ABSTRACT
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma (T.) gondii. Limited data are available on the occurrence of T. gondii in women especially pregnant women in Pakistan. The present study aimed to determine the occurrence and risk factors associated with T. gondii in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Punjab Province, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted and 593 samples were collected from pregnant (n = 293) and non-pregnant (n = 300) women of District Headquarter Hospitals of Chiniot, Faisalabad, Jhang and Okara, Pakistan. Data related to demographic parameters and risk factors were collected using a pretested questionnaire on blood sampling day. Serum samples were screened for antibodies (IgG) against T. gondii using ELISA. A univariant and binomial logistic regression was applied to estimate the association between seropositive and explanatory variables considering the 95% confidence interval. P value ⩽0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analysis. Out of 593, 44 (7.42%) women were seropositive for T. gondii IgG antibodies. Occupation, age, sampling location, socioeconomic status, contact with cat, pregnancy status and trimester of pregnancy were significantly associated with seropositivity for T. gondii antibodies. Location and trimester of pregnancy were identified as potential risk factors for T. gondii seropositivity based on binomial logistic regression. Toxoplasma gondii is prevalent in pregnant and non-pregnant women. Therefore, now a necessitated awareness is required to instruct the individuals about these infectious diseases (toxoplasmosis) and their control strategies to maintain the health of human population. Moreover, health awareness among public can help the minimization of T. gondii infection during pregnancy and subsequent risk of congenital toxoplasmosis.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/epidemiology , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Middle Aged , Pakistan/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/parasitology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis/parasitology , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The majority of individuals with joint hypermobility remain asymptomatic. However, those associated with Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS), develop a number of systemic manifestations. Our objective was to determine the relationship between joint hypermobility and musculoskeletal problems, and frequency of BJHS in children and adolescents. METHOD: This cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted at Outpatient Department, The Children's Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 872 individuals (4-18 year) were examined for hypermobile joints using Beighton score > or = 4. A questionnaire was implied to get data regarding demographic profile, musculoskeletal and extra-articular complaints, family history of joint problems and daily activity. Brighton's criteria were implied for diagnosis of BJHS. RESULTS: The frequency of joint hypermobility was 37.0%; male 39.5%, and female 34.2% (p = 0.1). There was a gradual decline in mean Beighton score with age. The female population showed increase in mean Beighton score around 16-17 year age. Arthralgias and back pains 7.7% vs. 1.6%, (p < 0.001), and hernias 2.5% (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in individuals with joint hypermobility. History of joint problems in the family was also significantly higher in children with joint hypermobility (p = 0.01). BJHS was detected in 4.8% children (male 3.6% and female 6.3%, p = 0.06). Arthralgias (51.0%), hernias (16.3%), joint dislocations (8.2%) and varicose veins (8.2%) were the most common presentations. CONCLUSION: BJHS is common among children. Arthralgias, back pains and hernias are significantly higher in these individuals.
