Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
A. Rojas-Gulloso, L. Sanchez-Lerma, Marcela Montilla, F. Morales-Pulecio, E. Sarmiento-Rudolf, Ricardo Tapia-Reales
Summary: This study describes the health and infectious diseases with vertical transmission risk in migrant pregnant women from an area of the Colombian Caribbean from 2019 to 2021. The results show that syphilis is the most common infectious agent with a risk of vertical transmission, and there are also proportions of rubella and HIV antibodies in the pregnant women. These findings highlight the need for educational, prevention, and detection health programs to reduce prenatal infections in the pregnant migrant population and prevent fatal complications.
TRAVEL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
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
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nagwa S. M. Aly, Hye-Sook Kim, Yasmin M. Marei, Azza S. Elhamshary, Ibrahim R. Bayoumi, Rabab E. Omar, Dina A. Mohammed, Shin-Ichi Miyoshi, Gehan A. Rashed
Summary: The aim of this study was to compare nano-gold ELISA with ELISA and PCR for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. The results showed that PCR had higher diagnostic values than nano-gold ELISA and ELISA. However, nano-gold ELISA had a significant improvement in diagnosis compared to traditional ELISA, possibly due to the increased surface area of nano-gold particles. In conclusion, nano-gold ELISA is cheaper and easier than PCR and can be a promising technique in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Paulo Ranaivomanana, Rila Ratovoson, Crisca Razafimahatratra, Arimanitra Razafimahefa, Jonathan Hoffmann, Perlinot Herindrainy, Julio Rakotonirina, Niaina Rakotosamimanana
Summary: The study found that pregnancy reduces IFN-gamma responses to M. tuberculosis, but higher responses were observed in pregnant women exposed to TB. After 6 months, the responses returned to baseline levels in most pregnant women, except for those treated for TB where none of the positive responses reversed.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Pavel Kvapil, Josko Racnik, Marjan Kastelic, Jirina Markova, Jean-Benjamin Murat, Katerina Kobedova, Pavlina Pittermannova, Marie Budikova, Kamil Sedlak, Eva Bartova
Summary: A study in a zoo in Slovenia examined 188 animals for infectious disease pathogens, revealing differing rates of infection among different animal species, with herbivores showing a higher likelihood of infection. The study demonstrates the importance of monitoring infectious diseases in zoo animals for biosurveillance.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Isabelle Geoffroy Ribeiro Freitag, Rodrigo de Castro Lisboa Pereira, Elizabeth S. Machado, Ernesto Hofer, Deyse Christina Vallim, Cristina Barroso Hofer
Summary: The study demonstrated an association between HIV infection and positive serologic response to L. monocytogenes, as well as a correlation between white cheese consumption and seroreactivity. Among pregnant women living with HIV, lower CD4+ cell count at study entry and neonates admitted to the intensive care unit were factors associated with positive serology for L. monocytogenes.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
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
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
S. Ait Hamou, M. Laboudi
Summary: The study revealed a low level of knowledge and awareness of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Casablanca, Morocco, with a significant association between age, education level, and profession of pregnant women and toxoplasmosis awareness. Despite most pregnant women having effective preventive practices towards toxoplasmosis, there were still misconceptions among some, such as believing toxoplasmosis can transmit to the fetus.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Trisha Ramraj, Nada Abdelatif, Witness Chirinda, Fareed Abdullah, Gurpreet Kindra, Ameena Goga
Summary: This study aimed to develop and validate a tool to identify pregnant/lactating young South African women at highest risk of HIV acquisition, identifying several key risk factors to consider.
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
Immunology
Daiane Cristine Martins Ronchi, Mineia Alessandra Scaranello Malaquias, Patricia Zadorosnei Rebutini, Leticia Arianne Panini do Carmo, Plinio Cezar Neto, Emily Scaranello Marini, Amanda Prokopenko, Seigo Nagashima, Camila Zanluca, Claudia Nunes Duarte dos Santos, Lucia de Noronha
Summary: The study found that placental morphometric changes were more pronounced in the ZIKV group compared to the healthy control group, with increased area, knots, sprouts, and CD163+ Hofbauer cells. The morphometric abnormalities in the HIV group were similar to those in the ZIKV group, but some parameters in the ZIKV group were more significantly different than the HIV group.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Nicole Ngo-Giang-Huong, Charline Leroi, Dahlene Fusco, Tim R. Cressey, Nantawan Wangsaeng, Nicolas Salvadori, Natedao Kongyai, Wasna Sirirungsi, Marc Lallemant, Prasert Auewarakul, Woottichai Khamduang, Gonzague Jourdain
Summary: A study conducted in Thailand showed that no neonatal Zika virus infections or adverse pregnancy outcomes related to Zika virus were observed in pregnant women with HIV and/or HBV.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ashley Magero Yonga, Ligia Kiss, Kristine Husoy Onarheim
Summary: This systematic review examines the effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on HIV-positive pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The results show a high prevalence of IPV among pregnant women with HIV in SSA, with significant mental health effects such as depression symptoms and suicidal ideation. HIV-related stigma plays a key role in the relationship between HIV status and IPV during pregnancy. The review highlights the need for community interventions to address the issues associated with IPV in HIV-positive pregnant women in this region.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Selamawit Woldesenbet, Tendesayi Kufa-Chakezha, Carl Lombard, Samuel Manda, Mireille Cheyip, Kassahun Ayalew, Brian Chirombo, Peter Barron, Karidia Diallo, Bharat Parekh, Adrian Puren
Summary: The study in South Africa estimated a 1.5% annual HIV incidence among pregnant women, with factors such as being single or cohabiting, and being in an age-disparate relationship among young women, associated with higher odds of recent infection. Despite the lower incidence compared to previous studies, efforts are needed to meet UNAIDS targets and prevent new infections among vulnerable groups.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lillian Gonzalez Bonifacio, Mirele Melo, Christiane Maria Ayo, Leticia Carolina Paraboli Assoni, Larissa Martins Olimpio, Mariana Reis Nogueira, Ligia Cosentino Junqueira Franco Spegiorin, Deusenia Machado Ulisses Barbosa, Luiz Carlos de Mattos, Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola, Cinara Cassia Brandao
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin 1 beta (IL1 beta) genes on Toxoplasma gondii infection. The results showed that the TNF alpha rs1799964 polymorphism is associated with the vertical transmission of the parasite and clinical manifestations in newborns with acute toxoplasmosis.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Danilo Kluyber, Arnaud L. J. Desbiez, Nina Attias, Gabriel F. Massocato, Solange M. Gennari, Herbert S. Soares, Eduardo Bagagli, Sandra M. G. Bosco, Hans G. Garces, Jessica da S. Ferreira, Amanda N. B. Fontes, Philip N. Suffys, Luciana R. Meireles, Ana M. Jansen, Expedito J. A. Luna, Andre L. R. Roque
Summary: Zoonotic parasites including Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis were detected in wild-caught armadillos from two different Brazilian ecosystems. The presence of these parasites in armadillos highlights their role in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Hilda Fatima Jesus Pena, Marina Neves Ferreira, Solange Maria Gennari, Heitor Franco de Andrade, Luciana Regina Meireles, Andres Jimenez Galisteo
Summary: A Toxoplasma gondii strain isolated from an immunocompetent patient in Brazil was characterized biologically and molecularly, showing a virulent phenotype and a non-archetypal genotype. The unique genotype may contribute to severe toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent patients in Brazil.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Camila Aparecida de Carvalho, Roberto Mitsuyoshi Hiramoto, Luciana Regina Meireles, Heitor Franco de Andrade Junior
Summary: This study found that immune complexes in canine visceral leishmaniasis can interfere with antibody serum detection, potentially leading to false-negative results in conventional serology. The presence of these complexes, consisting of IgA and IgG antibodies, may contribute to the immunopathology of the disease, suggesting a new avenue for further research.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jaqueline Polizeli Rodrigues, Heitor Franco de Andrade Junior
Summary: Toxoplasmosis is a global protozoan disease that can have severe consequences for pregnant women and their fetuses. Quick and effective diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent fetal infection. The fluorescent solid phase assay can be used as a screening tool, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple antibodies in a fast and cost-effective manner, making it suitable for large-scale sample testing.
JOURNAL OF FLUORESCENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rosa Maria Chura-Chambi, Alvaro Rossan De Brandao Prieto-da-Silva, Matheus Martins Di Lela, Joao Ezequiel Oliveira, Patricia Estima Antonia Abreu, Luciana Regina Meireles, Heitor Franco de Andrade Junior, Ligia Morganti
Summary: In this study, a method for the expression and refolding of SARS-CoV-2 N protein was introduced, which ensured high yield and purity while avoiding non-specific binding with antibodies from patients previously infected with other coronaviruses. The refolding process was simple and fast, and could be used to effectively distinguish between sera with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and those without.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dennis Minoru Fujita, Luiz Henrique da Silva Nali, Giselle Pacifico Sartori, Andres Jimenez Galisteo, Heitor Franco de Andrade Jr, Expedito Jose de Albuquerque Luna
Summary: This study conducted a survey in Sao Paulo, Brazil during two different periods of 2020 to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public behavior. The findings showed a decrease in the perceived importance of preventive measures, even among individuals with higher education. Therefore, it is urgent to reinforce preventive measures and emphasize the importance of vaccination.
Article
Microbiology
Alessandra G. Krakhecke-Teixeira, Danielle H. Yamauchi, Alexsandra Rossi, Herdson R. de Sousa, Hans G. Garces, Joaquim L Junior, Antonio O S Junior, Maria Sueli S. Felipe, Eduardo Bagagli, Heitor F. de Andrade, Marcus de M. Teixeira
Summary: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Brazil, and the Tocantins-Araguaia basin is a novel hyperendemic area of PCM. The disease is more common in males and rural workers, with women being affected more than other regions. Additionally, urban or indoor activities may be associated with disease urbanization.
Article
Parasitology
Luciana Regina Meireles, Elizama Carneiro Machado Bezerra, Joelma Queiroz Andrade, Larissa Aparecida Cassiano, Hilda Fatima Jesus Pena, Bruna Farias Alves, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco, Heitor Franco de Andrade Jr
Summary: In this study, two T. gondii strains were isolated and characterized from severe cases of congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil. The study identified a new non-archetypal virulent genotype, as well as the association of a known genotype with acute toxoplasmosis in humans. These findings highlight the importance of non-archetypal genotypes in the severity of human congenital toxoplasmosis and contribute to the understanding of T. gondii diversity in Brazil.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biology
Andrea da Costa, Camila Aparecida de Carvalho, Nanci do Nascimento, Heitor Franco de Andrade Jr
Summary: Research has shown that gamma irradiation increases the immunogenicity of protein extracts without the need for adjuvants. Irradiation of snake venom enhances antivenin production through detoxification and improved immunity, likely due to the preferential uptake of irradiated venom by macrophage scavenger receptors. The study also revealed enhanced binding and uptake of irradiated Toxoplasma gondii extract by macrophage cells, suggesting a potential mechanism for improved antigen presentation and enhanced immunity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Andrea da Costa, Heitor Franco de Andrade Jr
Summary: Experimental toxoplasmosis serves as a valuable model to study adaptive immune responses. Gamma-irradiated tachyzoites and soluble tachyzoite antigen extracts (STags) can protect mice against experimental toxoplasmosis. Scavenger receptors, particularly CD36, play a role in recognizing irradiated proteins and promoting antigen presentation. CD36 deficiency results in an altered immune response, with CD36(-/-) mice showing immune defects when infected with cyst-forming Toxoplasma gondii. In this study, CD36(-/-) mice, whether naive or immunized with gamma-irradiated STags, were unable to resist viable RH tachyzoites. They exhibited poor humoral responses despite normal levels of serum immunoglobulins. Irradiated antigens failed to induce antibody production in CD36(-/-) mice, but when transplanted with irradiated STag-primed wild-type macrophages, adequate levels of immunoglobulin G were produced. CD36 is crucial for the humoral response against the irradiated antigen, although other pathways are also involved in mounting a humoral response against any antigen. CD36 plays a role in lipid and free fatty acid transport as well as in the immune response, and gamma radiation mimics the innate response by targeting irradiated antigens of this pathway.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nahiara Esteves Zorgi, Luciana R. Meireles, Danielle Bruna Leal Oliveira, Danielle Bastos Araujo, Edson L. Durigon, Heitor Franco de Andrade Junior
Summary: During the influenza and COVID-19 pandemics, specific antibodies can be detected in the saliva of asymptomatic individuals and vaccinated individuals, making saliva a convenient and sensitive diagnostic tool for assessing host immune response.
Article
Parasitology
Sergio Vieira dos Santos, Giulio de los Santos Fortuna, Lariane Monteiro Barbosa, Luciana Regina Meireles, Erico Silva Tiago, Pedro Paulo Chieffi
Summary: This study investigated the behavioral changes in rats infected with different strains of Toxoplasma gondii. It was found that significant differences in the methylation of the arginine-vasopressin promoter gene were observed between rats infected with different strains.
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2022)