Seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 Exposure among “High-Risk” Populations (Healthcare Workers, People Who Attend Markets, and School Children) in Zanzibar

In Zanzibar, from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to the time of sampling in December 2020, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence data was limited. We conducted a seroprevalence study to evaluate the magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 exposure among healthcare workers, school children, and people who attended general markets in Zanzibar. The objectives of the study were to analyse the total antibodies from selected higher-risk population groups in order to determine magnitude in SARS CoV-2 exposure. Blood samples were collected from eligible and consented participants (adults and children), and their serum was analyzed for total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using ELISA. A questionnaire was used to collect participants’ demographic and clinical data. The overall SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence across all age groups was 33%, and a higher seroprevalence was observed in the 40 - 49 years’ age group relative to other ages as well as in those who attended markets. A runny nose (18.8% of participants) was the most frequently reported SARS-CoV-2 infection-related symptom. Multivariable analysis showed significantly higher odds of infection in people living in urban districts. The findings provide insight into SARS-CoV-2 infection among school children, health workers, and people who attended markets in Zanzibar in the early stages of the pandemic. Exposure in these groups might have been influenced by infection and prevention strategies taken by the government, as well as shopping behavior, school overcrowding, and population density in urban settings. The study had methodological limitations, including cross-sectional design. Further, well-designed, longitudinal studies are recommended to understand exposure and transmission at a population level.

Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B in Blood Donors at the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre in Guinea

Blood transfusion saves lives and reduces morbidity and mortality for a large number of diseases and clinical conditions, but it is not without danger. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV and hepatitis B in blood donors received at the regional Blood Transfusion Centre of N’Zérékoré (Guinea). This was a 5-year retrospective analytical study. We included records of blood donors aged 18 to 60 years admitted to the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre for blood donation from January 2016 to December 2020. We performed a descriptive analysis followed by Chi-2 or Fish-er-exact tests and the Student or Wilcoxon test, followed by multivariate logistic regression. In this study, donor age ranged from 18 - 60 years, with a pre-dominance of donors aged 25 - 34 (44.2%). Male donors were the most represented in our study (79.0% versus 21.0% female). More than half of the donors were blood group O (55.6%). We observed a seroprevalence of 3.6% for HIV, 13.4% for HBsAg and 0.2% for co-infection. In our series, age 25 - 34 (OR = 1.89 and P = 0.001) and 35 - 44 for HIV (OR = 2.01 and P = 0.001), HBsAgserostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR of 3.04 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HIV positivity (P < 0.05). In our study, HIV serostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR = 0.01 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HBsAgseropositivity. We reported a high prevalence of HIV and HBsAg. Sex, serological status and blood donation history were associated factors.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Seroprevalence in Children and Workers from Belgian French-Speaking Primary Schools

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, closing schools was discussed to limit the virus transmission, despite a lack of evidence on the role of young children in the virus spread. We undertook a study among Belgian primary schools to assess the SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence and its relationship with local incidence, school size, and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: Schools were purposively selected using three criteria: an area with either a low or a high COVID-19 incidence, either a small or a large size, and either a low or a high SES. 932 (/2488, 38%) children and 242 (/444, 55%) staff signed informed consent. COVID-19 antibodies were tested using rapid finger prick tests. Results: Children participation was positively correlated with staff (r = +0.33;95% CI [−0.34;0.78]), and strongly with SES (r = +0.81;95% CI [0.40;0.95]). Seroprevalence was 21% in children (191/922) and 25% in staff (61/240). Seroprevalence did not correlate with local cumulative incidence (children: r = +0.06;95% CI [−0.59;0.67];staff: r = +0.26;95% CI [−0.40;0.74]). In staff, seroprevalence was higher in schools with higher SES (r = +0.37;95% CI [−0.29;0.79]), but not in children (r = −0.10;95% CI [−0.66;0.53]). Conclusion:The lower seroprevalence in children suggests they are lower transmitters than adults, but poor socioeconomic levels were less representative.

Seroprevalence, Importance of Rapid Testing and Factors Associated with HBsAg Carriage in Pregnancy in Three Referral Maternity Hospitals in Mono (Benin), in 2020

Introduction Difficulties in accessing the screening test for viral hepatitis B in maternity wards could be a factor in underestimating the prevalence of anti-HBV antibodies. The rapid diagnostic orientation test (RDOT) could improve seroprevalence and obstetrical prognosis. The aim of this study was to use the rapid diagnostic orientation test (RDOT) to determine the seroprevalence of HBs antigen carriage in pregnant women while highlighting the associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study that took place from October to December 2020 (three months) in three (03) reference maternities in western Benin (Mono). Consenting pregnant women received in prenatal consultation had been screened by RDOT. Positive cases were confirmed by ELISA test. The follow-up of these cases made it possible to establish the obstetrical prognosis. Results Of 201 women studied, 11 (5.5%) were positive for RDOT HBV and confirmed by the ELISA test. The factors associated with HBsAg carriage during pregnancy were multiple sexual partnerships (p = 0.01), female circumcision (p = 0.0001), and ignorance of prior HBV serological status (p = 0.0001). No influence of hepatitis B on pregnancy was noted. Conclusion The seroprevalence of hepatitis B in pregnancy was intermediate in the reference maternities of western Benin. The associated factors were multiple sexual partnerships, female circumcision and unawareness of prior HBV status. Free RDOT in maternity wards would improve early detection and management of viral hepatitis B in pregnancy.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Women of Procreate Age in the Mayo-Boneye Department in Chad

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis infections constitute a major public health problem, particularly in women. The objective of this study is to identify Chlamydia trachomatis to improve the health of women in the Department of Mayo-Boneye. Methodology: This is a prospective observational study that took place from October to December 2021, including 168 patients with their sociodemographic characteristics. The venous blood of the patients was collected in dry tubes and centrifuged to obtain the serum. The Chlamydia IgG Rapid Test Cassette was used for the detection of antibodies to Chlamydia infection. The Epi Info 7TM software was used to perform the statistical analyses. Results: A total of 168 patients were included in this study. The average age was 26.36 ± 9.21 years, the median was 25.5 years with the extremes of 14 years and 70 years. Among these patients, 46.43% were illiterate, 5.95% and 20.83% were primary and secondary school students, respectively, and 26.79% university students. For marital status, 66.67% were single, 16.67% married, 10.71% divorced and 5.95% widowed. Regarding the profession, 26.79% were traders, 8.93% were employees and 64.29% unemployed. In this study, the 168 patients had performed Chlamydia trachomatis serology among whom 02 (1.19%) were excluded for invalid results and 10.71% presented positive cases. The city of Bongor was the most infected with 61% of cases. Among these patients, 54.22% were linked to risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis. The most infected age group was between 25 and 35 with a seroprevalence of 5.36% of cases. Conclusion: In this study, Chlamydia trachomatis was positive for 10.71% of diagnosed cases. The most affected age groups are young, sexually active women. The State should emphasize the screening of women, the awareness of students and academics.

Seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae and Identification of Risk Factors in China

Serum samples were tested for Bartonella henselae Ig G antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence assays.We then analyzed associated risk factors.Serum samples were considered positive when reactive at a dilution of more than 1:320.

Toxoplasmosis among pregnant women:High seroprevalence and risk factors in Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of Congo

Objective:To determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women,as well as the proportion of acutely infected and risk factors in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Methods:Thirty maternities in Kinshasa were randomly selected and women attending antenatal consultation were invited to participate.They were interviewed with a structured questionnaire about known risk factors(age,meat consumption,contact with soil,and presence of cat)and a venous blood sample was taken.Sera were analysed for total immunoglobulins(Ig)by VIDAS Toxo Competition using Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay.IgM was determined by VIDIA Toxo IgM and IgG avidity by VIDAS Toxo IgG avidity.Results:A total of 781 women were included.Median age was 28 years old(IQR:8.S).And 627women(80.3%;95%CI:77.5-83.1)were found to be positive to total Ig and 17 out of 387(4.4%;95%CI:2.3-6.4)were positive to IgM.IgC avidity was low for 2(11.8%)women,intermediate for 2(11.8%)and high for 13 women(76.4%).There was no statistically significant association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and any risk factors assessed.Conclusion:In Kinshasa,toxoplasmosis endemicity is highly prevalent.One woman out of twenty five had a recent toxoplasmosis infection and 20%were not protected against primoinfection,indicating a need for measures to prevent and control toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.

Seroprevalence of syphilis in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Southern India

Objective:To report our experience with two tests,anti-cardiolipin antibody test[venereal disease reasearch laboratory(VDRL) test]and specific treponemal test(Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay),used for screening antenatal,high risk cases and cases from sexually transmitted infection in a tertiary care hospital from January 2006 till December 2008.Methods:A total of 14639 samples received from various patient groups including antenatal cases,patients attending sexually transmitted disease(STD) clinic,blood donors and HIV positive patients were screened.Results:Among the 14639 samples collected,103 were positive by VDRL test.Of these 89 cases were confirmed by quantitative VDRL test and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay.The cumulative seroprevalence over two years was found to be 0.61%in this study.The syphilis seroprevalence reduced from 0.88%in 2006 to 0.40%in 2008.Among the various sub-populations studied,patients attending the sexually transmitted infection clinic showed a seroprevalence of 2.62%.The seroprevalence decreased significantly from 4.00%in 2006 to1.39%in 2008.Conclusions:Our study showed a statistically significant declining rate of syphilis in STD clinics as well as the overall seroprevalence.These findings could be interpreted as indicators of improved programmes for prevention and management of STDs.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Honiara Solomon Islands,2015

AIMTo determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Honiara, Solomon Islands. METHODSThis descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in seven area health centers in Honiara. From March to June 2015, identification of eligible pregnant women in each site was conducted using systematic random sampling technique. A total of 243 pregnant women who gave written informed consent were enrolled. Standardized tool was used to record demographics, obstetric history and serology results. HBsAg and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were tested using point-of-care rapid diagnostic test. All HBsAg positive samples were verified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTSThe mean age of participants was 26 &plusmn; 6 years. The overall hepatitis HBsAg prevalence was 13.8% with higher rate (22%) reported in women between 30-34 years of age. Majority of HBsAg positive participants were Melanesians (29 out for 33). None of the pregnant women in the 15-19 years and &ge; 40 years tested positive for HBsAg. There was no statistically significant difference in HBsAg prevalence by age, ethnicity, education and residential location. The overall HBeAg seroprevalence was 36.7%. Women between 20-24 years of age had the highest rate of 54.5%. Low level of knowledge about hepatitis B vaccination was reputed. Overall, 54.6% of participants were not aware of their hepatitis B vaccination status and only 65.2% of mothers reported their child had been vaccinated. CONCLUSIONHepatitis B is a disease of public health importance in Solomon Islands and emphasize the need for integrated preventative interventions for its control.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis A antibodies among children in a Saudi community

Objective:To determine the current seroprevalence of antibodies against hepatitis A virus in selected group of children aged 1-6 years in Northern borders region,Saudi Arabia,and to identify risk factors for infection.Methods:A cross-sectional sero-epidemiological study of 950 children who attended 10 randomly selected primary health care centers(5 urban and 5 rural) was done.Parents of all children were subjected to a questionnaire including sociodemographic and housing environmental data.The determination of anti-HAV antibodies was carried out by ELISA-test.Results:The prevalence of HAV-IgG was 33.8%overall,35.5%among males and 32.0%among females with no statistically significant difference.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that increasing age,rural residence,non Saudi nationality,and non availability of safe municipal water source were the most important independent predictors for HAV seropositivity in the studied children.Conclusions:There is a clear decrease in hepatitis A prevalence in the studied children particularly in urban areas and indicates that a transition may be underway to intermediate endemicity and possible shift of the risk to the adult age with increased morbidity.So,we recommend including Hepatitis A in the schedule of routine childhood vaccinations.

Seroprevalence of anti-HAV among patients with chronic viral liver disease

AIM:To investigate the current seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus(HAV) antibodies in patients with chronic viral liver disease in Korea.We also tried to identify the factors affecting the prevalence of HAV antibodies. METHODS:We performed an analysis of the clinical records of 986 patients(mean age:49±9 years,714 males/272 females) with chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) or hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection who had undergone HAV antibody testing between January 2008 and December 2009.RESULTS:The overall prevalence of IgG anti-HAV was 86.61%(854/986) in patients with chronic liver disease and was 88.13%(869/986) in age-and gendermatched patients from the Center for Health Promotion.The anti-HAV prevalence was 80.04%(405/506) in patients with chronic hepatitis B,86.96%(20/23) in patients with chronic hepatitis C,93.78%(422/450) in patients with HBV related liver cirrhosis,and 100%(7/7) in patients with HCV related liver cirrhosis.The anti-HAV prevalence according to the decade of age was as follows:20s(6.67%) ,30s(50.86%) ,40s(92.29%) ,50s(97.77%) ,and 60s(100%) .The antiHAV prevalence was significantly higher in patients older than 40 years compared with that in patients younger than 40 years of age.Multivariable analysis showed that age≥40 years,female gender and metropolitan cities as the place of residence were independent risk factors for IgG anti-HAV seropositivity. CONCLUSION:Most Korean patients with chronic liver disease and who are above 40 years of age have already been exposed to hepatitis A virus.

Anti-hepatitis A seroprevalence among chronic viral hepatitis patients in Kelantan,Malaysia

AIM:To determine the seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and to justify the need for hepatitis A vaccination.METHODS:Patients (n=119) were enrolled between July and September 2009.The diagnosis of CLD was based on the presence of viral markers for more than 6 mo.The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was based on clinical,biochemical and radiological profiles.Patient serum was tested for anti-HAV IgG.RESULTS:The overall anti-HAV seroprevalence was 88.2%.The aetiology of CLD was hepatitis B in 96 patients (80.7%) and hepatitis C in 23 patients (19.3%).Mean age was 44.4 ± 14 years.Patients were grouped according to age as follows:24 (20.2%) patients in the 21-30 years age group,22 (18.5%) in the 31-40 years age group,31 (26.1%) in the 41-50 years age group,23(19.3%) in the 51-60 years age group and 19 (16.0%) patients aged greater than 60 years,with reported seroprevalences of 66.7%,95.5%,93.5%,91.3% and 94.7%,respectively.There was a marked increase of seroprevalence in subjects older than 30 years (P=0.001).CONCLUSION:Our study demonstrated that patients aged greater than 30 years of age were likely to have natural immunity to hepatitis A.Therefore,hepatitis A vaccination may not be routinely required in this age group.

Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in HIV/AIDS patients,northern Iran

ObjectiveTo determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) IgG and IgM antibodies in HIV/AIDS patients and uninfected subjects.MethodsThis cross sectional survey was carried out on 78 healthy and 62 HIV+/AIDS individuals in northern Iran between September 2007 and October 2008. Five mL of blood samples were collected from each person in case and control groups. Determination of CD4+ counts was performed by flow cytometry. The serum separated from blood samples was evaluated by conventional ELISA technique to determine the presence of antibodies to T. gondii.ResultsForty eight out of 62 (77.4%) HIV/AIDS serum samples were found positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibody, compared with 59 among 78 (75.6%) HIV negative samples from the same area (P > 0.05). Six out of 62 (9.7%) HIV+/AIDS patients showed anti-T. gondii IgM antibody in their serum samples, compared with 7 among 78 (9%) HIV negative samples (P > 0.05). The mean of CD4+ counts in HIV+/AIDS was (430.8±182.3) cells/μL and in control group was (871.0±243.3)% cells/μL (P<0.01). CD4+ estimation in 5 (11.1%) of HIV+/AIDS patients was <200 cells/μL (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsSeroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in HIV patients is high, therefore the prevention of toxoplasmic encephalitis, administration of primary prophylaxis with co-trimoxazole to all HIV+/AIDS patients are necessary.

A Seroprevalence Survey of Maedi-Visna Among Twenty-Four Ovine Floks from Twelve Regions of China

Maedi-visna virus（MVV） is an ovine lentivirus that is widespread in many countries worldwide.Both clinical and subclinical MVV infections cause substantial economic losses.MVV infection in live sheep is usually diagnosed serologically,with antibody-positive sheep being regarded as infected.There have been few reports of maedi-visna in China,with no detailed epidemic analysis of MVV infection in ovine herds.In order to investigate the seroprevalence and spatial distribution of maedi-visna among ovine flocks in China,a total of 672 serum samples were collected from different ovine flocks in 12 regions（provinces,autonomous regions or municipalities） of China in 2011,and serum antibody levels were determined using a commercial ELISA Kit.This study represents the first investigation of the seroepidemiology of maedi-visna in China,indicating a circulation of MMV among sheep.

Seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 antibodies and evidence of viremia among Nigerian patients with sickle cell anemia

Clinical, biochemical and molecular evidence for the sickle cell anemia （SCA） crisis in Nigerian patients arising from parvovirus b19 infection remains inadequate. This study determined the prevalence and correlates of antiparvovirus b19 antibodies in a population of SCA patients and non-SCA healthy controls in Lagos, Nigeria. In this prospective cross-sectional study, we enrolled 73 confirmed SCA patients from 5 district hospitals in Lagos and 81 sex and age-matched non-SCA healthy controls. Serum sample from each study participant was screened for anti-parvovirus b19 by ELISA and PCR techniques. Standard biomedical assays were also done. Anti-parvovirus b19 IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in 22 （14.3%） and 97 （62.9%） of the 154 sera screened, 13 （17.8%） and 45 （61.6%） in SCA patients; 9 （11.1%） and 52 （64.2%） in non-SCA controls. The overall seronegativity rate was 19.5%. Parvovirus B19 DNA was found in 2 （11.1%） of the 18 IgM seropositive SCA serum samples screened. On the whole, parvovirus b19 infection was more commonly asymptomatic in non-SCA controls but caused significant elevation in liver enzymes in infected SCA patients （P 〈 0.05）. The risk of acute parvovirus b19 infection increased 65 times during unsteady state among the SCA patients. Although no deaths of infected patients were recorded during the study, age below 12 years, hospitalization and overcrowded environment were risk factors for infection. We conclude that parvovirus b19 is common in SCA patients, incurring greater susceptibility to infections.

Seroprevalence of <i>Neospora caninum</i>in Sheep and Goats from Grenada, West Indies

Neospora caninum (N. caninum), an intracellular protozoan parasite, causes abortion and neonatal mortality in many herbivores including sheep and goats. The aim of this study was to estimate the Seroprevalence of N. caninum in sheep and goats in Grenada, West Indies. Sera were collected from 138 sheep and 138 goats from all six parishes of Grenada and Carriacou, a small island within Grenada. Animals were identified by gender. Sera were tested for antibodies for N. caninum using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) multispecies Kit from Pourquire Laboratorie (IDvet, France). Antibodies to N. caninum were detected in 18 of 138 sheep (13%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.39% to 18.61%) and 8 of 138 goats (5.8%, 95% CI: 1.9% to 9.7%). Although seropositivity was high in female sheep and in male goats, there was no statistical difference in seropositivity of males and females in both species of animals (p > 0.05, χ2). The results of this study revealed that sheep and goats in Grenada were exposed to N. caninum and dogs might be considered as a source of infection. There was a need to educate the farmers, possessing small ruminants, about the transmission cycle of N. caninum and methods of prevention, to minimize the exposure of their flocks. This is the first report on seroprevalence of N. caninum in Grenada, West Indies.

Seroprevalence of Dengue Viral Infection among Adults Attending the University of Cape Coast Hospital

Introduction: Most febrile illnesses in Ghana are often misdiagnosed and presumptively treated as malaria. This situation may be due to the inappropriate diagnostic tool, clinical oversight and lack of awareness of some of the disease conditions that might have been present in the country. This study sought to investigate the seroprevalence of dengue virus, geographical location of participants with circulating antibodies and finally evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a Rapid diagnostic kit (RDT) using Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) as a gold standard for confirmation. Method: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (≥18) attending the University of Cape Coast Hospital. From each participant, 3 - 4 ml of venous blood was drawn and serum was tested for IgG and IgM using RDT methods. Positive samples were selected for ELISA confirmation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (v.20) and STATA (v.14) software. Results: A total of 270 participants were enrolled in the study. The geometric mean age was 32 years. Overall, Dengue virus (DENV) IgG seroprevalence by RDT was 10 (3.7%). Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM by the ELISA method was 34 (12.6%) and 6 (2.2%) respectively. Females recorded a high seroprevalence (7.4%) than males (5.2%) in terms of past exposure (IgG). On current exposure (IgM), females recorded a high seroprevalence (1.5%) than males (0.7%). Seroprevalence of individuals with dual positivity ((IgG + IgM+) (acute secondary infection) was 1.9%. Those with primary and recent infection (IgM+ only) were 0.4% whiles those with past and probably secondary infection (IgG+ only) were 10.7%. The odds of dengue exposure were significantly high among participants with ages 50 - 59 as compared to their other counterparts (AOR = 3.5, p = 0.03). Diagnostic accuracy of RDT kit was poor (Kappa value = 0.373 and 0.0001). Elmina was noted to record the highest seroprevalence values for both anti-dengue IgG (3.3%) and IgM (1.85%). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of anti-dengue IgG and IgM among participants suggests that dengue virus is in circulation in Cape Coast Metropolis and Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem Municipality.

Seroprevalence of Bovine Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (bPI-3V) in Ruminants from Grenada

Respiratory viral infections are known for serious economic losses in ruminants. Bovine parain-fluenza 3 virus (bPI-3V) a member of Respirovirus genus in association with other respiratory viruses causes respiratory disease complex in ruminants. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of bPI-3V in non vaccinated cattle, sheep and goats from Grenada. Sera were collected randomly from 60 sheep, 60 goats and 60 cattle from all six parishes of Grenada. Sera were tested for antibodies to bPI-3V using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) kit. Antibodies to bPI-3V were detected in 13.4% (Confidence Level (CL): 95%;Confidence Interval (CI): 4.76% to 22.02%) in cattle;16.7% (CL: 95%;CI: 7.26% to 26.14%) in sheep and 11.7% (CL: 95%;CI: 3.57% to 19.83%) in goats. There was statistically no significant difference in prevalence (p > 0.05) of antibodies to bPI-3V in cattle, sheep and goats in Grenada. This is the first report on seroprevalence of bPI-3V in ruminants in Grenada, West Indies.

Seroprevalence of cysticercosis in North Indian population

Objective:To estimate the seroprevalence,morbidity of Taenia solium(T.solium) cysticercosis and its relationship to socio-economic,sanitary parameters.Methods:Using multistage stratified random sampling.2 500 subjects from urban(n=1 250) and rural population(n =1 250) of Lucknow. India were registered.Blood,stool samples,socioeconomic and demographic data were collected. Serum enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay(ELISA) was used to detect anticysticercus IgG and IgM antibodies.Microscopic examination of stool samples after processing by concentration method was done to observe taeniasis and other intestinal parasites.CT scan of seropositive cases presenting with seizures was done for confirmation of neurocysticercosis.Results:The overall,urban and rural seroprevalence of T.solium cysticercosis was 3.48%,4.64%and 2.32%, respectively.The risk factors significantly associated with the disease were pig rearing in both study populations,unsanitary waste disposal in urban,vegetarian diet and open defecation in rural population.One case of intestinal taeniasis was observed.Twenty-six of 30 cases undergoing CT scan were diagnosed as neurocysticercosis.Conclusions:Seroprevalence of cysticercosis is high in the study community.Prevalence of cysticercosis is related to roaming pigs and behavioral and environmental practices in local community.Health education and identification of tapeworm carriers seems promising control strategy.

Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and rubella in pregnant women attending antenatal private clinic at Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso

Objective:To evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and rubella among pregnant women at Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.Methods:All patient sera were tested for rubella and toxoplasmosis anti-IgG using commercial ELISA kits(PlateliaTMRubella IgG and Platelia? Toxo IgG).The presence of anti-rubella and anti-toxoplasmosis tgM in serum samples was tested using commercial ELISA kits Platelia Rubella TgM and Platelia Toxo IgM.Results:Among all the pregnant women tested for toxoplasmosis and rubella,their prevalence were 20.3% and 77.0%,respectively.Pregnant women in the age group of 18-25 years showed the highest frequency of anti-toxoplasmosis（34.5%） and anti-rubella IgG（84.6%）.The prevalence of anti-toxoplasma and anti-rubella IgG decreased between 2006 and 2008 from 32.7%to 12.1%and 84.6% to 65.0%,respectively.There was no significant association between age and the mean titer of anti-toxoplasmosis IgG among pregnant women.Conclusions:The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis and rubella is necessary in pregnant women in Burkina Faso because of the low immunization coverage rate of rubella and the high level of exposure to these two infections which can be harmful to the newborn if contracted by women before the third trimester of pregnancy.