Analysis Concentration of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>on Anti-Toxoplasma IgG-IgM Antibody Levels, and the Outcomes of Pregnancy in Mice Balb/c

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect any warm blood vertebrae, and if first trimester pregnant woman infected, it may cause abortion. The objective is to prove the effect of the Toxoplasma gondii concentration in anti-toxoplasma IgG-IgM antibody levels, and the outcomes of Balb/c mice pregnancies. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Balb/c mice with inclusion criteria, and was conditioned pregnant. The pathogen strains of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite injected intraperitoneally. The blood samples were taken serially to be tested for anti-toxoplasma IgG-IgM antibody levels. After the mice were injected with tachyzoite, they are assessed every day to observe their body weight, vaginal bleeding, and labor. Anti-toxoplasma IgG-IgM antibody levels examined using qualitative mouse IgG-IgM antibody ELISA KIT. Results: Anti-toxoplasma IgM antibody levels increased significantly after 24 hours of injection tachyzoites in all dose groups, and remained high through day 21. Anti-toxoplasma antibody IgG levels increased significantly after 72 hours post injection and remained elevated until day 21. The incidence of abortion is 100% in mice which injected tachyzoite levels 1 × 103 and 1 × 104, and the incidence of abortion approximately 2 - 4 days post injection. 100% of mice that were injected with tachyzoites 1 × 101 and 1 × 102 have labor at term. Physical anomaly was found in baby mice from mice that were injected with tachyzoite 1 × 102. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between the concentrations of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite with anti-toxoplasma IgG-IgM antibody levels, and there is a significant relationship between the concentrations of tachyzoite with abortion.

Challenging loop-mediated isothermal amplification(LAMP) technique for molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii

Objective:To compare analytical sensitivity and specificity of a newly described DNA amplification technique.LAMP and nested PCR assay targeting the RE and Bl genes for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) DNA.Methods:The analytical sensitivity of LAMP and ncstcd-PCR was obtained against 10-fold serial dilutions of T.gondii DNA ranging from 1 ng to 0.01 fg.DNA samples of other parasites and human chromosomal DNA were used to determine the specificity of molecular assays.Results:After testing LAMP and nesled-PCR in duplicate,the detection limit of RE-LAMP.B1-LAMP,RE-nested PCR and B1-nested PCR assays was one fg.100 fg,1 pg and 10 pg of T.gondii DNA respectively.All the LAMP assays and nested PCRs were 100% specific.The RE-LAMP assay revealed the most sensitivity for the detection of T.gondii DNA.Conclusions:The obtained results demonstrate that the LAMP technique has a greater sensitivity for detection of T.gondii.Furthermore,these findings indicate that primers based on the RE are more suitable than those based on the B1 gene.However,the B1-LAMP assay has potential as a diagnostic tool for detection of T.gondii.

Toxoplasma ROP16Ⅰ/Ⅲ ameliorated inflammatory bowel diseases via inducing M2 phenotype of macrophages

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is characterized by chronic and non-specific inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and mainly includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.AIM To explore the beneficial effect of ToxoROP16I/III-induced M2 phynotype macrophages in homeostasis of IBDs through downregulation of M1 inflammatory cells.METHODS RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)(M1 cells)were co-cultured with Caco-2 cells as an inflammatory model of IBD in vitro.The expression of ToxoROP16I/III was observed in RAW264.7 macrophages that were transfected with pEGFP-rop16I/III.The phenotypes of M2 and M1 macrophage cells were assessed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and the expression of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,IL-10,inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),and arginase-1(Arg-1)was detected.The expression of iNOS,Arg-1,signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(Stat3),p-Stat3,Stat6,p-Stat6,programmed death ligand-2(PD-L2),caspase-3,-8,and-9 was analyzed by Western blotting,and Griess assays were performed to detect nitric oxide(NO).TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,TGF-β1,and IL-10 expression in the supernatants was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and Caco-2 cell apoptosis was co-culture system.RESULTS M1 cells exhibited significantly increased production of iNOS,NO,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6,while ToxoROP16I/III induced macrophage bias to M2 cells in vitro,showing increased expression of Arg-1,IL-10 and TGF-β1 and elevated production of p-Stat3 and p-Stat6.The mixed M1 and M2 cell culture induced by ToxoROP16I/III exhibited decreased production of NO and iNOS and upregulated expression of Arg-1 and PD-L2.Accordingly,Caco-2 cells became apoptotic,and apoptosis-associated proteins such as caspase-3,-8 and-9 were dampened during co-culture of M1 and M2 cells.Flow cytometry analysis showed that co-culture of M1 cells with Caco-2 cells facilitated the apoptosis of Caco-2 cells,but co-culture of M1 and M2 cells alleviated Caco-2 cell apoptosis.CONCLUSION ToxoROP16I/III-induced M2 macrophages inhibited apoptosis of Caco-2 cells caused by M1 macrophages.This finding may help gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanism and represent a promising therapeutic strategy for IBDs.

弓形虫(Toxoplasma gondii)的PCR检测方法在笼养猕猴群中的应用

目的建立快速、灵敏、特异及检测结果易判断的PCR方法,并应用于大规模猕猴种群的弓形虫常规检测中。同时比较巢式PCR和单一PCR的一致性。方法根据弓形虫保守基因p30(SAG1)设计了内、外两对进行巢式PCR扩增以及B1基因设计一对引物进行单一PCR扩增,将DNA样本进行10倍倍比稀释,以检测巢式PCR反应的灵敏度;并对医学生物学研究所自繁猕猴共150只进行了弓形虫检测。结果巢式PCR检测法检测限度可达10-3ng/uL,而且方法特异。两种PCR法检测结果基本一致,其中巢式PCR检测阳性率(10%)稍高于单一PCR检测阳性率(8.67%)。结论巢式PCR和一次PCR方法都可应用于猕猴弓形虫的常规检测中,并提示巢式PCR比单一PCR更敏感、检出率更高。

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.

Tissue tropism and parasite burden of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain in experimentally infected mice

Objective:To evaluate parasite distribution and tissue tropism of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in experimentally infected mice using real time QPCR.Methods:In this survey 16 Balb/c mice were inoculated with 1×10~4 alive tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii RH strain.After 1,2,3 days post infection and the last day(before death),different tissues of mice including blood,brain,eye,liver,spleen,kidney,heart and muscle were harvested.Following tissues DNA extraction,the parasite burden was quantified using real time QPCR targeting the B1 gene(451 bp).Results:It showed that Toxoplasma after intraperitoneal injection was able to movement to various tissues in24 hours.Parasite burden was high in all tissues but the most number of parasites were observed in kidney,heart and liver,respectively.Conclusions:These data provide significant baseline information about Toxoplasma pathogenesis,vaccine monitoring and drug efficiency.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from Chickens in China

One strain of Toxoplasma gondii was successfully isolated from chickens in China by bioassay in mice. Antibodies and circulating antigens of T. gondii were assayed by the ELISA kits in 100 free range chickens from a rural area surrounding Funing, China. Fifty-three chickens were antibody-positive and 21 chickens were antigen positive. Hearts, brains, spleens, lungs, livers, and kidneys of 21 antibody or antigen-positive chickens were bioassayed in mice. One strain of T. gondii was isolated from 1 of 21 （4.76%） chickens. The isolated T. gondii killed all of the inoculated mice. Genotyping of this isolate using polymorphisms at the loci 5′-SAG2, 3′-SAG2, SAG3, cB21-4, L358, BTUB, and GRA6 revealed that it was Type I. These indicated that it was virulent for mice. This is the first report of isolation of T. gondii from chickens in China.

Sero-prevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondi infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, northwest Ethiopia

Objective: To determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and to assess the possible risk factors associated with the infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care center at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar town, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women. Three hundred eighty four serum samples were collected from November 2013 to January 2014. Data on socio-demographic and predisposing factors were collected from each study participant with simple random sampling technique. The serum samples were examined for anti- Toxoplasma gondii(T. gondii) antibodies using latex agglutination test. Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii among the pregnant women was 18.5%. All of T. gondii positive cases found to be positive only for Ig G antibody. Significant association was observed between seroprevalence and presence of domestic cats [AOR=2.85, 95% CI: 1.66-4.90, P=0.000], consumption of raw or undercooked meat [AOR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.15-2.43, P=0.014] and history of abortion [AOR=2.47, 95% CI: 1.40-4.34, P=0.002]. No significant association was observed between seroprevalence and socio-demographic characters, gestational age, gravidity, consumption of raw vegetable, and blood transfusion. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Bahir Dar town was relatively high. Presence of domestic cats at home and consumption of raw or undercooked meat were identified as main risk factors for T. gondii infection. Therefore, health education towards avoiding eating raw or undercooked meat and avoiding contact with cats are recommended for prevention of miscarriage or defects during pregnancy.

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

Objective:To determine the seroprevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) IgG and IgM antibodies in HIV/AIDS patients and uninfected subjects.Methods:This cross sectional survey was carried out on 78 healthy and 62 HIV^+/AIDS individuals in northern ban 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.Results:Forty 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 HIWAIDS 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【0.000 1).Conclusions:Seroprevalence 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.

Toxoplasma gondii infection among chronic hepatitis C patients:A casecontrol study

Objective:To determine the detection rate of anti-Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) IgG and IgM in chronic HCV patients attending the Department of Tropical Medicine Mansoura University hospital in Egypt.Methods:This study included 120 adult chronic HCV patients.81 decompensate cirrhosis(late-stage)and 39 chronic HCV non cirrhotic patients(early-stage) and40 healthy blood donors as controls.Serum samples uere examined for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies by ELISA.Real-time RT-polymerase chain reaction assay was done for quantitation of hepatitis C virus.Results:Anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies were detected in 75(92.6%) of 81 late-stage cirrhotic patients.30(76.9%) of the 39 chronic HCV non cirrhotic patients(early-Stage) and in 6(15ft) of 40 controls with statistically significant difference(P<0.001).Anti-T.gondii IgM antibodies were found in 11(13.6%) in late stage patients,5(12.8%)in early stage and in 3(7.5%) of controls with no statistical significant difference(P=0.610).There was no correlation between stage of fibrosis and IgM or IgG antibodies positivity in our studied groups(P=0.526).High IgG levels significantly correlated with high viral load(P=0.026).Conclusions:Our findings suggest that the serious opportunistic T.gondii infection represent a potential significant risk for chronic HCV patients.So.toxoplasmosis should be considered in their investigations and follow-up.

THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII TACHYZOITES AND THE EFFECT OF USNIC ACID ON IT

The normal fine structures of toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite and the erfect of usnic acid on the ultrastructure of the tachyzoites were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM).The studies indicate that the pathological changes or the ultrastructure of the parasite took place under the effect of the 10 mg/L usnic acid for 30 min.These changes can be illustrated as folio'vs; 1)The posterior portion of the rhopties were destroyed.2)The membrane of the daughter cell fractured. 3)The membranate organellae or the organisms were demaged.

Toxoplasma encephalitis and AIDS in a patient with seizure and altered mental status:A case report

INTRODUCTION Increasing incidences of neurological complications are being encountered with the increase in the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).[1]These can be due to the direct involvement of the central nervous system(CNS)by the virus or due to other opportunistic infections.Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a common opportunistic infection seen in HIV-infected patients。

Investigation on the co-infections of Toxoplasma gondii with PRRSV, CSFV or PCV-2 in swine in part of China

The objective of the present investigation was to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and co-infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus(PRRSV), classical swine fever virus(CSFV) and porcine circovirus type 2(PCV-2) in pigs in China. A total of 372 tissues or serum samples collected from pigs distributed in 9 provinces/municipalities of China during the period from February 2011 to November 2012 were assayed for T. gondii antigens and antibodies using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) technique, while the PCR was designed for the detection of the PRRSV, CSFV and PCV-2, respectively. The total positive rate of T. gondii, PRSSV, CSFV and PCV-2 was 9.14%(34/372), 50.00%(186/372), 37.10%(138/372) and 3.23%(12/372), respectively. Among the 34 T. gondii positive samples, 26 samples were simultaneously infected with T. gondii and viruses, while the remaining eight samples were infected with T. gondii alone. In addition, the co-infection rate of T. gondii with PRSSV, T. gondii with PRSSV and CSFV, T. gondii with PRSSV and PCV-2, T. gondii with CSFV and PCV-2, T. gondii with PRSSV, CSFV and PCV-2 was 1.61%(6/372), 4.03%(15/372), 0.27%(1/372), 0.27%(1/372) and 0.81%(3/372), respectively. The results of the present survey revealed that PRRSV and CSFV were the common pathogens co-existing with porcine toxoplasmosis in China, and both of them could increase the chances of T. gondii infection in pig. This is the first report of T. gondii co-infections with viruses in pigs. It is very important to understand the interactions of parasite and virus, and can be used as reference data for the control and prevention of co-infections of T. gondii and viruses in pigs.

Type I strain of Toxoplasma gondii from chicken induced different immune responses with that from human,cat and swine in chicken

In this study,four strains of Toxoplasma gondii with the same genetic type（Type I） originated from chicken,human,cat and swine were used to compare the immune responses in resistant chicken host to investigate the relationships between the parasite origins and the pathogenicity in certain host.A total of 300,10-day-old chickens were allocated randomly into five groups which named JS（from chicken）,CAT（from cat）,CN（from swine）,RH（from human） and a negative control group（—Ve） with 60 birds in each group.Tachyzoites of four different T.gondii strains（JS,CAT,CN and RH） were inoculated intraperitoneally with the dose of 1×10~7 in the four designed groups,respectively.The negative control（-Ve） group was mockly inoculated with phosphate-buffered saline（PBS） alone.Blood and spleen samples were obtained on the day of inoculation（day 0） and at days 4,11,25,39 and 53 post-infection to screen the immunopathological changes.The results demonstrated some different immune characters of T.gondii infected chickens with that of mice or swine previous reported.These differences included up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex class Ⅱ（MHC Ⅱ） molecules in the early stage of infection,early peak expressions of interleukin（IL）-12（IL-12） and-10（IL-10） and long keep of IL-17.These might partially contribute to the resistance of chicken to T.gondii infection.Comparisons to chickens infected with strains from human,cat and swine,chickens infected with strain from chicken showed significant high levels of CD4~＋ and CD8~＋ T cells,interferon gamma（IFN-γ）,IL-12 and IL-10.It suggested that the strain from chicken had different ability to stimulate cellular immunity in chicken.

Influence of Toxoplasma gondii on in vitro proliferation and apoptosis of hepatoma carcinoma H7402 cell

Objective:To discuss the influence of tachyzoite of Toxoplasma gondii（T.gondii） RH strain on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatoma carcinoma（HCC） H7402 cell.Methods:The HCC H7402 cell in logarithmic phase and tachyzoite of T.gondii RH strain in different concentrations（1×107/mL,2×107/mL.4×107/mL,8×107mL and 16×107/mL） were co-cultured.CCK-8was utilized to determine the inhibition rate of T.gondii tachyzoite on H7402 cell growth.Flow cytometry was used to detect the change of cell cycle.RT-PCR method was used to detect the expression of cyclinB1 and cdc2-two genes related to cell cycle.Western blot method was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3 and Bcl-2.Results:The tachyzoite of T.gondii RH strain can inhibit the proliferation of HCC H7402 cells.The inhibition rate of tumor cell growth increased with the increase of concentration of T.gondii tachyzoite.With the increase of concentration of T.gondii tachyzoite,the proportion of G0/G1 phase of H7402 cell increased,the proportion of S phase decreased,and PI value decreased accordingly.The expression of cyclinB1 and cdc2 genes decreased with the increase of the concentration of T.gondii tachyzoite.With the increase of the concentration of tachyzoite of T.gondii RH strain,the expression quantity of Caspase-3 in H7402 cell increased,but the expression quantity of Bcl-2protein decreased.Conclusions:T.gondii can inhibit the in vitro proliferation of HCC H7402 cell,and induce its apoptosis.This effect shows a trend of concentration-dependent increase.Moreover,it is related to the down-regulation of cyclinB1 and cdc2（cell cycle-related genes）,the increase of apoptosis-related protein Caspase-3.and the decreasc of Bcl-2 expression.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City,Eastern China

Objective:To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City,Jiangsu Province.Eastern China,and to evaluate the main associated risk factors relating to exposure to 71 gondii in this region.Methods:Sera from 160 clogs and 116 cats from Zhenjiang City were tested for anti-T.gondii antibodies using EUSA.The seropositivity by area of activity,sex and age was analyzed.Results:Overall.21 dogs(13.l%) and 24 cats(20.7%) had antibodies to T.gondii.The infection rate in stray dogs(38.7%) and cats(28.6%! was significantly higher(P<0.05) than in household dogs(6.9%) and cats(18.2%).The seroprevalence in male clogs(14.8%) and cats(21.05%) were slighlly higher than their female counterparts(11.4%in dogs and 20.0%in cats),but were not significantly differenent(P>0.05).A high proportion of dogs at 3 to 6 years of age were positive to T.gondii(20.0%)while cats with relatively high seropositivity rates were at 0 to 1 year of age(33.3%).Conclusions:The prevalence of T.gondii infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City was high,which is probably the main source of T.gondii infection in this area.

The level of chemerin and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein in Toxoplasma gondii seropositive obese individuals

Objective: To know the difference between chemerin and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein(AFABP) levels in obese individuals with positive Toxoplasma gondii(T. gondii)immunoglobulin G(IgG) compared with negative T. gondii IgG.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study by using consecutive sampling methods conducted from January to April 2013. The subjects were 57 obese individuals who were divided into obese group of positive and negative T. gondii IgG. The level of chemerin,AFABP and T. gondii IgG was done by ELISA. The data were analyzed by independent t test.Results: The results showed that the level of chemerin of positive T. gondii IgG group was significantly higher than the negative T. gondii IgG group [(70.0 ± 16.5) vs.(64.4 ± 16.1) pg/mL; P = 0.003], but there was not significant AFABP difference between seropositive and negative IgG groups [(83.6 ± 41.9) vs.(74.2 ± 36.7) pg/mL; P = 0.598].Conclusions: It can be concluded that the level of chemerin of seropositive T. gondii IgG was higher than that in the negative T. gondii IgG group.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection in blood donors in Jahrom District,Southern Iran

Objective:To identify the anti-Toxoplasma antibodies from blood donors who referred to blood transfusion bases of Jahrom County,using ELISA method.Methods:Based on the prevalence and characteristics method,400 serum samples were collected from blood donors referred to Jahrom blood transfusion bases,Southern Iran,during 2010–2011,designed at testing by ELISA.Ig M and Ig G antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were tested using ELISA kits(Dia-Pro)on serums.The data were analysed by SPSS 19 software.Results:Review of 400 cases,54 of them were Ig G positive for parasites(13.5%)and 346of those with negative Ig G(86.5%).In Ig M examination,1.75%of them have been positive Ig M(7 cases)and 98.25%of them were Ig M negative(393 cases).By comparing the different group ages,40–50 year age group had the highest prevalence of Ig G positive(17.9%)and the age group of 30–40 years had the highest incidence of Ig M negative(2.5%).Conclusions:Due to the serological infection rate of toxoplasmosis obtained from this study,toxoplasmosis should be considered as a significant transfusion risk factor in Jahrom and also in any region with similar situations.

Anti Toxoplasma antibodies prevalence and associated risk factors among HIV patients

Objective: To assess the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of toxoplasmosis among HIV patients in Agaro Town Health Center of Jimma zone. Methods: Convenient sampling was used to collect blood samples from 135 patients attending anti retroviral therapy from February to March 2015. Serum samples were tested for anti-Toxoplasma gondii(T. gondii) antibody by using latex agglutination test. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis. Results: Overall seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis was 80.7%(109/135, CI: 74.04-87.36). In multivariate analysis significant association was observed between anti T. gondii seropositivity and raw meat consumption(OR: 3.514, CI: 1.167 10.581, P=0.025), knowledge about toxoplasmosis(OR: 5.225, CI: 1.382, P=0.015) and sex(OR: 4.023, CI: 1.382-19.762, P=0.015). Conclusions: Immuno compromised patients showed high rate of seropositivity and thus, it is highly advisable to introduce routine anti-T. gondii antibodies serological screening test prior to ART commencement.

Toxoplasma gondii infection can induce retinal DNA damage: an experimental study

AIM:To detect whether Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii)infection of mice can induce retinal DNA damage.METHODS:A total of 20 laboratory-bred male Swiss albino mice were used and divided into four groups:control group(non-infected animals);T.gondii infected group;immunosuppressed infected group;and infected group treated with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine.Mice eyes were collected 6wk post infection and retinas were obtained.Each retina was immediately processed for comet assay and the frequency of tailed nuclei(DNA damage)was calculated.In addition,retinal DNA damage was revealed by various comet assay parameters that were provided by the image analysis software including tail length,percentage of DNA in the tail,percentage of tailed cells and tail moment.RESULTS:The obtained results showed that T.gondii infection induced a statistically significant increase in the frequency of tailed nuclei,tail length,percentage of DNA in the tail,and tail moment in mice retinal cells compared to the control group(which showed some degree of DNA damage).In immunosuppressed infected group,retinal DNA damage was severing and there was significant increase in various comet assay parameters compared to both control and infected groups.After treatment with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine,retinal DNA damage decreased and all comet assay parameters showed a statistical significant decrease compared to infected groups.CONCLUSION:T.gondii infection can induce DNA damage in mice retinal cells.