Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women using automated chemiluminescence and quantitative real time PCR

Objective: To identify serodiagnosis and quantification of Toxoplasma gondii(T. gondii) infection among pregnant women in Salmas, northwest of Iran. Methods: In this crosssectional study, 276 blood samples were collected from pregnant women referred to the health care centers in Salmas city. The demographic variables were also recorded. Titers of antiToxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies(Ab) were determined using the chemiluminescence immunoassay. Quantitative real-time PCR targeting the T. gondii repeated element gene was also performed on the blood sample. Results: Out of all, 19.92%(55/276) and 2.17%(6/276) patients were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM Ab, respectively. Moreover, the presence of T. gondii DNA was observed in 12.31%(34/276) blood samples. A significant relationship was observed between the IgG Ab seropositivity and contact with the cat as a risk factor(P=0.022). Conclusions: The seroprevalence rate of T. gondii infection in pregnant women is relatively low. Consequently, the seronegative pregnant women are at risk, and a considerable rate of positive blood samples for the presence of parasite's DNA should not be ignored. Besides, quantitative real-time PCR could be considered as an accurate method for diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis especially when the precise results are of the most importance in pregnancy. Limiting contact with cats is also suggested for pregnant women.

The safety perspective of probiotic and non-probiotic yoghurts:a review

Objectives:Milk and dairy products could be contaminated via various bacteria and fungi.Investigations have demonstrated that the contamination in traditionally yoghurt was higher than industrially processed one.Raw milk with neutral pH and high water activity,serves as an excellent growth medium for different microorganisms,Therefore,the prepared yoghurts may be contaminated.The greatest and most widespread concern of yoghurt safety is microbial contamination,the presence of infectious bacteria and viruses.Materials and Methods:“Probiotic yoghurt”was uses as key word in PubMed and science direct search engines during 1998-2018 and 70 papers were found and forty of them were used in this study.Results:Existence of yeasts and molds in industrial yoghurt is an indicative of poor hygienic practices in manufacturing and packaging.Aflatoxins are a group of very toxic metabolites of fungi produced by toxicogenic strains of Aspergillus flavus,Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus nomius in milk and dairy products.Aflatoxin B1 is the most frequent produced mycotoxin in contaminated yoghurt.There is a direct relationship between the AFM1 presences in yoghurt the risk of illnesses in consumers.Conclusions:In conclusion,it is important to notify producers and consumers about the safety and contamination of yoghurt in order to reduce their potential health hazard and economic issues.With respect to the safety and health effects of probiotics,it is recommended to consume the probiotic yoghurt.