/L(P