Seropositivity and Other Determinants Associated with Toxoplasmosis in Local Buffalo in Iraq

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the Seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii in water buffalo in three Iraqi governorates (Baghdad, Dhi Qar, and Maysan) and to estimate the risk aspects related to infestation throughout the period from January to December 2019. A total of 430 serum samples were inspected with a commercial ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Indirect multi-species kit. The overall Seropositivity of T. gondii in the examined local buffalo was 7.4%, and the highest rate (9.3%) was in Baghdad Governorate. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that adult buffalo (OR = 7.10;95% CI: 0.87-57.68;P = 0.067) and young herds (OR = 8.42;95% CI: 1.07-66.02;P = 0.043) were more subject to infestation from young buffalo and large herds. Furthermore, the hazard of toxoplasmosis was increased in winter especially among animals in contact with cats. It is therefore requisite to determine risk aspects to evaluate which mitigation, control, prevention and procedures should be carried out to diminish, control and prevent infestation with T. gondii and its propagation.

Helicobacter pylori seropositivity in diabetic patients is associated with microalbuminuria

AIM:To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) seropositivity and the presence of microalbuminuria.METHODS:Between December 2003 and February 2010,asymptomatic individuals who visited the Seoul National University Healthcare System Gangnam Center for a routine check-up and underwent tests for H.pylori immunoglobulin G antibodies and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio(UACR) were included.All study subjects completed a structured questionnaire,anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests.Anti-H.pylori immunoglobulin G was identified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.A random single-void urine sample,collected using a clean-catch technique,was obtained to determine the UACR.The presence of microalbuminuria was defined as a UACR from 30 to 300 μg/mg.The presence of diabetes mellitus(DM) was defined as either a fasting serum glucose level greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL or taking anti-diabetic medication.Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors.The dependent variable was microalbuminuria,and the independent variables were the other study variables.RESULTS:A total of 2716 subjects(male,71.8%;mean age,54.9 years) were included.Among them,224 subjects(8.2%) had microalbuminuria and 324 subjects(11.9%) had been diagnosed with DM.Subjects with microalbuminuria had a significantly higher H.pylori seropositivity rate than subjects without microalbuminuria(60.7% vs 52.8%,P = 0.024).Multivariate analysis after adjustment for age,body mass index(BMI),waist circumference,and glucose and triglyceride levels showed that H.pylori seropositivity was significantly associated with microalbuminuria [odds ratio(OR),1.40,95% CI,1.05-1.89,P = 0.024].After the data were stratified into cohorts by glucose levels(≤ 100 mg/dL,100 mg/dL < glucose < 126 mg/dL,and ≥ 126 mg/dL or history of DM),H.pylori seropositivity was found to be significantly associated with microalbuminuria in diabetic subjects after adjusting for age,BMI and serum creatinine level(OR,2.21,95% CI,1.20-4.08,P = 0.011).In addition,the subjects were divided into five groups.Those without microalbuminuria(an UACR of < 30 μg/mg) were divided into four groups in accordance with their UACR values,and subjects with microalbuminuria comprised their own group.Notably,H.pylori seropositivity gradually increased with an increase in UACR(P = 0.001) and was highest in subjects with microalbuminuria(OR,2.41,95% CI,1.14-5.11).This suggests that H.pylori seropositivity is positively associated with microalbuminuria in diabetic subjects.CONCLUSION:H.pylori seropositivity was independently associated with microalbuminuria,and the prevalence of H.pylori seropositivity was associated with the severity of UACR in diabetic subjects.

H pylori seropositivity and cytokine gene polymorphisms

AIM: To investigate whether the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms, IL1B-511C/T, IL1B-31C/T, IL6-634C/G, TNF-1031T/C, TNF-857C/T, and IL10-1082A/G, interact with smoking and drinking habits to influence infection with H pylori.METHODS: The subjects were 410 Japanese transit company employees. C-reactive protein and conventional cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated. Serum anti-H pylori antibodies were measured. The genotypes of IL1B-511C/T, IL1B-31C/T, IL6-634C/G, TNF-1031T/C, TNF-857C/T, and IL10-1082A/G polymorphisms were determined by allelic discrimination using fluorogenic probes and a 5′nuclease assay.RESULTS: In gender- and age-adjusted logistic analyses, the subjects with TNF-857T/T had a significantly lower odds ratio (OR) for H pylori seropositivity (reference -857C/C; OR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03-0.59, P = 0.007). After stratification according to smoking and drinking status, among never-smokers, the subjects with IL1B-511C/T had a significantly lower OR (reference -511C/C; OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.10-0.90, P = 0.032). Among drinkers in the 1-5 times/wk category, the subjects with IL1B-511T/T had a significantly lower OR (reference C/C; OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16-0.95, P = 0.039), and the subjects with IL1B-31C/T and T/T had a significantly higher OR (reference C/C; C/T: OR = 2.59, 95% CI, P = 0.042: 1.04-6.47; C/C: OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.23-8.14, P = 0.017). Among current smokers, the subjects withIL6-634C/G had a significantly higher OR (reference C/C; OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.13-4.58, P = 0.021). However, the interactions terms between the aforementioned genotypes and lifestyles were not statistically significant.CONCLUSION: Contrary to previous findings, the results herein suggest that the TNF-857T/T genotype may be protective against chronic infection with H pylori. Drinking and smoking habits may influence the effect of cytokine gene polymorphisms. Further studies are required to clarify the effects of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine polymorphisms and gene-environmental interactions on H pylori infection.

Relation of CagA seropositivity to cagPAI phenotype and histological grade of gastritis in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection

AIM: Infection with Helicobacter pylori(H pylori) possessing the cag pathogenicity island (PAI) has been associated with severe clinical outcome and CagA-antibody has been used to indicate cagPAI-positive infection. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of CagA seropositivity to indicate the virulence of the cagPAI in Japan. METHODS: Sixty isolates of H pylori cultured from gastric biopsies were examined by polymerase chain reaction assays for the presence of cagA, cagE and VirD4. Anti CagA IgG antibody in matching sera was tested by both ELISA and immunoblot assay. Histological grade of gastritis was graded according to the updated Sydney System. RESULTS: Amongst 53 patients infected with cagA+/cagE+/ VirD4+ strain, 38 were CagA seropositive. There were four patients infected with strains possessing incomplete cagPAI. Two out of three patients with cagA+/cagE-/VirD4- infection were CagA seropositive, while a patient with cagA-/cagE+/ VirD4+ infection was CagA seronegative. Accuracy of ELJSA to predict bacterial possession of cagA was 61.7% whereas 58.3% for cagE and VirD4. The immunoblot assay showed relatively higher sensitivity and showed better accuracy. The lower grade of gastric mucosal inflammatory infiltration was seen in false CagA-seronegative patients. CONCLUSION: Some serodiagnosis does not seem to have enough accuracy to indicate virulence of cagPAI, particularly in infection of strains with incomplete cagPAI. The degree of gastric mucosal inflammation may affect the results of CagA serodiagnosis.

Seropositivity of dengue cases at a tertiary care centre in Chhindwara,Madhya Pradesh:A three year trend

Background:During the recent decades,dengue virus infection has been emerged as a major public health prob-lem.Dengue is one of the important mosquito borne infections causing high mortality and morbidity of humans.Methods:This study was carried out from October 2018 to December 2020.A total of 354 serum samples of clinically suspected dengue patients were tested for immunoglobulin M(IgM)anti-dengue antibodies by dengue monoclonal antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(NIV DEN IgM Capture MAC ELISA).Seasonal variations,age and sex wise incidences were also determined.Results:Total of 354 serum samples were processed from October 2018 to December 2020.Each year males were mostly infected with Dengue 08,10,and 03 in 2018,2019,and 2020,respectively.Age group 11-20 was found to be mostly infected by Dengue in case of both male and female.The prevalence of Dengue in each year was from July to November might be due to the rainy season.Clinical characteristics of patients such as fever,headache,abdominal pain and nausea/vomiting,retro-orbital pain,epistaxis,petechiae,altered sensorium,positive tourniquet test were reported.Conclusions:Continuous dengue virus surveillance is required for monitoring of dengue virus so that early detec-tion can be carried out.Effective vector control measures should be implemented for early detection of impending outbreak and to initiate timely control measures.

Comparison of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients

Objective:To compare the seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii in a group of peritoneal dialysis patients with hemodialysis patients and a general local population as a control group in Tabriz,Northwest Iran.Methods:A total of 176 individuals were participated in the present study.Among them,42 were peritoneal dialysis patients,84 were hemodialysis patients and 50 were healthy volunteers.Anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M serologic study was administered on the collected serums and then the obtained data were analyzed using statistical methods.Results:In the present research,70.2%of hemodialysis patients,66.6%of peritoneal dialysis patients and 68%of control group had positive results for anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin G antibody.All individuals of the groups had negative serologic results for anti-Toxoplasma immunoglobulin M antibody.There was no significant difference between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in hemodialysis patients and peritoneal dialysis patients and general population(P>0.05).Conclusions:The findings showed that either peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis doesn’t increase the risk of Toxoplasma seropositivity in our region(Northwest Iran).It could be explained by the fact that the present research is carried out in a high seroprevalent area scale in which the majority of normal population had previous exposure to this parasitical infection.

Helicobacter pylori vac A genotype is a predominant determinant of immune response to Helicobacter pylori CagA

To evaluate the frequency of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) CagA antibodies in H. pylori infected subjects and to identify potential histopathological and bacterial factors related to H. pylori CagA-immune response. METHODSSystematic data to H. pylori isolates, blood samples, gastric biopsies for histological and molecular analyses were available from 99 prospectively recruited subjects. Serological profile (anti-H. pylori, anti-CagA) was correlated with H. pylori isolates (cagA, EPIYA, vacA s/m genotype), histology (Sydney classification) and mucosal interleukin-8 (IL-8) mRNA and protein expression. Selected H. pylori strains were assessed for H. pylori CagA protein expression and IL-8 induction in co-cultivation model with AGS cells. RESULTSThirty point three percent of microbiologically confirmed H. pylori infected patients were seropositive for CagA. Majority of H. pylori isolates were cagA gene positive (93.9%) with following vacA polymorphisms: 42.4% vacA s1m1, 23.2% s1m2 and 34.3% s2m2. Anti-CagA-IgG seropositivity was strongly associated with atrophic gastritis, increased mucosal inflammation according to the Sydney score, IL-8 and cagA mRNA expression. VacA s and m polymorphisms were the major determinants for positive (vacA s1m1) or negative (vacA s2m2) anti-CagA serological immune response, which also correlated with the in vitro inflammatory potential in AGS cells. In vitro co-cultivation of representative H. pylori strains with AGS cells confirmed functional CagA translocation, which showed only partial correlation with CagA seropositivity in patients, supporting vacA as major co-determinant of the immune response. CONCLUSIONSerological immune response to H. pylori cagA+ strain in H. pylori infected patients is strongly associated with vacA polymorphism, suggesting the crucial role of bacterial factors in immune and clinical phenotype of the infection.

HIV prevalence in suspects attending Sir Sunder Lal Hospital

Objective:To assess the sero-positivity rate of HIV infection among clinically suspected subjects of reproductive age group(15-49 years),biological and behavioral characteristics of the subjects gender specific variation of sero-positivity rale,and the differentials of the sero-positivity rate for the history of blood transfusion or blood products or other organs,history of needle exposure and symptoms of morbidity.Methods:Study is based on the retrospective data of the calendar year 2005 obtained from Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre(VCTC)(now renamed as ICTC),Department of Microbiology,I.M.S.,B.H.U..Varanasi.These cases were either referred by the consultants of different OPD'S of Sir Sunderlal Hospital or came voluntarily for knowing their HIV status.About 2-3 mL of blood samples were collected in a plain vial and tested for HIV status by strategy Ⅱ/Ⅲ as per WHO/NACO guidelines.Results:Overall sero-positivity of HIV was 15.3%(18.1%in males and 12.2%in females) which increased 6-7 folds in the age group 35-49 years as compared to 15-24 years in both the sexes.Sero-positivity rate in male migrants was 43.1%,while in female migrants it was 18.7%.The history of multiple sexual contacts was about 3 times higher in males as compared to females;predominantly it was very high in male migrants(67.7%) as compared to male non-migrants(15.8%).History of multiple sexual contacts was not uncommon in females and it was 25.0%in female migrants and 9.7%in non-migrant females.The sero-positivity rate with the history of multiple sexual contacts was 45.4%in males and 60.3%in females,while without history of multiple sexual contacts these were only 2.8%and 5.3%respectively.Sero-positive cases had on an average 3.6±1.7 various morbidity symptoms as compared to 0.7±1.1 in sero-negatives.It is to be noted that sero-positivity rate was more in those females who seemed apparently healthy compared to those presenting with some of the symptoms;vice versa,in males presenting with some symptoms HIV infection was 7 times higher than those without symptoms.Conclusions:The findings indicate a high sero-positivity among both the genders.Multiple heterosexual contacts,especially,in migrants are the main root of transmission of HIV.These are causing spread of HIV to their spouses.The multiple sexual contacts in the society,especially,among non migrant females of this region are indicating the distortion of traditions and cultures which are a serious concern and may lead to HTV infection on the rise.Awareness program to the susceptible group is the need to reduce further spread of HIV.

Large solitary retroperitoneal echinococcal cyst:A rare case report

Echinococcal disease remains a problem within some endemic areas. Echinococcal cysts usually involve the liver and lungs, but any other organ can potentially be involved. Extrahepatic localization is reported in 14%-19% of all cases of abdominal hydatid disease. We report the case of a large echinococcal cyst localized in the lower pelvis. A 28-year-old woman was admitted to a surgical ward with lower abdominal pain and discomfort lasting for a month. Ultrasonography and computed tomography scanning revealed a large retroperitoneal cystic mass (9 cm × 4 cm) in contact with the left ovary and left ureter. There were no cysts in any other location. Serological tests were positive for Echinococcus. The patient was operated on and the entire cyst was excised intact. Histopathological results confirmed the diagnosis of echinococcosis. Antihelminthics were administered postoperatively and the patient was discharged after 6 d, and is now being closely followed up. Total cystectomy when possible represents the treatment of choice for large extrahepatic echinococcal cysts.

The Association between <i>Chlamydia Trachomatis</i>and Ectopic Pregnancy in Lagos, Nigeria—A Case Control Study

Objectives: To determine the seropositivity of Chlamydia antibody in patients with ruptured ectopic pregnancy compared to normal pregnant women and the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. Study Design: This was a prospective case-control study of 85 cases of ruptured ectopic pregnancy and 100 cases of second trimester on-going intrauterine pregnant controls presenting in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) between September 2009 and March 2010. Study Site: This was at the gynaecological emergency room and antenatal clinic in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Ethical approval was sought and granted by the ethics review committee of LASUTH. Study Participants: Patients presenting with ruptured ectopic pregnancy were recruited as cases while the controls were made up of those with uncomplicated second trimester intrauterine pregnancy. A semi-structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic and clinical characteristics was administered following informed consent. Five milliliters of venous blood was taken from each participant and tested for?Lymphogranuloma Venerum?(LGV) type 2 broadly reacting antigen of?Chlamydia trachomatis.?Data Analysis: Data gathered from the case notes and laboratories were imputed into the computer and analyzed using the statistical package?Epi-Info 3.51, Atlanta, USA. Frequency tables were generated for continuous variables and?chi-square analysis used to determine association between variables, with p values <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: There were 91 cases of ectopic pregnancy among a total of 2468 deliveries giving an incidence of 3.68% or 1 in 27 deliveries. Factors which significantly contributed to increased incidence of ectopic pregnancy in this study were: level of education (p = 0.001), socio-economic status (p = 0.001), parity (p = 0.005), early age of sexual debut (p = 0.001), multiple sexual partners (p = 0.001), previous pelvic inflammatory disease (p = 0.003), previous induced abortion (p = 0.013) and previous?postabortal/puerperal sepsis (p = 0.013). The seropositivity of?Chlamydia IgG (62.4%) in the cases was significantly higher than that of 29% in the control (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: There was a high incidence of ectopic during the period of study and the seropositivity of Chlamydia IgG antibody was significantly higher amongst the cases. Risk factors identified were low level of education, low socio-economic status, low parity, early age of sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, previous history of pelvic inflammatory disease, previous induced abortion and previous postabortal/puerperal sepsis.

Human African trypanosomiasis in endemic focus of Abraka,Nigeria

Objective:To investigated the prevalence of human African trypanosomiasis(HAT),a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiens in an endemic focus of Nigeria,as it relates to age,sex and occupational differences.Methods:A total of 474 human subjects were screened using card agglutination test for trypanosomiasis kit.Positive samples were further investigated for parasite positivity in blood/serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).Results:Of the 474 screened,44(9.3%) were seropositive with seroprevalence of 22(9.6%) in Urhouka,14(9.5%) in Umeghe and 8(7.9%) for Ugonu.The number of seropositives,observed for weakly,moderately and strongly positives for the three communities were 4,7 and 11 in Urhouka,4,5 and 5 in Umeghe and 3,2 and 3 in Ugonu respectively.Among the 16 volunteers with detected parasite in their blood,4 of them were weakly positive,5 of them were moderately positive and 7 of them strongly positive.4 volunteers from Urhouka community were found parasites in their CSF and they were all strongly positive.The difference between the seroprevalence of males and females was not statistically significant(OR=1.14,95%CI=0.37-3.4,P】0.05).The prevalence difference between age group 21-30 years old and the youngest and oldest age groups was statistically significant(OR=3.5,95%CI= 1.08-12.57,P【0.05) but not significant for other age categories (P】0.05),It was observed that farmers had significantly higher prevalence of HAT infection as well as greater risk of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection than inhabitants with other occupations (OR=3.25,95%CI=0.99-11.79,P【0.05).Conclusions:Human activities such as farming and visits to the river have been identified as major risk factors to HAT.Also the breakdown of HAT control program has been advanced for the rise in HAT in Abraka,an endemic focus in Nigeria.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Syphilis Prevalence and Risk Factors among Migrant Workers in Konongo, Ghana

Migrant workers, particularly gold mining workers, have been identified as a group at risk for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI). A cross-sectional study was undertaken on the correlates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis infections in a sample of migrants (Ghanaian citizens [156] and non-Ghanaian citizens [8]) working in a gold mining centres in Konongo, Ghana. The study was conducted between the months of January 2013 to December 2013. Of a total of 600 eligible migrant workers, only 164 (27.33%;males 114, females 50) of the eligible migrants took part in the study. Subjects voluntarily completed a risk-factor questionnaire and provided blood specimen for testing for the presence of antibodies to HIV and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis. These data were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate techniques. The median age of the participants was 29.0 years (range 18 - 62 years). Of the 164 migrant workers tested, HIV and syphilis seroprevalence were 6.7% and 3.7% respectively. On multivariate analysis, the independent determinants for HIV infection were being female [odds ratio (OR) 2.94;95% confidence interval (95% CI 0.86 - 10.0);unmarried (OR 10.13;95% CI 1.2 - 81.09);drug use (OR 3.76;95% CI 0.38 - 36.3);and blood transfusion (OR 2.45;95% CI 0.27 - 22.37). Similarly, on multivariate analysis, the independent determinants for syphilis infection were having concurrent sexual partners (OR 2.16;95% CI 0.38 - 12.12);and blood transfusion (OR 5.07;95% CI 0.51 - 50.37). Consistent with similar studies worldwide, our results suggest high prevalence of HIV and syphilis infections among migrant workers who work in gold mining centres in Ghana.

Cytomegalovirus reactivation after autologous stem cell transplantation in myeloma and lymphoma patients:A single-center study

AIM: To determine the incidence of and the risk factors for cytomegalovirus(CMV) symptomatic infection and end-organ disease after autologous stem cell transplantation(ASCT).METHODS: A total of 327 consecutive non CD34+ selected autografts performed from the Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit of Regina Elena National Cancer Institute of Rome(Italy) in the period comprised between January 2003 to January 2015, were reviewed. Over the 327 autografts, 201 were performed in patients with multiple myeloma, whereas the remaining 126 in patients affected by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma. The patients who underwent an ASCT for an acute leukemia(n = 20) in the sameperiod were excluded from this analysis. CMV DNA load in the blood has been determined by polymerasechain reaction in the case of a clinical suspicion of reactivation, therefore, no routine monitoring strategy was adopted. In the presence of signs and symptoms of CMV reactivation an antiviral treatment was performed.RESULTS: Overall, 36 patients(11%) required a specific antiviral treatment for a symptomatic CMV reactivation(n = 32) or an end-organ disease(n = 4). We observed 20 and 16 cases of CMV reactivation among lymphoma(16%) and myeloma patients(8%), respectively. Among cases of end-organ disease, 3 were diagnosed as interstitial pneumonia and one remaining case as hemorrhagic enteritis. All cases of CMV reactivation were observed in Ig G seropositive patients, with no documented cases of primary CMV infection. All patients were treated with a specific antiviral therapy, with a global rate of hospitalization of 55%; four patients received intravenous immunoglobulins. Transplantrelated mortality was significantly higher in patients who experienced a CMV reactivation(8.4% ± 4.7% vs 1.7% ± 0.8%; P = 0.047). In univariate analysis, a pretransplant HBc Ig G seropositivity, a diagnosis of T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and higher median age at transplant were significantly associated with the risk of developing a clinically relevant CMV infection requiring specific antiviral therapy(P < 0.001, P = 0.042 and P = 0.004, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only a pretransplant HBc Ig G seropositivity(OR = 8.928, 95%CI: 1.991-33.321; P = 0.023) and a diagnosis of T-cell nonHodgkin's lymphoma(OR = 4.739, 95%CI: 1.511-11.112; P = 0.042) proved to be independent predictors of a post-transplant clinically relevant CMV reactivation. CONCLUSION: A symptomatic CMV infection can occur in about 11% of adult patients with lymphoma or myeloma undergoing ASCT. A pre-transplant HBc Ig G seropositivity and a diagnosis of T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma should be considered as independent predictor factors of CMV reactivation.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among Voluntary Healthy Blood Donors at Tellewonyan Memorial Hospital Voinjama, Lofa County, Liberia

Background: The prevalence of transfusion associated hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection differs across different population geographically. Ascertaining the seroprevalence of HBV infection is vital to informing the way of precautionary and control strategies. This study sought to establish the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBVsAg) among blood donors in Yelewonyan Memorial Hospital Lofa, Liberia. Methods: This was a retrospective study which involved reviewing of blood donation records for the year 2020 at Telewonyan Memorial Hospital in Lofa County. The data obtained from the records were analyzed. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 12 for windows. Results: A total of 584 voluntary blood donors were screened for donation in 2020. Out of 584, 554 (95.9%) were males while the rest were females. Prevalence of 3.3% was observed among blood donors in Telewonyan Memorial Hospital. There is a significant difference between gender and age with HBV seropositivity among blood donors. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the study site is of low endemicity with HBV infection. Usually, males are more probably to be HBVsAg seropositive than their female’s counterpart. Planning more extensive study and educational programs would help minimize the spread of HBV infection among the general population.

Prevalence of HIV in a Tertiary Care Centre in Delhi: A Five-Year ICTC Based Study

Objective: The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of HIV infection among the clients attending ICTC, LHMC of New Delhi, for a period of five years, i.e., from 2008 to 2012. Material & Method: A total of 25,413 clients attended ICTC, LHMC from the year 2008 to 2012. Serum samples were collected after taking informed consent and pre-test counseling. In India for all ICTCs, NACO (National AIDS Control Organization), a national guidelines has been followed for HIV testing, reporting and release of results with post test counseling. Results: Out of the total 25,413 clients tested for HIV infection, 963 (3.78%) were found to be HIV-1 seropositive. Seropositivity was higher in male clients i.e. 625 (64.4%) than female i.e. 336 (34.8%) followed by transgender (TG), i.e., 2 (0.2%). Heterosexual route of transmission was the major route seen in 676 clients (70.1%). Maximum HIV seropositivity was in the age group of 25 - 34 years (35.4%). No HIV-2 case was found among the studied population. Conclusion: HIV prevalence of 3.78% among the clients attending ICTC, LHMC, New Delhi, puts light on the burden on HIV in this part of the country and suggests the need for the scaling up of focused prevention efforts in high-risk groups.

Serologic Detection of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>in Cat Owners Residing at Dhaka Metropolitan Area of Bangladesh

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan that can infect any warm-blooded mammal. T. gondii infects about one-third of the human population on the planet. Infection with the parasite in human causes toxoplasmosis that may pose a high risk in immunocompromised individuals under certain clinical conditions. Cats are the ultimate hosts of T. gondii where oocysts are formed through mating of male and female gametes. Infected cats can expel T. gondii oocysts in their feces, and thereby capable of pass on a disease to humans and other animals through consumption of foods, vegetables and water that are polluted with cat feces. The study was conducted to detect the presence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in the blood of individuals with or without cat contact to determine if there is any relationship between cat contacts and T. gondii infection in humans. To address this, we enrolled subjects who contacted with the cat as target group and individuals with no cat contact as control group. Following register of different demographic data (including age, sex, education, foods habit, income status, etc.), whole blood from each enrolled subject of both the target group and control group was collected for serum preparation. T. gondii infected subjects were detected by Toxo Rapid test kit through identifying anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in their serum. We found that only three out of twenty subjects who were in contact with cat showed positive IgG response while IgM antibody response was absent for all subjects. When compared with the data from control group, we did not find any significant association (p = 0.33) of cat contact with the transmission of T. gondii into human. However, with this small number of study subjects, we cannot conclusively say that there is no impact of cat contact on the transmission of T. gondii into human. Whether any association exists or not can be ascertained with a large number of subjects from different areas of Bangladesh in a future study in the population.

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among students of a Nigerian University

Objective:To investigate the seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection among the undergraduate students of Nasarawa state University,Keffi,Nigeria.Methods:A total of 200 serum samples were collected from undergraduate students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi,and 100μL of each serum was aseptically transferred to the specimen well of an H.pylori antigen kit(Clinotech USA).The 2 distinctive red lines apearing in the control and test regions of the kit after 10 minufes indicated positive reaction.Results:Of the 200 students sampled, 108(54%) were seropositive.Analysis of seroprevalence of H.pylori revealed the correlation between infection prevalence and age.The infection prevalence was 45.5%among students aged 18-20,rose to the peak of 85.7%adults aged 31-40,dropped to 66.7%among those 41-50 years old,and continuously went down to 28.6%in the 51-year-old and above populaion.There was a statistically significant difference(using Chi-square) with respects to gender,age and type of infection(symptomatic or asymptomatic seropositive infection)(P【0.0S).Conclucions: Community Health Personnel should be aware of this microorganism as a potential cause of illness in children.Furthermore,the mode of transmission and possible means of controlling the bacterial infection among students or a community is of public health concern and requires further study.

Chronic hepatitis-C infection in COVID-19 patients is associated with in-hospital mortality

BACKGROUND There is little evidence about the association of pre-existing hepatitis C infection(HCV)with outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).AIM To assess the prevalence of history of HCV among patients with COVID-19 and to study the relationship of in-hospital mortality in relation with other predictors of poor outcomes in the presence or absence of COVID-19 induced acute liver injury.METHODS In a retrospective single-center study design,1193 patients with COVID-19 infection were studied.Patients were then classified into those with and without a history of HCV,50(4.1%)and 1157(95.9%)respectively.RESULTS Multivariate cox-regression models showed that age,HCV,D-Dimer,and ferritin were the only predictors of in-hospital mortality.Acute liver injury and fibrosis score(Fib-4 score)were not different between both groups.Multivariate coxregression model for liver profile revealed that aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio,Fib-4 score,and HCV were predictors of inhospital mortality.After propensity score matching HCV was the only predictor of mortality in the multivariate cox-regression model.A model including HCV was found to add predictive value to clinical and laboratory parameters.CONCLUSION In patients with COVID-19,history of HCV infection leads to an accentuated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)virulence,irrespective of baseline comorbidities,admission laboratory variables,or COVID-19-induced liver injury,which may be related to extrahepatic effects of HCV leading to enhanced ACE-2/TMPRSS mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry,baseline cytokine-mediated pro-inflammation,and endothelial dysfunction.

Association between measles antibodies in vaccinated and naturally infected mothers with protective antibodies and the occurrence of measles in their children:A cross-sectional study in the Bavi district of Hanoi

Objective:To determine the concentration and rate of decay of maternal IgG antibodies against measles prevalence in infants of vaccinated or naturally infected mothers and study initial measles immunization occurs in nine-month-old children.Methods:In total,401 pregnant women and the same number of their subsequent newborns were recruited in the Bavi district of Hanoi in 2016-2017;they were divided into two groups:Older women(born before 1985,n=201)and younger women(born after 1990,n=200).Samples were collected at five time-points;week 36 of pregnancy,birth(cord),and 3,6,and 9 months after birth.Measles-specific IgG antibody levels were recorded.Results:In total,77.06% of the 401 pregnant women were seropositive for measles-specific IgG antibodies.A significantly greater proportion of mothers aged 30 and older(88.06%)and their newborn(93.53%)were seropositive compared to the mothers aged 25 and younger(66.00%),and their newborn(72.00%)(P<0.001).The infants of older mothers had significantly higher geometric mean titres(GMT)of measles IgG antibodies than the infants of younger mothers(P<0.001)at all time-points of the study period.The proportion of measles IgG antibodies together with GMT decreased from 82.97%(506.96)at the age of three months to 23.19%(45.22)at the age of nine months.Conclusions:This study provides a profile of maternal antibodies against measles in Vietnamese infants and investigates the early susceptibility to measles in both the infants of vaccinated mothers and mothers with naturally acquired immunity.These data suggest that determining the appropriate age for measles vaccination is paramount for the elimination of measles in Vietnam.

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.