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MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly... Jul 2022Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Although disease tends to be mild (e.g., self-limiting influenza-like symptoms) or...
Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Although disease tends to be mild (e.g., self-limiting influenza-like symptoms) or asymptomatic in immunocompetent persons, toxoplasmosis is more severe in immunocompromised persons, who can develop potentially fatal encephalopathy (1). In addition, primary infections acquired during pregnancy might result in a range of adverse outcomes, including fetal ocular infection, cranial and neurologic deformities, stillbirth, and miscarriage (1,2). An estimated 11% of the U.S. population aged ≥6 years are seropositive for toxoplasmosis, based on analysis of sera collected through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2011-2014 (3). Toxoplasmosis is not a nationally notifiable disease in the United States, and currently no national public health surveillance data are available; however, it is reportable in eight states. To better understand how surveillance data are collected and used, reviews of state-level toxoplasmosis surveillance were conducted during June-July 2021 using semistructured interviews with health officials in six states (Arkansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) where toxoplasmosis is currently reportable. Why or when toxoplasmosis became reportable could not be determined, and many of the states had limited capacity to respond to reported cases. Case definitions varied considerably in terms of clinical description, laboratory criteria, and case classification (i.e., confirmed, probable, or suspect), limiting disease estimates and comparisons among states. Implementation of a standardized case definition would help ensure that cases are counted consistently, enabling better use of surveillance data to characterize disease. Identifying newly acquired cases is challenging because most acute cases among immunocompetent persons (including pregnant women) are asymptomatic, disease among immunocompromised persons is likely reactivation of latent disease, and congenital infections might not manifest until later in life.
Topics: Arkansas; Female; Humans; Nutrition Surveys; Population Surveillance; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Public Health Surveillance; Toxoplasmosis; United States
PubMed: 35834417
DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7128a1 -
Cell Host & Microbe Jul 2021Toxoplasma gondii translocates effector proteins into its host cell to subvert various host pathways. T. gondii effector TgIST blocks the transcription of...
Toxoplasma gondii translocates effector proteins into its host cell to subvert various host pathways. T. gondii effector TgIST blocks the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes to reduce immune defense. Interferons upregulate numerous genes, including protein kinase R (PKR), which induce necrosome formation to activate mixed-lineage-kinase-domain-like (MLKL) pseudokinase and induce necroptosis. Whether these interferon functions are targeted by Toxoplasma is unknown. Here, we examine secreted effectors that localize to the host cell nucleus and find that the chronic bradyzoite stage secretes effector TgNSM that targets the NCoR/SMRT complex, a repressor for various transcription factors, to inhibit interferon-regulated genes involved in cell death. TgNSM acts with TgIST to block IFN-driven expression of PKR and MLKL, thus preventing host cell necroptotic death and protecting the parasite's intracellular niche. The mechanism of action of TgNSM uncovers a role of NCoR/SMRT in necroptosis, assuring survival of intracellular cysts and chronic infection.
Topics: HeLa Cells; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Necroptosis; Nuclear Receptor Co-Repressor 2; Protein Kinases; Protozoan Proteins; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; eIF-2 Kinase
PubMed: 34043960
DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.04.016 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery Sep 2022is a prolific apicomplexan parasite that infects human and nonhuman animals worldwide and can cause severe brain and eye disease. Safer, more effective therapies for...
INTRODUCTION
is a prolific apicomplexan parasite that infects human and nonhuman animals worldwide and can cause severe brain and eye disease. Safer, more effective therapies for toxoplasmosis are needed. Cytochrome inhibitors are remarkably effective against toxoplasmosis and other apicomplexan-caused diseases.
AREAS COVERED
This work reviews cytochrome inhibitors. Emphasis is placed on the structure-activity relationships of these inhibitors with regard to efficacy, pharmacokinetics, selectivity of cytochrome over host, safety, and potential therapeutic strategies.
EXPERT OPINION
Cytochrome inhibitors are highly promising compounds for toxoplasmosis that have been effective in clinical and preclinical studies. Clinical experience with atovaquone previously validated cytochrome as a tractable drug target and, over the past decade, optimization of cytochrome inhibitors has resulted in improved bioavailability, metabolic stability, potency, blood-brain barrier penetration, and selectivity for the cytochrome over the mammalian . Recent studies have demonstrated preclinical safety, identified novel therapeutic strategies for toxoplasmosis using synergistic combinations or long-acting administration and provided insight into their role in chronic infection. This research has identified drug candidates that are more effective than clinically used drugs in preclinical measures of efficacy.
Topics: Animals; Antiprotozoal Agents; Atovaquone; Cytochromes; Humans; Structure-Activity Relationship; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 35772172
DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2096588 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Apr 2020Primary infection with Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women can lead to vertical transmission of the parasites resulting in congenital toxoplasmosis. The frequency of... (Review)
Review
Primary infection with Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women can lead to vertical transmission of the parasites resulting in congenital toxoplasmosis. The frequency of foetal infection increases with gestational age at maternal infection, but the risk of developing clinical sequelae decreases. Data on antiparasitic treatment suggest, that maternal treatment reduces the risk of serious neurological sequelae or death in congenitally infected offspring. Aspects of diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment of T. gondii infection during pregnancy are summarised in this review.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasmosis, Congenital
PubMed: 32400373
DOI: No ID Found -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... 2011Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage and neurological and/or eye damage to the fetus. Since Austria and France established the prenatal screening, the... (Review)
Review
Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage and neurological and/or eye damage to the fetus. Since Austria and France established the prenatal screening, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis has declined from 50% to 35% and 84% to 44%, respectively. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, have educational practices to reduce the risk of infection in seronegative pregnant women. In Brazil, prenatal screening is carried out in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais and the cities of Curitiba and Porto Alegre. In Londrina, state of Parana, the "Health Surveillance Program for Toxoplasmosis Acquired during Pregnancy and Congenital Toxoplasmosis" was established, which is based on serological screening, advising on prevention measures and quarterly serological monitoring in pregnant women that are initially seronegative, in addition to the monitoring of pregnant women and children with acute infection and case notification. In the first four years of implementation, the program evaluation showed a 63% reduction in the number of pregnant women and 42% in the number of children referred to reference services, resulting in the opening of vacancies for the care of patients with other diseases. As for medications, there was a 62% reduction in consumption of folic acid and 67% of sulfadiazine. Moreover, the definition of the protocols resulted in the standardization of care and safety for the decision-making by physicians. Therefore, as there are several protocols individualized in various departments and regions, the establishment of an ideal, consensual conduct with technical support, will result in implementing measures that will certainly save public resources, with the decrease in congenital toxoplasmosis.
Topics: Female; Humans; National Health Programs; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Program Evaluation; Risk Factors; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasmosis, Congenital
PubMed: 22012297
DOI: 10.1590/s0104-42302011000500021 -
Journal de Gynecologie, Obstetrique Et... Mar 2008
Review
Topics: Female; France; Humans; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Prenatal Diagnosis; Serologic Tests; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasmosis, Congenital
PubMed: 18501289
DOI: 10.1016/S0368-2315(08)70497-6 -
MMWR. Recommendations and Reports :... Mar 2000Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Acute infections in pregnant women can be transmitted to the fetus and cause severe... (Review)
Review
SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM
Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Acute infections in pregnant women can be transmitted to the fetus and cause severe illness (e.g., mental retardation, blindness, and epilepsy). An estimated 400-4,000 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis occur each year in the United States. Of the 750 deaths attributed to toxoplasmosis each year, 375 (50%) are believed to be caused by eating contaminated meat, making toxoplasmosis the third leading cause of foodborne deaths in this country.
ETIOLOGIC FACTORS
Toxoplasma can be transmitted to humans by three principal routes: a) ingestion of raw or inadequately cooked infected meat; b) ingestion of oocysts, an environmentally resistant form of the organism that cats pass in their feces, with exposure of humans occurring through exposure to cat litter or soil (e.g., from gardening or unwashed fruits or vegetables); and c) a newly infected pregnant woman passing the infection to her unborn fetus. RECOMMENDATIONSFOR PREVENTION: Toxoplasma infection can be prevented in large part by a) cooking meat to a safe temperature (i.e., one sufficient to kill Toxoplasma); b) peeling or thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before eating; c) cleaning cooking surfaces and utensils afterthey have contacted raw meat, poultry, seafood, or unwashed fruits or vegetables; d) pregnant women avoiding changing cat litter or, if no one else is available to change the cat litter, using gloves, then washing hands thoroughly; and e) not feeding raw or undercooked meat to cats and keeping cats inside to prevent acquisition of Toxoplasma by eating infected prey.
RESEARCH AGENDA
Priorities for research were discussed at a national workshop sponsored by CDC in September 1998 and include a) improving estimates of the burden of toxoplasmosis, b) improving diagnostic tests to determine when a person becomes infected with Toxoplasma, and c) determining the applicability of national screening programs.
CONCLUSION
Many cases of congenital toxoplasmosis can be prevented. Specific measures can be taken by women and their health-care providers to decrease the risk for infection during pregnancy and prevent severe illness in newborn infants.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Research; Risk Factors; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasmosis, Congenital
PubMed: 15580732
DOI: No ID Found -
The British Journal of Ophthalmology Sep 1955
Topics: Child; Eye; Humans; Infant; Toxoplasmosis; Toxoplasmosis, Congenital
PubMed: 13250147
DOI: 10.1136/bjo.39.9.569 -
Evolutionary Psychology : An... 2022Humans infected by express no specific symptoms but manifest higher incidence of many diseases, disorders and differences in personality and behavior. The aim of this...
Humans infected by express no specific symptoms but manifest higher incidence of many diseases, disorders and differences in personality and behavior. The aim of this study was to compare the political beliefs and values of -infected and -free participants. We measured beliefs and values of 2315 responders via an online survey (477 -infected) using the Political Beliefs and Values Inventory (PI34). This study showed -infected and -free participants of our cross-sectional study differed in three of four factors of PI34, scoring higher in Tribalism and lower in Cultural liberalism and Anti-Authoritarianism. We found sex differences in political beliefs associated with infection. Infected women scored higher in tribalism and lower in cultural liberalism, compared with the -free control group, while infected men scored higher in economic equity. These results fit with sexual differences in behavior and attitude observed after toxoplasmosis infection. Controlling for the effect of worse physical health and mental health had little impact, suggesting that impaired health did not cause these changes. Rather than adaptation to prevalence of parasites, as suggested by parasite-stress theory, the differences might be side-effects of long-term mild inflammatory reaction. However, to get clear picture of the mild inflammation effects, more research focused on different infectious diseases is needed.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Personality; Sexual Behavior; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis
PubMed: 35903902
DOI: 10.1177/14747049221112657 -
PloS One 2019The association of latent toxoplasmosis with mental disorders in general and with schizophrenia in particular was noticed in the mid-1950s. In subsequent years, the role...
The association of latent toxoplasmosis with mental disorders in general and with schizophrenia in particular was noticed in the mid-1950s. In subsequent years, the role of Toxoplasma gondii was established based on its ability to survive for long periods of time in the nerve cells of the brain. The acute manifestations of the infection include psychopathic symptoms resembling those of schizophrenia. In the former USSR, and in other parts of the world, a number of studies were performed with respect to the association of latent toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia. However, with the dissolution of the USSR at the beginning of the 1990s, studies on the subject were halted due to financial problems and have resumed only recently. The reasons for the resumption of such studies in contemporary Russia are related to the progressively increasing incidence of schizophrenia over the last 25-30 years in the country. According to official data, approximately 550 000 persons reported suffering from the disease in 2014. There are reasons to believe that this is only a fraction of the real burden of the disease. Economically, it cost the state no less than approximately US $10 billion. The purpose of the study was to identify the level of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in patients with verified diagnoses of schizophrenia in comparison to healthy people in Moscow City and in the Moscow region. A total of 155 persons constituted the patients group and 152 healthy people were in the control group. An integrated approach to the diagnosis and comparison of data from the entire spectrum of serological markers of infection was used, including the detection of specific IgM and the determination of IgG concentrations. It was found that among persons with neuropsychiatric disorders, the incidence of cases with latent toxoplasmosis was higher than in the control group. The effect of toxoplasmosis was significant and similar for men and women. Further statistical analyses revealed that among patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, the incidence of latent toxoplasmosis was significantly higher than in the control group. These data are in agreement with the results of similar studies in other countries.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Brain; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Moscow; Neurons; Russia; Schizophrenia; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxoplasma; Toxoplasmosis; Young Adult
PubMed: 31291336
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219454