Article
Microbiology
Ljiljana Markovic-Denic, Milena Stopic, Branko Bobic, Vladimir Nikolic, Iva Djilas, Snezana Jovanovic Srzentic, Tijana Stajner
Summary: This study examined the seroprevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in healthy pregnant women. The results showed that living in a house with a garden was independently associated with the risk of T. gondii infections, while eating chicken meat was connected with a lower risk. Although the prevalence of antibodies was relatively low, it is important to continue implementing preventive measures for toxoplasmosis.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Carlo Bienkowski, Malgorzata Aniszewska, Monika Kowalczyk, Jolanta Popielska, Konrad Zawadka, Agnieszka Oldakowska, Maria Pokorska-Spiewak
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women. The results showed that living in rural areas and eating raw meat were independent risk factors for T. gondii infection during pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ningbo Xia, Nuo Ji, Longjiao Li, Yuan Huang, Congshan Yang, Xuefang Guo, Qinghong Guo, Bang Shen, Lihua Xiao, Yaoyu Feng
Summary: This study investigated the seroprevalence and risk factors of T. gondii infection in cats across China. The study found higher infection rates in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Hunan, and reported the seroprevalence in Qinghai, Anhui, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, and Ningxia for the first time. Age and lifestyle (stray or pet) of cats were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Shafie Abdulkadir Hassan, Abdelhakam G. Tamomh, Dahir Abdulkadir Hassan, Nur Rasheed Ahmed
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the seropositivity and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in Somalia. Blood samples from 403 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Benadir hospital were collected and analyzed, and the results showed an IgG seropositivity rate of 45.2% for T. gondii. The infection rate varied among different stages of pregnancy, with rates of 44.2%, 26.3%, and 67.7% in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. The findings suggest the need to integrate routine serological screening with other antenatal care services to identify potential T. gondii infections.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Enirsie Kassie, Nigatu Kebede, Tesfu Kassa, Abebe Garoma, Musse Girma, Yewbnesh Asnake, Ayinalem Alemu, Sileshi Degu, Meshesha Tsigie
Summary: The seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women at a hospital in northwest Ethiopia were assessed. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2020 to May 2021, collecting sociodemographic and clinical data from randomly selected participants. The study found that contact with cats, eating raw/undercooked meat, consuming unwashed vegetables, a history of abortion, and drinking water sources were significantly associated with T. gondii infection. It concluded that proper cat excreta disposal, avoiding raw/undercooked meat, maintaining hand cleanliness, and following environmental sanitation protocols are important in preventing T. gondii infection in pregnant women.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Abdelfattah Selim, Marawan A. Marawan, Abdelhamed Abdelhady, Majed H. Wakid
Summary: A cross-sectional study conducted in Egypt found that the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in dromedary camels was 46.9%. Risk factors for T. gondii infection in camels included locality, sex, age, contact with small ruminants, history of abortion, and number of parities. Evaluating the seroprevalence and related risk factors is crucial for controlling T. gondii infection in camels and preventing transmission to humans.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Xin-Yu Wei, Qing-Long Gong, Ao Zeng, Wei Wang, Qi Wang, Xiao-Xuan Zhang
Summary: The overall seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in China was estimated at 9.9%, with the highest prevalence in Southwestern China (13.3%) and the lowest in Northeastern China (7.3%). The seroprevalence was lower before 2012 (8.0%), higher in 2012-2015 (15.2%), and slightly lower in 2016 or later (9.2%).
PREVENTIVE VETERINARY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mohamed Marzok, Omar A. AL-Jabr, Mohamed Salem, Khalid Alkashif, Mohamed Sayed-Ahmed, Majed H. Wakid, Mahmoud Kandeel, Abdelfattah Selim
Summary: This study confirms that horses in Northern Egypt are exposed to Toxoplasma gondii and raises the possibility that people and other animals could contract the disease.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kassiopi Christina G. Kokkinaki, Manolis N. Saridomichelakis, Mathios E. Mylonakis, Leonidas Leontides, Panagiotis G. Xenoulis
Summary: The prevalence of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii varies in different subpopulations of cats in Greece, and is associated with age, history of cat-fight trauma, and lack of vaccination. This indicates that toxoplasmosis is still a significant public health concern in Greece, and optimal strategies for preventing T. gondii infection in cats should be established.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Helga Waap, Andrea Baerwald, Telmo Nunes, Gereon Schares
Summary: This study evaluated the seroprevalence and risk factors for Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in naturally exposed cattle in Portugal. The results showed a low but widespread seroprevalence of T. gondii, while N. caninum had a seroprevalence similar to other Mediterranean countries. Climate factors and management practices were significant predictors of infection for both parasites. The study highlights the importance of considering neosporosis in the differential diagnosis of cattle reproductive disorders and informing source attribution models for human toxoplasmosis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Iti Saraav, Luisa Cervantes-Barragan, Philipp Olias, Yong Fu, Qiuling Wang, Leran Wang, Yi Wang, Matthias Mack, Megan T. Baldridge, Thaddeus Stappenbeck, Marco Colonna, L. David Sibley
Summary: Oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii exacerbates damage to the colon caused by chemical irritant and impairs wound healing by suppressing stem cell regeneration. Enhanced tissue damage is due to inflammatory monocytes releasing inflammatory mediators.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Chanjuan Yue, Wanjing Yang, Xueyang Fan, Jingchao Lan, Wenjun Huang, Dongsheng Zhang, Yunli Li, Lihui Liao, James Edward Ayala, Kongju Wu, Yiyan Liu, Weichao Zheng, Lin Li, Hongwen Zhang, Xiaoyan Su, Xia Yan, Rong Hou, Songrui Liu
Summary: The study showed a high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in giant pandas, with age and transfer history between institutions identified as main risk factors. It is suggested that age is a major factor, and housing multiple species in the same environment may increase the chance of cross-infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Ali A. Rabaan, Leonard Ighodalo Uzairue, Amal H. Alfaraj, Muhammad A. Halwani, Muzaheed, Abdulsalam Alawfi, Amer Alshengeti, Nawal A. Al Kaabi, Eman Alawad, Mashael Alhajri, Sara Alwarthan, Abeer N. Alshukairi, Souad A. Almuthree, Roua A. Alsubki, Nada N. Alshehri, Mohammed Alissa, Hawra Albayat, Tasneem I. Zaidan, Hassan Alagoul, Ali Al Fraij, Jeehan H. Alestad
Summary: The study aimed to systematically review the literature and determine the prevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and its impact on maternal-fetal outcomes. The results showed a high prevalence of toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in the region, which was associated with poor outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Samy Metwally, Rania Hamada, Kamel Sobhy, Caroline F. Frey, Ragab M. Fereig
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections in cattle from Beheira, Egypt. The analysis of 358 plasma samples revealed that 24.6% and 5.3% were positive for anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies, respectively. The risk factors for N. caninum infection were found to be production type (dairy), sex (female), age (aged over 5 years), and location. However, no factors associated with T. gondii infection were identified. This study highlighted the need for routine monitoring and control strategies for N. caninum and T. gondii infections in the main cattle rearing region of Egypt.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Thais Cabral Monica, Fernanda Evers, Beatriz Souza Lima Nino, Fernanda Pinto-Ferreira, Jose Wander Bregano, Mariana Ragassi Urbano, Guita Rubinsky-Elefant, Roberta Lemos Freire, Italmar Teodorico Navarro, Regina Mitsuka-Bregano
Summary: The study examined the seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis in schoolchildren in Jataizinho, Parana, revealing associations with factors such as the mother's education level, age, presence of cats in the household, income, and presence of dogs. There was also an association between the two zoonoses, highlighting the importance of implementing control measures to reduce the incidence and risks of sequelae in children.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Wenn-Chyau Lee, Fei Wen Cheong, Amirah Amir, Meng Yee Lai, Jia Hui Tan, Wei Kit Phang, Shahhaziq Shahari, Yee-Ling Lau
Summary: This article reviews recent studies on Plasmodium knowlesi, a zoonotic malaria parasite, summarizing key information and discussing knowledge gaps in research. It also describes the challenges and strategies required to control and eradicate this potentially fatal zoonosis.
Article
Parasitology
Wei Kit Phang, Fatma Diyana Mohd Bukhari, Lee Phone Youth Zen, Joel Judson Jaimin, Jiloris Julian Frederick Dony, Yee Ling Lau
Summary: Information about Plasmodium malariae is limited globally due to its mild pathogenicity and low infection rates. A study on genetic polymorphisms of 28 P. malariae circumsporozoite protein isolates from Malaysia revealed differences compared to isolates from other Asian regions and Africa. The research contributes to understanding naturally occurring polymorphisms in the P. malariae CSP gene.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Meng Yee Lai, Yee Ling Lau
Summary: We developed a combination of recombinase polymerase and loop-mediated isothermal amplification methods (RAMP) for rapid screening of five human Plasmodium spp. simultaneously. The RAMP assay showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared to microscopy, making it a potential routine diagnostic method for malaria.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Lee Phone Youth Zen, Meng Yee Lai, Syaza Izzati binti Rozlan, Mohd Hafizi Abdul Hamid, Jenarun Jelip, Rose Nani Mudin, Yee Ling Lau
Summary: This study proposes the use of colorimetric dyes (malachite green, phenol red, and xylenol orange) in the LAMP assay to simplify current end-point detection methods. The optimal concentration of dyes was determined to be 125μM MG at pH 8.8, which produced the most obvious color change. MG-LAMP showed 100% sensitivity and specificity when tested on 71 clinical blood samples. This method is simple, affordable, and suitable for malaria diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Yee Ling Ng, Yee Ling Lau, Mohd Hafizi Abdul Hamid, Jenarun Jelip, Choo Huck Ooi, Rose Nani Mudin, Joel Judson Jaimin, Mun Yik Fong
Summary: This study investigated the genetic polymorphism and natural selection of PkTRAMP from P. knowlesi clinical isolates in Malaysia. The nucleotide diversity of PkTRAMP was found to be low, indicating negative selection. Analysis of the amino acid sequences revealed 38 dimorphic sites and 27 haplotypes, with no clustering observed between samples from Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yee Ling Ng, Wenn-Chyau Lee, Yee-Ling Lau, Mun Yik Fong
Summary: This study demonstrates that minor variations in the conserved parasite protein PkAMA-1 can have significant impacts on parasite invasion biology, suggesting complex host-switching of P. knowlesi from different locations. This may challenge the implementation of standardized One Health approaches against the transmission of knowlesi malaria.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Meng Yee Lai, Mohd Abdul Hamid, Jenarun Jelip, Rose Nani Mudin, Yee Ling Lau
Summary: This study developed two lateral flow recombinase polymerase amplification assays for detecting human malaria. The assays showed high sensitivity, with a detection limit of 1 copy/mL for various malaria species. They also demonstrated no cross-reactivity with nonhuman malaria parasites and were easy to use without special equipment. These assays have the potential to be an effective alternative to polymerase chain reaction methods for malaria diagnosis.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Choo Huck Ooi, Wei Kit Phang, Jonathan Wee Kent Liew, Wahib M. Atroosh, Yee Ling Lau
Summary: Malaysia has successfully eliminated indigenous cases of human malaria, but imported malaria cases have become increasingly common, particularly in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. This study examines the epidemiological characteristics of these imported cases and highlights the challenges they pose to malaria elimination efforts.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Meng Li Wong, Zulhisham Zulzahrin, Indra Vythilingam, Yee Ling Lau, I-Ching Sam, Mun Yik Fong, Wenn-Chyau Lee
Summary: This review discusses the complex transmission profiles of vector-borne zoonoses and vector-borne infections with animal reservoirs. It highlights the differences among environmental, chemical, and biological control approaches in vector management and discusses the concerns and knowledge gaps pertaining to these control approaches. The review aims to better understand the prospects of integrating these vector control approaches to break the transmission of these infections in humans.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wei Kit Phang, Mohd Hafizi bin Abdul Hamid, Jenarun Jelip, Rose Nani binti Mudin, Ting-Wu Chuang, Yee Ling Lau, Mun Yik Fong
Summary: The emergence of potentially life-threatening zoonotic malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi nearly two decades ago has continued to challenge Malaysia healthcare. A study was conducted to investigate the ecological distribution of human P. knowlesi malaria in relation to environmental factors in Peninsular Malaysia. Machine learning-based models were applied to predict the spatial variation of disease risk, with XGBoost showing higher performance compared to MaxEnt and ensemble model.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Microbiology
Wei Kit Phang, Mohd Hafizi bin Abdul Hamid, Jenarun Jelip, Rose Nani Binti Mudin, Ting-Wu Chuang, Yee Ling Lau, Mun Yik Fong
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Meng Yee Lai, Lee Phone Youth Zen, Mohd Hafizi Abdul Hamid, Jenarun Jelip, Rose Nani Mudin, Vun Jan Shui Ivan, Lee Ngie Ping Francis, Izreena Saihidi, Yee Ling Lau
Summary: We propose a protocol combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay and lateral flow for point-of-care diagnosis of malaria. The multiplex LAMP-LF platform developed here can detect multiple species of Plasmodium with high sensitivity and specificity. The simple and purification-free DNA extraction method employed in this protocol makes it suitable for resource-limited settings.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Naqib Rafieqin Noordin, Yee Ling Lau, Fei Wen Cheong, Mun Yik Fong
Summary: This study examined the genetic diversity of pkmsp-1 gene in Malaysian Plasmodium knowlesi isolates. The full-length pkmsp-1 sequence was characterized and compared with sequences from Malaysia Borneo and Thailand. The results revealed that the pkmsp-1 gene undergoes purifying/negative selection and forms three clusters.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
J. H. Tan, F. W. Cheong, Y. L. Lau, M. Y. Fong
Summary: This study aims to characterize the CSP repeat motifs of P. knowlesi isolates in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 64 P. knowlesi isolates were analyzed and 35 dominant repeat motifs were identified. The repeat motif AGQPQAQGDGANAGQPQAQGDGAN, with the highest repeat frequency (n=15) and antigenicity index of 1.7986, could be designed as a potential knowlesi malaria vaccine.
TROPICAL BIOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
U. W. Azlan, Y. L. Lau, M. H. A. Hamid, J. Jelip, C. H. Ooi, R. N. Mudin, J. J. Jaimin, M. Y. Fong
Summary: This study investigates the genetic diversity and natural selection of the PkSPATR gene of P. knowlesi clinical isolates from Malaysia. The findings reveal low genetic diversity, significant purifying selection, and absence of clustering in the PkSPATR protein, suggesting functional constraints.
TROPICAL BIOMEDICINE
(2022)
