Follow-Up Study of 17-ß Estradiol, Prolactin and Progesterone with the Kinetics and Prevalence of T. gondii Infection in Pregnant Women.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. One-third of the world's population has come into contact with this parasite. In Mexico, the prevalence is between 15% and 50% in the general population and 34.9% in women with high-risk pregnancies. In pregnancy, the highest incidence of infection occurs in the third trimester and fetal damage is inversely proportional to gestational age. Maternal hormones play a fundamental role in the immune response. There are very few studies, with controversial results, on the levels of increased hormones and their relationship to the kinetics of T. gondii infections during pregnancy. The aim was to determine the serum levels of 17-ß estradiol, prolactin, and progesterone, and their association with anti-T. gondii antibodies' kinetics in pregnancy. Fifty-two pregnant patients were studied. A questionnaire with sociodemographic and clinical aspects was used. Afterward, 10 mL of venous blood was collected by venipuncture every trimester. The concentrations of 17-ß estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were measured, using the ELISA method. In addition, anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were also determined in the first, second, and third trimester. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was 26.92% in the first and second trimester and 32.7% in the third trimester. In seropositive women, 17-ß estradiol increased in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Progesterone increased significantly p < 0.039 in the third trimester in these women, while prolactin increased in the second trimester with a statistical significance of p < 0.021. In addition, 17-ß estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin are associated with T. gondii infection during pregnancy. New studies are necessary to clarify the specific mechanisms of immune response related to these hormones during pregnancy.

Hormonal modulation of Toxoplasma gondii infection: Regulation of hormonal receptors and cytokine production in THP-1 cells.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan able to infect humans and it is common in pregnant women. During pregnancy and lactation, there are changes in the concentration of 17ß-estradiol (E2), progesterone (Prg), and prolactin (PRL). It is known that a proinflamatory response reduces the susceptibility to be infected, and this response may change according to hormonal impairment. Monocytes and macrophages are the main barrier against many intracellular microorganisms, due to their ability to produce cytokines. The aim of this work was to determine the effect of E2, progesterone, and PRL on the infective capacity of T. gondii, proinflamatory immune response modulation and the expression of hormonal receptors on THP-1 cell stimulated with T. gondii. METHODS: The THP-1 cells were infected with 1500 T. gondii tachyzoites, of RH strain. Stimuli were conducted with recombinant PRL (200 ng/mL), E2 (40 nM) y Prg (40 nM). MTT assays were performed to evaluate cellular viability. Western blot assays were carried out to evaluate the expression of the hormonal receptors (PRLR, ERα, and ERß). Cytokines produced were measured with a magnetic bead kit directed to 17 cytokines. RESULTS: Stimuli with E2 and Prg increased T. gondii infection in monocytes after 48 h; however, no differences in infection were observed in PRL stimulus. The E2 decreased the secretion of IL-12 and IL-1ß and PRL did not modify the production of these cytokines in THP-1 cells stimulated with T. gondii; however, both hormones increased the production of IL-10. Besides, PRL augmented the production of IL-4 and IL-13. In contrast, Prg reduced these cytokines. Our results show that T. gondii induces the expression of ERα and ERß and lowers PRLR. The hormones modify the expression of the receptors of other hormones: Prg decreases PRLR, ERß and increases ERα; E2 diminishes PRLR; and PRL decreases ERα and ERß expression. CONCLUSION: The hormones can increase T. gondii infection and could be mediating an anti-inflammatory response in THP-1 cells. T. gondii induces changes in the expression of hormonal receptors.

Interleukins IL33/ST2 and IL1-ß in Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Seropositivity of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis. It may produce severe damage in immunocompromised individuals, as well as congenital infection and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Previous reports have associated interleukin IL-33 with miscarriage, fetal damage, and premature delivery due to infections with various microorganisms. However, IL-33 has not been associated with congenital toxoplasmosis. The sST2 receptor has been reported in patients who have had recurrent miscarriages. On the other hand, IL-1ß was not found in acute Toxoplasma infection. Our aim was to analyze the associations between the serum levels of IL-33 and IL-1ß in IUGR and toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Eighty-four serum samples from pregnant women who had undergone 26 weeks of gestation were grouped as follows: with anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, without anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, IUGR, and the control group. IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, as well as IL-33, ST2, and IL-1ß, were determined using an ELISA assay. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson and Chi-square correlation coefficients, as well as the risk factors and Odds Ratios (ORs), with a confidence interval of 95% (CI 95). The results showed that 15/84 (17.8%) of cases were positive for IgG anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and 2/84 (2.38%) of cases were positive for IgM. A statistically significant difference was found between IUGR and IL-33 (p < 0.001), as well as between ST2 and IUGR (p < 0.001). In conclusion, IUGR was significantly associated with IL-33 and ST2 positivity based on the overall IUGR grade. No significant association was found between IUGR and the presence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. There was no association between IL-1ß and IUGR. More research is needed to strengthen the utility of IL-33 and ST2 as biomarkers of IUGR.

The Impact of Biosecurity on Biological and Psychosocial Risks for Health Workers of COVID Hospitals in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Some data support that health care workers (HCWs) must have sufficient and good quality personal protective equipment (PPE) and the necessary training to manage COVID patients to avoid contagion that can lead to death. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between biosafety on the biological risks of SARS-CoV-2 and risks of fatigue, anxiety, or depression in health workers who care for patients in COVID hospitals, from September 2020 to August 2021. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The questionnaire used in this study (Q6S64I) consisted of 6 spheres: Sociodemographic aspects, working conditions; Personal Protection Equipment; safety and health; training and knowledge about COVID-19, the form of transport, and personal health conditions. The answers were online. The Goldberg questionnaire (EADG) measures anxiety and depression, and the questionnaire measures fatigue (Barrientos-Gutiérrez et al.) (PSSF). RESULTS: In total, 76.5% of the HCWs were doctors, 25.2% worked in the emergency services, 79.3% received PPE from their institution, 82.9% cared for COVID-19 patients, and 27.9% tested positive for COVID-19. The PPE provided by the employer was 80%, but the quality was deficient, insufficient, and associated with a relative risk of 4.6. A total of 99% acquired better PPE on their own. The exposure to COVID-19 and the surgical mask provided by the institution had an associated relative risk of 2.8 for the HCWs. A total of 39% of the HCWs reported being calm. CONCLUSIONS: PPE, risk exposure, and safety at work were significantly associated with drowsiness and heaviness, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and depression.

Association of Toxoplasmosis and COVID-19 in a MexicanPopulation.

SARS-CoV-2 is the causal agent of COVID-19; the first report of SARS-CoV-2 infection was in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. This virus has since caused the largest pandemic in history, and the number of deaths and infections has been significant. Nevertheless, the development of vaccines has helped to reduce both deaths and infections. Comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, heart and lung diseases, and obesity have been identified as additional risk factors for infection and the progression of COVID-19. Additionally, latent toxoplasmosis has been reported to be a risk factor for acquiring COVID-19 in some studies, but other studies have suggested a negative association between these two infections. Furthermore, in patients after vaccination or with COVID-19 and coinfection, an increase in the lethality and mortality of toxoplasmosis has been observed. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to determine the association of toxoplasmosis with COVID-19 in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Serum samples from 384 patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19 using IgG antibodies against the S1/S2 antigens of SARS-CoV-2 were collected. Subsequently, anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were analyzed with ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 20.0 frequencies, percentages, 2 × 2 tables, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were positive in 105/384 (27.34%) and (26/191) 13.6% of patients, respectively. The positivity for both infections was higher in patients aged >40 years old. Subjects who were overweight or obese were mainly positive for both IgG antibodies against S1/S2 SARS-CoV-2 and Toxoplasma antibodies. In conclusion, the coinfection rate was 21.7%. The prevalence of S1/S2 SARS-CoV-2 was 308/384 (80.2%), and the percentage of Toxoplasma antibodies was 27.34%.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Measured by Western Blot, ELISA and DNA Analysis, by PCR, in Cats of Western Mexico.

Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. The sexual reproductive cycle of Toxoplasma takes place in the small intestine of felines, the definitive hosts. In the final part of the sexual cycle, T. gondii forms oocysts in infected cats. Oocysts transferred via the faeces to the environment are highly infectious to both animals and humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in cats from the metropolitan region of Guadalajara in western Mexico. Western blotting and ELISA for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was performed, and Toxoplasma DNA was identified using polymerase chain reaction. Prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 14.8% (44/297), and only 2/297 cases were positive for PCR. Cats older than one year were at an increased risk of infection (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.844-8.362). Sex, raw meat feeding, hunting habits, vaccination status, and body condition were not associated with positivity. The prevalence of T. gondii infection determined with Western blot in cats in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was lower than that reported in previous studies.

17ß-estradiol modulates the expression of hormonal receptors on THP-1 T. gondii-infected macrophages and monocytes in an AKT and ERK-dependent manner.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite common in pregnancy. Monocytes and macrophages are a significant immunologic barrier against T. gondii by boosting up inflammation. This outcome is highly regulated by signaling pathways such as MAPK (ERK1/2) and PI3K (AKT), necessary in cell growth and proliferation. It may be associated with the hormonal receptors' modulation by T. gondii (Estrogen Receptor (ER)-α, ERß, G Protein-coupled ER (GPER), and Prolactin Receptor (PRLR)), as previously reported by our research group. 17ß-estradiol also activates MAPK and PI3K; however, its combined effect in THP-1 monocytes and macrophages, infected with T. gondii, has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of 17ß-estradiol in the activation of signaling pathways using a model of THP-1 monocytes and macrophages infected with T. gondii. THP-1 monocytes were cultured and differentiated into macrophages. Inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 was performed with specific inhibitors. Stimuli were performed with 17ß-estradiol (10 nM), T. gondii (20,000 tachyzoites), and both conditions for 48 h. Proteins were extracted and quantified, and Western Blot assays were performed. 17ß-estradiol performed activation of ERK1/2 and AKT in T. gondii-infected macrophages. 17ß-estradiol modulated the expression of hormonal receptors in infected cells: increases the PRLR and PrgR in T. gondii-infected macrophages and decreases the PRLR and ERα in T. gondii-infected monocytes. As for GPER, its expression is abolished by T. gondii, and 17ß-estradiol cannot restore it. Finally, the blockage of ERK and AKT pathways modified the expression of hormonal receptors. In conclusion, 17ß-estradiol modifies the receptors of T. gondii-infected THP1 macrophages and monocytes in an ERK/AKT dependent manner.

Effect of 17ß-Estradiol, Progesterone, and Tamoxifen on Neurons Infected with Toxoplasma gondii In Vitro.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis, which produces damage in the central nervous system (CNS). Toxoplasma-CNS interaction is critical for the development of disease symptoms. T. gondii can form cysts in the CNS; however, neurons are more resistant to this infection than astrocytes. The probable mechanism for neuron resistance is a permanent state of neurons in the interface, avoiding the replication of intracellular parasites. Steroids regulate the formation of Toxoplasma cysts in mice brains. 17ß-estradiol and progesterone also participate in the control of Toxoplasma infection in glial cells in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 17ß-estradiol, progesterone, and their specific agonists-antagonists on Toxoplasma infection in neurons in vitro. Neurons cultured were pretreated for 48 h with 17ß-estradiol or progesterone at 10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 nM/mL or tamoxifen 1 µM/mL plus 17ß-estradiol at 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 nM/mL. In other conditions, the neurons were pretreated during 48 h with 4,4',4″-(4-propyl-[1H] pyrozole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol or 23-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionitrile at 1 nM/mL, and mifepristone 1 µM/mL plus progesterone at 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 nM/mL. Neurons were infected with 5000 tachyzoites of the T. gondii strain RH. The effect of 17ß estradiol, progesterone, their agonists, or antagonists on Toxoplasma infection in neurons was evaluated at 24 and 48 h by immunocytochemistry. T. gondii replication was measured with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay. 17ß-Estradiol alone or plus tamoxifen reduced infected neurons (50%) compared to the control at 48 h. Progesterone plus estradiol decreased the number of intracellular parasites at 48 h of treatment compared to the control (p < 0.001). 4,4',4″-(4-propyl-[1H] pyrozole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol and 23-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionitrile reduced infected neurons at 48 h of treatment significantly compared to the control (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The Toxoplasma infection process was decreased by the effect of 17ß-estradiol alone or combined with tamoxifen or progesterone in neurons in vitro. These results suggest the essential participation of progesterone and estradiol and their classical receptors in the regulation of T. gondii neuron infection.

Toxoplasmosis Is More Frequent in Schizophrenia Patients Than in the General Population in Mexico and Is Not Associated with More Severe Course of Schizophrenia Measured with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease, which was discovered in 1908, caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii infects neuronal, glial, and muscle cells, and chronic infections are characterized by the presence of cysts, in the brain and muscle cells, formed by bradyzoites. T. gondii is capable of synthesizing L-DOPA, a precursor of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is key in the etiology of neuropsychological disorders such as schizophrenia. Previous studies have shown high levels of IgG Toxoplasma antibodies in schizophrenia patients. Many published studies show that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis is higher in schizophrenia patients. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in patients with schizophrenia and the relationships between, sociodemographic factors and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. A total of 27 schizophrenic patients were included and IgG anti-T. gondii was determined in serum samples by ELISA. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, sociodemographic factors were associated with seropositivity. We found that the prevalence of Toxoplasma antibodies was 51.7%. In the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, statistical significant association (p = 0.024) was found in Item 13 which is related to motor retardation, however, the association turned non-significant after of correction for multiple tests or after of analyzed with a logistic regression p = 0.059, odds ratio (OR) = 2.316 with a 95% confidence interval [0.970 to 5.532]. Other association was not found between toxoplasmosis and others factors. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis on our population under study was significantly higher than that reported by general population or other group of Mexican schizophrenia patients.

Occult hepatitis B in kidney transplants recipients and donors from Western Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is defined as the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum and/or liver from HBsAg-negative subjects. Our aim was to determine OBI frequency in serum and genomic DNA in patients undergoing renal transplant and their cognate donors in a selected population from Western Mexico. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 94 donors and their cognate recipients (188 participants) before kidney transplantation. Identification of HBV DNA was carried-out by nested (S-region) and semi-nested (Pol-region) PCR in both genomic and serum DNA samples from 188 participants at pre-surgical stage and from a subset of 73 recipients at three-month follow-up. RESULTS: HBV-DNA was not detected in either genomic or serum DNA samples from recipients or donors prior to transplantation. After three-months of follow-up, 2 out of 73 (2.7%, 95% CI: 0.9-11.9%) recipients were positive to HBV-DNA (Pol-region) in genomic DNA samples using a high sensitivity Taq DNA polymerase. CONCLUSIONS: OBI incidence in recipients of kidney transplant may be higher than previously recognized. Detection of HBV-DNA was higher in genomic DNA than in serum samples using a high sensitivity Taq DNA polymerase. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding this specific topic in Mexicans.

Kinematic Locomotion Changes in C57BL/6 Mice Infected with Toxoplasma Strain ME49.

Chronic infection with the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii produces an accumulation of cysts in the brain and muscle, causing tissue damage. The cysts in the brain motor regions affect some kinematic locomotion parameters in the host. To localize the brain cysts from Toxoplasma gondii and study the changes in kinematic locomotion in C57BL/6 mice. Female adult C57BL/6 mice were infected orally with 30 ME-49 Toxoplasma gondii cysts. An uninfected group (n = 7) and two infected groups, examined 15 and 40 days postinfection, were used for this study. To evaluate kinematic locomotion, the mice were marked with indelible ink on the iliac crest, hip, knee, ankle, and phalangeal metatarsus of the left and right hindlimbs. At least three recordings were carried out to obtain videos of the left and right hindlimbs. Mice were video recorded at 90 fps at a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels while walking freely in a transparent Plexiglass tunnel. We measured the hindlimb pendular movement and the hindlimb transfer [linear displacement] curves for each step and evaluated them statistically with Fréchet dissimilarity tests. Afterward, the mice were sacrificed, and the brain, heart, skeletal muscle, lung, liver, and kidney were obtained. The different tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for analysis with optical microscopy. Topographic localization of the cysts was made using bregma coordinates for the mouse brain. The cysts were distributed in several brain regions. In one mouse, cyst accumulation occurred in the hippocampus, coinciding with an alteration in foot displacement. The step length was different among the different studied groups.

Congenital toxoplasmosis: specific IgG subclasses in mother/newborn pairs.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies of all IgG subclasses were studied in mother/newborn pairs. IgG1 in the mothers and IgG3 in the newborns were related to offspring clinical problems; IgG2 and IgG3 in the babies were markers of vertical transmission, and IgG4 in mothers or children were associated to clinical problems. IgG subclasses may be markers of congenital infection or clinical outcome.

Does Toxoplasma gondii infection impact liver transplantation outcomes? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Approximately one-third of the world's population has Toxoplasma gondii infection, and one of the main routes of transmission is organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Toxoplasma infection on liver transplantation patients. METHODOLOGY: We searched PubMed, Lilacs, Medline, Science direct, Scielo, Ebsco, Springer, Wiley, Ovid and Google Scholar for reports published up to June 2017, and a systematic review was performed. RESULTS: Twenty cases were analysed before and after liver transplantation. Primary and reactivated infections were investigated. Before transplantation, positive IgG antibodies were the predominant serological markers in donors and recipients: 40 % (D+/R-), 20 % (D+/R+) and 20 % (D-/R+). IgM was present in only 5 % of the donors (D+/R-). In four cases, the serological markers were not specified or were negative (D?/R? or D?/R-). After transplantation, IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were found in 30 % of the recipients, and in 67 % of the seronegative recipients the presence of Toxoplasma DNA or tachyzoites was reported, suggesting a primary infection. Clinical symptoms were meningitis, massive cerebral oedema, encephalitis and seizures. Treatment was administered in 70 % of the patients, and 40 % died after presenting symptoms associated with Toxoplasma infection. CONCLUSIONS: Although we review Toxoplasma infection and liver transplantation cases, problems associated with the parasite may be greater than identified. Hence, follow-up studies on Toxoplasma infection in liver transplantation patients are recommended.

Short report: neonatal screening pilot study of Toxoplasma gondii congenital infection in Mexico.

Congenital toxoplasmosis is an obstetric problem in Mexico, but its actual frequency is unknown. Using a network for screening of non-infectious disorders, we performed a pilot study to determine the frequency of IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in 1,003 infants (53.1% male, mean +/- SD age = 18.3 +/- 13.0 days, birth weight = 3.116 +/- 0.453 kg) in Mexico City from March to April 2003. Blood samples embedded in filter paper were assayed for IgM antibodies using a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and results were confirmed by Western blot. Two asymptomatic newborns, one of them premature, had IgM and IgG antibodies in a serum sample taken from both the infant and the mother and were clinically followed. Our data suggest a frequency of approximately two cases of congenital T. gondii infection per 1,000 newborns in Mexico City.

The role of hormones on Toxoplasma gondii infection: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis in which one third of the world's population has been infected. In pregnant women, it may cause abortion and severe damage to the fetal central nervous system. During pregnancy, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis increases throughout the second and third quarter of gestation, simultaneously progesterone and 17ß-estradiol also increase. Thus, it has been suggested that these hormones can aggravate or reduce parasite reproduction. The aim of this study was reviewing the relationship between hormones and infection caused by T. gondii in several experimental animal models and humans, focused mainly on: (a) congenital transmission, (b) parasite reproduction, (c) strain virulence, (d) levels of hormone in host induced by T. gondii infection, and (e) participation of hormone receptors in T. gondii infection. Are the hormones specific modulators of T. gondii infection? A systematic review methodology was used to consult several databases (Pub Med, Lilacs, Medline, Science direct, Scielo, Ebsco, Sprinker, Wiley, and Google Scholar) dated from September, 2013 to March, 2014. RESULTS: Thirty studies were included; eight studies in humans and 22 in animals and cell cultures. In the human studies, the most studied hormones were testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, and 17ß-estradiol. Type I (RH and BK) and Type II (Prugniaud, SC, ME49, T45, P78, and T38) were the most frequent experimental strains. CONCLUSIONS: Thirty-five years have passed since the first studies regarding T. gondii infection and its relationship with hormones. This systematic review suggests that hormones modulate T. gondii infection in different animal models. However, given that data were not comparable, further studies are required to determine the mechanism of hormone action in the T. gondii infectious process.

Soroepidemiologia da toxoplasmose em estudantes de nível secundário naárea metropolitana de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México / Seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in high-school students in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

Aims: To determine the prevalence of specific antibodies and the associated risk factors for toxoplasmosis in students attending high-shool in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. Methods: Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by using a home-made indirect immunofluorescence antibodies test. Socio-demographic variables and risk factors were recorded. The correlation was measured by Odds Ratio (95% CI), using Chi-square or Fischer test for statistical significance. Results: Blood samples from 174 volunteer students were collected. The age range was 14 to 25 years old, and 109 (63%) were female. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG and IgM antibodies were 17.8% and 4.6%, respectively. We did not find statistically significant differences due to age or gender. From the risk factors studied, the only significant association was found between T.gondii-specific IgG antibodies and the consumption of undercooked meat. Seven out of 11 (63.6%) students who consumed undercooked meat were IgG positive, compared with 22/159 (13.8%) who did not have this habit (OR 10.8, 95%CI 2.9-40.4). Other variables were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii specific IgG and IgM antibodies were 17.8% and 4.6%, respectively. Students who had consumed undercooked meat had a 10.8 times greater risk of acquiring Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma y factores de riesgo asociados para toxoplasmosis en estudiantes de bachillerato en Zapopan, Jalisco, México. Métodos: Los anticuerpos IgG e IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii fueron determinados usando el método de inmunofluorescencia indirecta realizado en nuestro laboratorio y previamente estandarizado. Variables socio-demográficas y factores de riesgo para toxoplasmosis fueron analizados y correlacionados con la presencia de anticuerpos. La correlación fue realizada mediante razón de momios con un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Fueron utilizados Chi cuadrada ó significancia estadística de Fischer. Resultados: Fueron determinados los anticuerpos en 174 estudiantes. El rango de edad fue de 14 a 25 años y 109 (63%) correspondió al género femenino. La prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma fue de 17,8% para IgG y 4,6% para IgM. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con relación a edad y genero. De los factores de riesgo estudiados, la asociación entre anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma clase IgG y el consumo de carne poco cocida fue la única significativa. Siete de cada 11 (63,6%) los estudiantes que consumieron carne mal cocida IgG-positivos, en comparación con 22/159 (13,8%) que no tenían este hábito (odds ratio: 10,8, intervalo de confianza del 95%: 2,9-40,4). Otras variables no fueron estadísticamente significativas. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxoplasma clase IgG fue de 17,8% y 4,6% a IgM. Los estudiantes que consumían carne mal cocida tuvieron 10,8 veces mayor riesgo para adquirir la infección por Toxoplasma gondii.

Incidence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in women with high-risk pregnancy and habitual abortions

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite. In pregnant women on the worldwide scale, there are seroprevalences from 7 per cent to 51.3 per cent and in women with abnormal pregnancies and abortions the seroprevalences vary from 17.5 per cent to 52.3 per cent. In Mexico, seropositivity has been found to vary from 18.2 per cent to 44.8 per cent in women with abnormal deliveries or abortions. This study's aim was to determine the incidence of IgG and IgM anti-Toxoplasma antibodies in women at the Gineco-Obstetrics Hospital of the Western Medical Center of the Mexican Social Security Institute. Three hundred and fifty women with high-risk pregnancies were studied, and 122 (34.9 per cent) were found to be IgG seropositive and 76 (20.7 per cent) were IgM positive. In one group of women with habitual abortions there were 48 (44.9 per cent) with the presence of IgG antibodies and 33 (33.3 per cent) were IgM seropositive. Seropositivity was analyzed according to age, occupation, socio-economic level, eating raw or poorly cooked meat, and living with cats.

Efecto del halotano y enfluorano sobre las beta endorfinas plasmáticas en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de urgencia y electiva / Effect of halothane and enflurane in plasma beta-endorphins, in patients undergoing emergency and elective surgery

Se diseñó este estudio, con objeto de determinar la concentración de beta endorfinas plasmáticas en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de urgencia y electiva. De un grupo de 6 pacientes, tres recibieron anestesia con halotano y tres con enfluorano, empléandose concentraciones equipotentes, con una mezcla de N20-O2 al 50%. La relajación muscular se llevó a cabo con bromuro de pancuronio. No se utilizarón narcóticos en el estudio. Se tomaron muestras de sangre a cada paciente durante los periodos pre, trans y postoperatorios para la determinación de beta endorfinas mediante radioinmunoanálisis. Los pacientes que recibieron anestesia con halotano mostraron elevación en los niveles plasmáticos de betaendorfina, en tanto que el grupo que recibió enfluorano presentó disminución (p < 0.05) en los niveles plasmáticos de beta endorfina. No encontramos correlación significativa entre los niveles de beta endorfina y estabilidad cardiovascular. Estos resultados sugieren que el enfluorano probablemente inhibe el sistema endorfínico, mientras que el halotano parece no impedir la respuesta neuroendócrina betaendorfínica durante el stress quirúrgico