Neospora caninum e toxoplasma gondii: revisão de literatura / Neospora caninum and toxoplasma gondii: review of literature / Neospora caninum y toxoplasma gondii: revisión de literatura

A Neospora caninum e a Toxoplasma gondii são os agentes etiológicos que causam a Neosporose e a Toxoplasmose, respectivamente. Estas duas doenças são consideradas de grande importância econômica e de distribuição mundial, que acometem tanto animais de produção quanto animais domésticos. Apresentam sinais clínicos inespecíficos, sendo a Neosporose frequentemente associada ao abortamento em fêmeas. Ambas enfermidades costumavam ser confundidas, dificultando o diagnóstico. São causadas por protozoários cosmopolitas de ciclos biológicos heteróxenos. O Toxoplasma gondii é responsável por doença clínica em cães e gatos, enquanto o Neospora caninum acomete somente cães. Além disso, não há, até o momento, relatos de Neosporose em humanos, diferente da Toxoplasmose. Ocasionalmente esta pode ocorrer em coiotes, suínos, ovinos, caprinos, equinos, cervídeos e bubalinos. Anticorpos contra Neospora tem sido descrito em raposas, camelos e felídeos. O objetivo da presente revisão, é elucidar a forma de transmissão, sinais clínicos, diagnóstico, tratamento e controle de ambas as doenças, mostrando suas semelhanças, afim de que se possa diagnosticá-las corretamente.(AU)

Neospora caninum and toxoplasma gondii are agents of great economic importance and worldwide distribution that affect production and domestic animals. They present nonspecific clinical signs, and neosporosis is a disease that frequently causes abortion in females, which is considered current, because both used to be confused, making diagnosis difficult. They are protozoan, cosmopolitan, of heterogeneous biological cycles. Toxoplasma gondii is responsible for clinical disease in dogs and cats, while Neospora caninum affects only dogs. Furthermore, there are no reports to date of neosporosis in humans, other than toxoplasmosis. Occasionally it may occur in coyotes, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, deer, and bubaline. Antibodies to Neospora have been described in foxes, camels, and felids. This review aims to elucidate the transmission, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and control of both diseases, showing their similarities, so that they can be correctly diagnosed.(AU)

Neospora caninum y Toxoplasma gondii son los agentes etiológicos que causan Neosporosis y Toxoplasmosis, respectivamente. Estas dos enfermedades se consideran de gran importancia económica y de distribución mundial, afectando tanto al ganado como a los animales domésticos. Presentan signos clínicos inespecíficos y la neosporosis se asocia con frecuencia al aborto en mujeres. Ambas dolencias solían ser erróneas, lo que hacía difícil el diagnóstico. Son causados por protozoos cosmopolitas de ciclos biológicos heterogéneos. Toxoplasma gondii es responsable de enfermedades clínicas en perros y gatos, mientras que Neospora caninum sólo ataca a perros. Además, no se han notificado casos de Neosporosis en humanos hasta el momento, diferente de Toxoplasmosis. Ocasionalmente esto puede ocurrir en coyotes, cerdos, ovejas, cabras, caballos, ciervos y bubalinos. Se han notificado anticuerpos contra la Neospora en zorros, camellos y felinos. El propósito de esta revisión es dilucidar la forma de transmisión, los signos clínicos, el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el control de ambas enfermedades, mostrando sus similitudes, de manera que puedan ser diagnosticadas correctamente.(AU)

Análise molecular para Toxoplasma gondii em linguiças suínas defumadas / Molecular analysis for Toxoplasma gondii in smoked swine sausages

A toxoplasmose é causada pelo protozoário Toxoplasma gondii, o qual acomete os humanos através da ingestão de carne mal passada ou crua. O presente trabalho descreve o emprego de PCR em linguiças suínas defumadas (salames) para detecção de T. gondii, aliado a utilização do teste de imunofluorescência indireta na avaliação sorológica de suínos encaminhados para abate. No estudo, avaliaram-se 18 amostras de salames e 50 amostras de soro sanguíneo de suínos. Na PCR todas as amostras de salames se apresentaram negativas e no teste de imunofluorescência indireta 8% dos animais foram positivos para T. gondii. Embora PCR-negativas, as linguiças produzidas originaram-se de matéria-prima suína proveniente de estabelecimento de abate, cujo presente estudo identificou soroprevalência de 8% para o protozoário. Dessa forma, o consumo de carne mal passada ou crua e de produtos a base de carne crua, como os salames, devem ser evitados, principalmente, em grupos de risco como crianças e idosos.

Frequency and factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women and their pets in Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasmosis is an asymptomatic disease that can lead to systemic disease in the fetus of pregnant women with primary infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis, associated factors, and correlation between the serology of pregnant women and their pets, in the municipality of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 196 pregnant women and their cats or dogs (n=89). Semi-structured interviews were conducted and serum samples from the pregnant women were tested to detect IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, and avidity tests were performed for IgM-positive samples. The serum collected from pets were tested for IgG antibodies, and IgM antibodies in cats. A non-conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to identify infection-associated factors. RESULTS: IgG and IgM antibodies were detected in 67.9% (133/196) and 1.5% (3/196) samples, respectively, for women with an avidity of over 60%. Age ≥ 25 and the presence of cats in the vicinity were found to be associated with infection, while the level of education and previous orientation toward prevention of toxoplasmosis were protective factors in pregnant women. IgG antibodies were detected in 46.1% (41/89) of the animals, and cats were found to be negative for IgM. For the animals, age ≥ 1 year was a factor associated with infection. There was no correlation between serology of the pregnant women and the animals (p=0.15). CONCLUSIONS: An elevated prevalence of toxoplasmosis was detected in the region. Therefore, the adoption of preventive measures by public healthcare bodies is recommended.

Estudio retrospectivo de la aplicación de la amplificación génica cualitativa en muestras biológicas para el seguimiento de la toxoplasmosis en pacientes pediátricos receptores de trasplante de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas / Retrospective study of the implementation of the qualitative PCR technique in biological samples for monitoring toxoplasmosis in pediatric patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantion

La toxoplasmosis es una infección oportunista causada por el parásito Toxoplasma gondii; su infección es grave y de difícil diagnóstico en pacientes que reciben un trasplante alogénico de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas (TCPH). En el Hospital de Pediatría S.A.M.I.C. "Profesor Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" se realizó la vigilancia postrasplante de 12 pacientes receptores de TCPH mediante la técnica de PCR cualitativa. La necesidad de seguimiento de estos pacientes fue definida por el antecedente de serología positiva para toxoplasmosis en el donante o receptor y ante la imposibilidad de iniciar el uso profiláctico de trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol a causa de la condición hematológica. Dos pacientes presentaron signos de enfermedad por T. gondii con resultado de PCR positivo y recibieron tratamiento con pirimetamina-clindamicina. En otros dos, la toxoplasmosis fue causa de muerte y hallazgo de autopsia, con resultado de PCR negativo. Cuatro pacientes recibieron tratamiento contra toxoplasmosis por la detección de una PCR positiva, sin manifestaciones clínicas. En los cuatro pacientes restantes no se detectaron signos de enfermedad por toxoplasmosis, con resultados de PCR negativos durante el seguimiento. La técnica de PCR cualitativa demostró ser útil para detectar la reactivación de la toxoplasmosis en receptores de TCPH, pero tiene limitaciones para el seguimiento y la toma de decisiones clínicas en pacientes con PCR positiva que persiste en el tiempo y manifestaciones de toxicidad por el tratamiento.

Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The infection is severe and difficult to diagnose in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Twelve patients receiving HSCT were monitored post-transplant, by qualitative PCR at the Children's Hospital S.A.M.I.C. "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan". The monitoring of these patients was defined by a history of positive serology for toxoplasmosis in the donor or recipient and because their hematologic condition did not allow the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for prophylaxis. During the patients' monitoring, two of them with positive PCR results showed signs of illness by T. gondii and were treated with pyrimethamine-clindamycin. In two other patients, toxoplasmosis was the cause of death and an autopsy finding, showing negative PCR results. Four patients without clinical manifestations received treatment for toxoplasmosis because of positive PCR detection. In four patients there were no signs of toxoplasmosis disease and negative PCR results during follow-up. The qualitative PCR technique proved useful for the detection of toxoplasmosis reactivation in HSCT recipients, but has limitations in monitoring and making clinical decisions due to the persistence of positive PCR over time and manifestations of toxicity caused by the treatment.

Sorologia para toxoplasmose em gestantes e recém-nascidos em Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Rio Grande do Sul / Serology for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and newborns from Santo Antônio da Patrulha, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Introdução: Testes sorológicos têm sido utilizados para detectar a presença de possíveis agentes etiológicos infecciosos durante a gestação. Esse estudo avaliou o perfil sorológico para toxoplasmose em gestantes e recém-nascidos e correlacionou a faixa etária das gestantes com soro-prevalência. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal prospectivo sobre o perfil sorológico IgM e IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii em 197 gestantes e seus respectivos recém-nascidos atendidos no Hospital Santo Antônio, localizado em Santo Antônio da Patrulha (RS) entre fevereiro e outubro de 2011, através do método de imunofluorescência indireta. Foi realizado cálculo da taxa de prevalência e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: A idade média das gestantes estudadas foi de 25,9 anos. Soropositividade para toxoplasmose foi encontrada em 105 (53,3%) das 197 amostras. Nenhum caso de IgM reagente foi encontrado no presente estudo. Não se identificou associação estatisticamente significativa entre soropositividade e faixa etária das mulheres (p=0,343). Conclusões: Medidas educativas voltadas para as gestantes suscetíveis à toxoplasmose devem ser desenvolvidas desde o primeiro pré-natal, visando orientá-las quanto ao risco de infecção, diminuindo assim o risco de soro-conversão durante a gravidez.

Introduction: Serological tests have been used to detect the presence of possible etiologic agents during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the serological profile of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and newborns and to correlate women’s age group with seroprevalence. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study on the serologic IgM and IgG antiToxoplasma gondii antibodies was conducted with 197 pregnant women and their newborns treated at Santo Antônio Hospital, located in Santo Antônio da Patrulha Southern Brazil, between February and October 2011, using the indirect immunofluorescence method. Prevalence rates and their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: The average age of the women studied was 25.9 years. Seroprevalence was found in 105 (53.3%) of the 197 samples. No cases of positive IgM were found in this study. No significant statistical association was found between seropositivity and women’s age group (p=0.343). Conclusions: Educational measures targeted at pregnant women susceptible to toxoplasmosis should be developed since the first pre-natal visit, with the purpose of advising women on the risk of infection, thereby reducing the risk of seroconversion during pregnancy.

Fulminant toxoplasmic retino-choroiditis following intravitreal triamcinolone administration.

We report two cases of fulminant toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) administration. Case 1: A 42-year-old female received IVTA for presumed non-infectious panuveitis. Within 2 months, she developed diffuse macular retinochoroiditis with optic disc edema. Upon starting anti-toxoplasmic therapy (ATT), her intraocular inflammation resolved with catastrophic damage to the disc and macula. Case 2: A 30-year-old male received IVTA for presumed reactivation of previously scarred toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. Despite simultaneous ATT, within 6 weeks, he developed extensive, multifocal macular retinochoroiditis. He continued to require ATT for 18 months and later underwent vitrectomy with silicone oil placement for severe epiretinal proliferation. Aqueous tap polymerase chain reactions were found positive for Toxoplasma gondii in both cases. In conclusion, IVTA administration can lead to fulminant toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis even when used with appropriate ATT. Extreme caution should be exercised while administering depot corticosteroids in eyes with panuveitis of unknown origin.

Detecção de fibronectina e laminina em cistos teciduais de toxoplasma gondii: ensaios imunocitoquímicos / Detection of fibronectin and laminin in toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts: immunocytochemical assays

Aims: To analyze the existence and distribution of some matrix proteins in tissue cysts of Toxoplasma gondii. Methods: Laminin and fibronectin in tissue cysts of Toxoplasma gondii were detected by confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Ultrastructural immunocytochemistry showed both glycoproteins in the granular region of tissue cysts, cystic matrix, micronemes, rhoptries, dense granules and rarely at the membrane of bradyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii. Conclusions: The presence of both laminin and fibronectin in secretory organelles and in the apical region of bradyzoites suggests that exocytosis of these glycoproteins can contribute to their interaction with host cells, besides composing the cyst matrix of Toxoplasma gondii.

Estudo sobre as causas mais freqüentes de perdas oculares / A study on the most frequent causes of ocular losses

As perdas oculares são constrangedoras ao portador por comprometer a face que é parte do corpo humano que possue os órgãos essenciais para o relacionamento humano. Foram avaliados no presente estudo prontuários de 53 pacientes da clínica de prótese buco-maxilo-facial do Centro de Oncologia Bucal da UNESP de Araçatuba, que tiveram a região ocular comprometida, sendo classificadas em ordem de prevalência as causas das perdas oculares. O glaucoma foi responsável por 37 por cento das perdas oculares, seguido por traumas ou acidentes com 32 por cento. Muitas são as causas das perdas oculares, sendo o glaucoma o principal responsável. As próteses oculares foram criadas com o intuito de devolver a função e a estética comprometidas pela ausência de parte ou total do globo ocular

Assessment of the role of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 [sICAM-1] in the pathogenesis and as a marker of disease severity in different stages of human schistosomiasis and toxoplasmosis

The role of soluble intracellular adhesion molecule 1 [sICAM-1] in the pathogenesis and its relevance to disease severity was assessed in different stages of human infection with S. mansoni, S. hematobium and T. Gondii. The levels of sICAM-1 obtained in the current study, correlated with disease severity degree of cell destruction and type of immune response. Highest sICAM-1 levels were observed in only two groups [hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and patients with mixed active S. Hematobium and T. gondii infections], while the other two groups [separate cases of active S. hematobium infection or latent T. Gondii infection] showed no significant rise in sICAM-1 levels

Estudio seroepidemiológico de la toxoplasmosis humana en Osorno, X Región, Chile, 1998 / Seroepidemiological survey of human toxoplasmosis in Osorno, X Region, Chile, 1998

A serological survey was carried out in Osorno X Región, Chile (40º 21'-40º 46' south lat, and 73º 26'-72º-46' west long.). An indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) for toxoplasmosis was performed to 305 persons, 160 blood donors and 145 with sexuallly transmitted diseases (STD).The age the surveyed persons (167 males and 138 females) varied between 10 and 72 years. IHAT titers >16 were considered as positive. The general prevalence was 20.3 percent, 21.2 percent in blood donors and 19.3 percent in persons with some STD, with no differences between males and females. However, significant differences between males and females with STD were found (35.6 percent and 8.1 percent respectively). No differences between urban and rural inhabitants were found, with a slight higher prevalence in the urban ones. No antibodies against toxoplasma gondii were detected in six AIDS patients. The importance of performing toxoplasmosis immnuodiagnosis and individual profilaxis to avoid the infection in high risk group are recommended

Toxoplasmose: etiologia, avaliação laboratorial e profilaxia / Toxoplasmosis: etiology, laboratorial assessment and profilaxy

A Toxoplasmose é doença infecto-contagiosa, de larga prevalência em nosso meio, já foi investigada, por algum tempo, como provável causa de aborto. Entretanto, a sua maior importância está voltada para lesóes oculares e as lesões causadas no feto. Dessa forma, os exames laboratoriais passaram a ter muita importância não apenas no diagnóstico da doença em sua fase aguda, mas também no acompanhamento de gestantes soro-negativas como medida profilática de má formação congênita. Neste trabalho, busca-se, uniformizar os conceitos, padronizar a interpretação dos resultados laboratoriais e as medidas profiláticas relativas à doença.

Toxoplasmose após transplante renal: relato de 2 casos / Toxoplasmosis after kidney transplantation: report of 2 cases

Toxoplasmose após transplante renal é complicaçao rara, porém se nao diagnosticada e tratada precocemente pode ser fatal. O objetivo do presente relato é o de descrever 2 casos de toxoplasmose primária, transmitida pelo doador, ocorridos no primeiro mês após o transplante renal. Um dos pacientes apresentou manifestaçoes clínicas exuberantes caracterizadas por febre, miocardite, alteraçoes hematológicas e hepáticas, enquanto o outro paciente apresentou apenas febre associada ao aparecimento de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii. Ambos pacientes foram tratados e apresentaram evoluçao favorável.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in domestic animals in Pakistan

The Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections among food animals in South-West Pakistan was measured by serological examination using a commercial latex agglutination test [LAT]. In all 262 blood samples, from 100 cattle, 40 sheep, 58 goats and 64 chickens, were collected from the city abattoir. Titers considered diagnostically significant [>/= 1:64] were detected in 25% of cattle and 2.5% of sheep. None of the goats and chickens presented seropositivity for anti-toxoplasma antibodies. The study suggests the need for further investigations to determine the impact of these findings on the human population

Toxoplasmosis

La toxoplasmosis es una zoonosis parasitaria producida por el toxoplasma gondii. Aunque la infección general no reviste importancia clínica en los individuos inmunocompetentes, en los individuos inmunosuprimidos tales como los pacientes con sídrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida y en los trasplantados, puede acarrear consecuencias desastrosas. De otra parte, si la infección es adquirida durante la gestación puede causar enfermedad congénita con secuelas tan severas como escefalitis y miocarditis o en el peor de los casos aborto espontáneo. La clínica de la toxoplasmosis puede ser dividida en cuatro grupos: en el paciente inmunocompetente, en el paciente inmunosuprimido, en el recién nacido con enfermedad congénita y en el pacientecon toxoplasmosis ocular. En este módulo se presenta una revisión del tema, además de un análisis de las diferentes pruebas diagnósticas, su utilidad e interpretación para cada grupo de pacientes.

Toxoplasmosis en obstetricia

En el presente trabajo hecemos una revisión de aspectos muy importantes relacionados con el tema: Etiología, Fisipatología transmisión materno fetal, exámenes complementarios diagnóstico, tratamiento y los más importante cuales son las medidas más importantes de prevención de la toxoplasmosis congénita. Es un tema de mucha actualidad en la especialidad por todas las implicaciones de esta enfermedad en la mujer embarazada y las consecuencias fatales si se produce la toxoplasmosis congénita. Reune artículos publicados en las principales revistas del mundo en los últimos cinco años.

Congenital toxoplasmosis among premature infants with different clinical pictures in Saudi Arabia

No doubt, toxoplasmosis is prevalent infection in all the Arab countries. However, the incidence differs from one country to another and even within the same country. Congenital toxoplasmosis is the most important form of the infection. In the present study, some 78 premature infants with different clinical pictures were examined for toxoplasma IgG [by IHAT and ELISA] and toxoplasma IgM [by ELISA]. The results showed toxoplasma IgG ranging between 32.1% [IHAT] and 46.2% [ELISA], while IgM [ELISA] was 23.1%. The highest positivity rate was among suffering jaundice and the lowest was among those suffering fever of unknown origin. Protection of women, particularly pregnant ones, from toxoplasma infection is must