Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in apparently healthy horses in eastern of Spain.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonoses and represents a significant health risk for humans, especially for immunodeficient patients. The main transmission route is by oral uptake of oocysts and consumption of undercooked meat of infected animals. Different species have been evaluated as possible reservoirs of the parasite, but few studies have been carried out to examine the role of horses in transmission of the disease. Given the proximity of these animals to humans and the widespread consumption of their meat in many countries, including the Mediterranean basin, it is important to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection in this species. In this study, blood samples from 105 horses were collected and the presence of T. gondii was evaluated by serological and molecular methods. Antibodies against T. gondii of 12 horses (11.43%) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas 29 horses (27.62%) showed positive for PCR. Seroprevalence was related to use of the animals, being higher in horses used for dressage than in others. Purebreds had higher seroprevalence than crossbred animals. No differences between breed, sex or age were found. The results of this study confirm the presence of T. gondii infection in horses, highlighting the need to analyse the meat of this species before human consumption and to control of this infection in horses, as they could be an important reservoir of this zoonotic parasite.

A survey of the tick-borne disease Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in southern Algeria: First serological evidence in the dromedary camel population.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral zoonosis caused by a Nairovirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Despite its wide geographical distribution, the epidemiology of CCHF in northern Africa is incompletely understood and its occurrence in Algeria is virtually unknown. The present survey aimed to determine the prevalence of CCHF antibodies and to identify the potential risk factors associated with CCHFV seropositivity among the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) in southern Algeria. A total of 269 camels selected randomly from slaughterhouses in three wilayas were employed in the study. Sera sampled were tested for the presence of CCHFV-specific IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CCHFV seropositivity was recorded in 255 out of 269 camels accounting for a prevalence rate of 94.8% (95%CI = 92.14-97.45). The seroprevalence by origin was determined to be 97% (193/199) in imported camels and 86% (49/57) in local ones (p > 0.25). Tick presence (OR = 12.35, 95%CI = 1.41-107.43, p < 0.05) was recorded as the only potential risk factor for contracting CCHFV. This study shows for the first time that camels are exposed to CCHFV in Algeria with a significantly high seroprevalence. It also underlines the need for further research to investigate the broader extent of circulating CCHFV in the country, whether in humans, animals, or ticks.

A serological survey of COVID-19 among predominantly aboriginal residents of a tourist island in southern Thailand.

BACKGROUND: The current survey describes the seroprevalence, history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and vaccination status among predominantly aboriginal residents on a tourist island in southern Thailand. This information can be translated into COVID-19 vaccination and control plans for this population. METHODS: We implemented questionnaire interviews and collected blood samples from 249 residents of Lipe Island, Satun Province, in January 2022. We measured the anti-nucleocapsid protein and anti-spike (anti-S) receptor-binding protein levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG. The differences in antibody levels among participants with different histories of vaccination and infection were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with multiple comparisons. RESULTS: During the 2-year pandemic period, no island residents with COVID-19 required hospitalization despite the high prevalence of hypertension (33.3%) and diabetes mellitus (21.7%). Approximately 18.8% of the participants reported a history of COVID-19 diagnosis. In total, 95.1% of the participants had a history of complete vaccination, of which 93.5% were seropositive. The anti-S IgG geometric means (geometric standard deviation) were 3945.8 (2.0), 829.8 (9.7) AU/mL, 789.9 (5.3) AU/mL, and 22.7 (7.1) AU/mL, respectively, in participants with a history of both COVID-19 diagnosis and complete vaccination (group 1), incomplete vaccination and subsequent COVID-19 diagnosis (group 2), complete vaccination but no previous infection (group 3), or neither previous COVID-19 and complete vaccination (group 4). Significant pairwise differences in anti-S IgG levels were found between certain groups (1 vs 3, 1 vs 4, 2 vs 4, and 3 vs 4). CONCLUSIONS: The high coverage of vaccination, high levels of population antibody titers, variable antibody levels among completely vaccinated non-infected residents, and high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) suggested that the local health systems could control the pandemic. However, continuing surveillance, booster vaccinations, and NCD prevention programs were still required.

Parvovirus B19 and Parvovirus 4 infections among healthy blood donors; A prevalence report from Iran.

Background: Parvoviruses, characterized by their tropism for blood cells, can manifest as asymptomatic infections. With their ability to persist in blood, assessing the prevalence of Parvovirus B19 (B19V) and Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) among healthy blood donors is essential for evaluating the potential transmission risks through blood transfusions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive screening protocols. Methods: Four hundred blood donors participated in the study, with their blood specimens subjected to Real-Time PCR analysis for B19V and PARV4 nucleic acids after obtaining informed consent. Additionally, Complete Blood Count (CBC) assessments and determination of anti-B19 V-IgM and anti-B19 V-IgG antibody titers were performed using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for all collected samples. Results: The results reveal that 12 out of 400 individuals (3 %) exhibited positive results for B19V DNA, while 6 out of 400 individuals (1.5 %) tested positive for PARV4 DNA. Additionally, 8 out of 400 individuals (2 %) displayed positive results for anti-B19V IgM, and 306 out of 400 individuals (76.5 %) exhibited positive results for anti-B19 IgG. Notably, one donation from a donor presenting anti-IgM antibodies was subsequently confirmed as B19V DNA-positive through Real-Time PCR. In the analysis of CBC, a significant disparity in platelet levels was observed between B19V-positive donors, PARV4-positive donors, and B19V-negative donors. Conclusions: The study suggests that individuals at high risk, lacking detectable B19V antibodies, should undergo systematic screening and exclusion. This precaution is intended to minimize potential contamination risks within the studied cohort, despite the undefined pathogenesis and clinical implications of PARV4.

Serological evidence of human exposure to foodborne zoonotic parasites in Romanian patients and possible association with food habits and hygiene.

Humans may become accidental dead-end hosts for a series of zoonotic foodborne parasites, of which Toxoplasma gondii, Echinococcus spp., Toxocara spp., and Trichinella spiralis are of major public health interest, due to their potential pathological implications. The aims of the study were to evaluate the exposure to these pathogens in north-western Romania, and to investigate their potential association to risk factors. From June 2022 to January 2024, 554 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in north-western Romania were screened for the presence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii, Echinococcus spp., Toxocara canis, and T. spiralis by ELISA, and potential risks were assessed using a questionnaire. Overall, 225 samples (40.6%) were positive for at least one pathogen. The highest seroprevalence for IgG was found for T. gondii (33.9%), followed by Echinococcus spp. (9.1%), T. spiralis (2.9%), and T. canis (1.1%). For T. spiralis, raw meat consumption was associated with positivity. For T. gondii, increased age, rural environment, contact with cats, consumption of unwashed fruits/vegetables and drinking water from unverified sources were significantly associated to seropositivity. The present study provides new insights into the epidemiological status of zoonotic foodborne parasite in Romania, underlining the need to increase awareness on the importance of water, sanitation and food habits in relation with this neglected pathology.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Kosovo-Wide Population-Based Seroepidemiological Study.

BACKGROUND: Seroprevalence studies have proven to be an important tool in tracking the progression of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to measure the seroprevalence of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the general population of Kosovo by gender, age group and region and among asymptomatic people. METHOD: The Institute of Public Health of Kosovo conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey, aligned with the protocols of the WHO Unity Studies, from the beginning of May to the end of June 2021. RESULTS: The survey covered a total of 2204 people with a response rate of 91.8% (41.9% [923] males and 51.2% [1281] females). In May to June 2021, the prevalence of antibodies in the overall population (IgG antibodies ≥ 1.1) was 37.0%. Seroprevalence was 34.4% in men and 38.9% in women (p < 0.05), with the highest percentage (48.7%) found in the 60-69 years' age group. The overall prevalence of acute IgM antibodies (IgM ≥ 1.1) was 1% (95% CI: 0.7%-1.5%), with no significant difference between genders and the highest prevalence among participants of 60-69 years of age (1.6%; 95% CI: 0.7%-3.6%). CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was found in Kosovo before the start of the vaccination campaign. However, the results of the survey suggested that, by the end of June 2021, a desirable level of protection from the SARS-CoV-2 virus had not been reached.

Detection and seroprevalence of Q fever infection in dairy goats in Besut district, Malaysia.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Q fever and its association with age and gender among Saanen dairy goats in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: One hundred dairy goats (n = 100) aged 6 months to 6 years were randomly selected, and blood samples were collected for serological analysis using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The results revealed a seropositive rate of 70% among the goats, with medium-positive titers being the most common. The prevalence of Q fever varied among different age groups, with higher rates observed in adult goats aged between 5 and 6 years. Gender analysis showed that males had a higher positive rate (p < 0.05) of Q fever compared to females. Conclusion: These findings strongly indicate the presence of Coxiella burnetii in the dairy goat population and highlight the importance of implementing biosecurity measures and control strategies to prevent further transmission of this disease. This research has contributed to a better understanding of Q fever epidemiology and provides insights for effective control and prevention strategies in dairy goat populations.

Temporal patterns of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection among pediatric population in Japan: A 3-year analysis.

To elucidate the seroprevalence and rate of asymptomatic infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Japanese children, serological analysis was performed using serum samples collected from March 2020 to February 2023. A total of 1493 serum samples were collected during the first study period (March 2020 to February 2021). None of the serum samples was positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibody. In the second period (March 2021 to February 2022), seven of the 1055 patients (0.7%) experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection. The third period (March 2022 to February 2023) was divided into three terms: from March to June 30, 2022; from July to October 2022; and from November 2022 to February 2023. The seroprevalence gradually increased throughout this period, with rates of 6.0%, 18.6%, and 30.4% in the three terms, respectively. Pediatric cases of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred after the surge of Omicron variants. Since none of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody-positive patients had a previous history of coronavirus disease 2019, the seroprevalence rate in this study may represent the rate of asymptomatic infection.

SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence by industry, workplace characteristics, and workplace infection prevention and control measures, North Carolina, USA, 2021 to 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected workers in certain industries and occupations, and the workplace can be a high-risk setting for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In this study, we measured SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence and identified work-related risk factors in a population primarily working at industrial livestock operations. We used a multiplex salivary SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay to determine infection-induced antibody prevalence among 236 adult (≥18 yr) North Carolina residents between February 2021 and August 2022. We used the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System (NIOCCS) to classify employed participants' industry. Most participants (55%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 49% to 62%) were infection-induced IgG positive, including 71% (95% CI 60% to 83%) of animal slaughtering and processing industry workers, 1.5 to 4.3 times North Carolina general population infection-induced seroprevalence estimates during overlapping time periods. Considering self-reported diagnostic test positivity and vaccination history in addition to antibodies, the proportion of participants with evidence of prior infection increased slightly to 61% (95% CI 55% to 67%), including 75% (95% CI 64% to 87%) of animal slaughtering and processing workers. Participants with more than 1000 compared to 10 or fewer coworkers at their jobsite had higher odds of prior infection (adjusted odds ratio 4.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 21.0). This study contributes evidence of the severe and disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on animal slaughtering and processing workers and workers in large congregate settings.

Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody landscape in Norway in the late summer of 2022: high seroprevalence in all age groups with patterns of primary Omicron infection in children and hybrid immunity in adults.

BACKGROUND: According to Norwegian registries, 91% of individuals ≥ 16 years had received ≥ 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine by mid-July 2022, whereas less than 2% of children < 12 years were vaccinated. Confirmed COVID-19 was reported for 27% of the population, but relaxation of testing lead to substantial underreporting. We have characterized the humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Norway in the late summer of 2022 by estimating the seroprevalence and identifying antibody profiles based on reactivity to Wuhan or Omicron-like viruses in a nationwide cross-sectional collection of residual sera, and validated our findings using cohort sera. METHODS: 1,914 anonymized convenience sera and 243 NorFlu-cohort sera previously collected from the Oslo-area with reported infection and vaccination status were analyzed for antibodies against spike, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the ancestral Wuhan strain and Omicron BA.2 RBD, and nucleocapsid (N). Samples were also tested for antibodies inhibiting RBD-ACE2 interaction. Neutralization assays were performed on subsets of residual sera against B.1, BA.2, XBB.1.5 and BQ.1.1. RESULTS: The national seroprevalence estimate from vaccination and/or infection was 99.1% (95% CrI 97.0-100.0%) based on Wuhan (spike_W and RBD_W) and RBD_BA2 antibodies. Sera from children < 12 years had 2.2 times higher levels of antibodies against RBD_BA2 than RBD_W and their seroprevalence estimate showed a 14.4 percentage points increase when also including anti-RBD_BA2 antibodies compared to Wuhan-antibodies alone. 50.3% (95% CI 45.0-55.5%) of residual sera from children and 38.1% (95% CI 36.0-40.4%) of all residual sera were positive for anti-N-antibodies. By combining measurements of binding- and ACE2-RBD-interaction-inhibiting antibodies, reactivity profiles indicative of infection and vaccination history were identified and validated using cohort sera. Residual sera with a profile indicative of hybrid immunity were able to neutralize newer Omicron variants XBB.1.5 and BQ.1.1. CONCLUSIONS: By late summer of 2022, most of the Norwegian population had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, and almost all children had been infected. Antibody profiles indicated that children mostly had experienced a primary Omicron infection, while hybrid immunity was common among adults. The finding that sera displaying hybrid immunity could neutralize newer Omicron variants indicates that Wuhan-like priming of the immune response did not have a harmful imprinting effect and that infections induce cross-reacting antibodies against future variants.

Serosurvey of canine leishmaniasis in five departments near an identified human clinical case in Marseille (France).

Leishmania infantum is a protozoan parasite of the family Trypanosomatidae, transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae). It is responsible for human and canine leishmaniasis in countries bordering the Mediterranean basin. Here we describe a clinical case of human cutaneous leishmaniasis in a 76-year-old female patient living in Marseille. Upon interrogation, the patient had no history of recent travel or contact with animals. The study involved clinical, serological, and molecular investigation of the occurrence of Leishmania infection in 718 dogs from five departments within a 130 km radius perimeter around Marseille. Five dogs showed signs of moderate leishmaniasis. Additionally, the serological survey of dogs revealed a global seroprevalence of 5.1%, with a significantly different prevalence in the Vaucluse department. Molecular analysis and phylogenetic studies highlighted the close relatedness of Leishmania strains between human and canine hosts with 99.6% of identity, indicating local transmission. The findings underscore the importance of serological surveillance in dogs and human. In a One Health approach, it is necessary to continue investigating Leishmania infection in all potential reservoirs, especially for zoonotic L. infantum in wildlife (red foxes, leporids, rodents, etc.) but also in dogs, cats, and equids.

Health facility-based prevalence of typhoid fever, typhus and malaria among individuals suspected of acute febrile illnesses in Southwest Region, Ethiopia.

Background: Acute febrile illnesses such as typhoid fever, typhus, and malaria are still major causes of hospital admission in many parts of Ethiopia. However, there are substantial gaps in the monitoring systems, which result in a lack of knowledge about the geographic distribution and role of common pathogens, particularly in rural areas. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing the seroprevalence of typhoid fever, typhus, and malaria among suspected acute febrile patients at the MTU Teaching Hospital and Mizan-Aman Health Center, Southwest region of Ethiopia. Method: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out from July to October 2022. Blood samples were collected from a total of 384 individuals. Widal and Weilfelix direct card agglutination and tube agglutination test methods were used for the Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. typhi) and Rickettsia infections. The diagnosis of malaria was made using thick and thin blood smears. Questionnaires given by interviewers were used to gather information on risk factors and other sociodemographic factors. The data was analyzed using STATA/SE 14.0. Result: A total of 371 patients were tested for S. Typhi and Rickettsia infections using direct card agglutination and tube agglutination methods. Using the screening test, 20.5% (76/371) patients were reactive either for O or H antigens or both, of which 55.3% (42/76) were reactive by the titration test at the cutoff value ≥ 1:80. About 17.5% (65/371) were reactive to OX19 antigen by card agglutination test, and of which 58.5% (38/65) were reactive by the titration test at the cutoff value ≥ 1:80. The overall seroprevalence of S. Typhi and Rickettsia infections using combined direct card and tube agglutination techniques was 11.3% (42/371) and 10.2% (38/371), respectively. Out of 384 suspected malaria patients, 43 (11.2%) were found positive either for P. falciparum, 27 (7.03%), or P. vivax, 16 (4.2%). Conclusion: In this study, typhoid fever, typhus, and malaria were found among symptomatic acute febrile patients. To increase disease awareness, it is necessary to provide sustainable health education about risk factor behaviors, disease transmission, and prevention strategies. In addition, improving laboratory diagnosis services and early treatment may also lower the likelihood of potentially fatal consequences.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C, and its associated risk factors among clinically suspected patients attending poly and Maraki Health Centers, Gondar City, North West Ethiopia.

Background: Hepatitis B and C viruses are major global health problems with a high mortality rate, mostly due to serious liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the hepatitis B and C viruses and associated risk factors among clinically suspected patients attending Poly and Maraki Health Centers in Gondar City. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit 422 clinically suspected patients attending Poly and Maraki Health Centers between June and August 2020. The blood sample was tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies using commercially available rapid test kits. We used logistic regression and chi-square analysis to assess factors associated with Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections. Results: The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies was 29 (6.9%) and 5 (1.2%), respectively. The prevalence of Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus was found to be significantly higher at Maraki Health Center. Multiple sexual partners (adjusted odd ratio (AOR = 12.299; 95% CI = 2.515-60.142), history of delivery by traditional birth attendants (AOR = 6.284; 95% CI = 2.373-16.637), surgical history (AOR = 3.679; 95% CI = 1.009-13.417), previous hepatitis infections (AOR = 10.374; 95% CI = 1.128-95.444), and upper abdominal pain (AOR = 3.382; 95% CI = 1.215-9.414) were significantly associated with an increased risk of Hepatitis B virus infections. On the other hand, a history of blood transfusion (AOR = 43.132; 95% CI = 1.385-1343.176) and a history of kidney dialysis (AOR = 71.199; 95% CI = 2.074-2444.646) were significantly associated with Hepatitis C virus infection. Conclusions: According to the WHO endemicity classification, the prevalence of the hepatitis B virus was intermediate, while that of the hepatitis C virus was low. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the efforts to control and prevent Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections.

Serosurveillance of Coxiella burnetii in feral swine populations of Hawai'i and Texas identifies overlap with human Q fever incidence.

Feral swine are invasive in the United States and a reservoir for infectious diseases. The increase in feral swine population and the geographic range are a concern for the spread of zoonotic diseases to humans and livestock. Feral swine could contribute to the spread of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of human Q fever. In this study, we characterized the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in feral swine populations of Hawai'i and Texas, which have low and high rates of human Q fever, respectively. Seropositivity rates were as high as 0.19% and 6.03% in Hawai'i and Texas, respectively, indicating that feral swine cannot be ruled out as a potential reservoir for disease transmission and spread. In Texas, we identified the overlap between seropositivity of feral swine and human Q fever incidence. These results indicate that there is a potentially low but detectable risk of C. burnetii exposure associated with feral swine populations in Hawai'i and Texas.

Post-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 serostatus in Sierra Leone: A cross-sectional study in a maternity hospital setting in Freetown, November/December 2022.

BACKGROUND: Spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Sub-Saharan African countries has been poorly investigated, especially in the later pandemic stages. We aimed to assess the post-Omicron situation in Sierra Leone in November/December 2022 considering SARS-CoV-2 serostatus, vaccinations, and behavioral factors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study conducted in a maternity hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, both patients and staff provided dried blood spot samples for analysis of anti-S and anti-N IgG prevalence using Anti-SARS-CoV-2-ELISA. Additionally, we collected sociodemographic and infection-related information through questionnaires. Outcome parameters included seropositivity, infection-related seroprevalence, and self-reported vaccination status. We used logistic regression to identify associations with prior infection and with vaccination status. RESULTS: Out of 791 participants (389 patients, 402 staff), 670 (84.7 %) displayed a positive SARS-CoV-2 serostatus resulting from either infection or vaccination. Among a sub-sample of 514 participants within which determination of prior natural infection was possible, 441individuals (85.8 %) were affected. Prior infection was associated with female sex and tertiary education level. Overall, 60.3 % reported having been vaccinated. Staff as opposed to patients, and individuals with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to report vaccination. Individuals who assessed their risk of COVID-19 as either higher or lower compared to a medium-level risk were more likely to have contracted the virus and less likely to have received vaccination. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that since the Omicron wave in 2022, the Sierra Leonean population has almost universally been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. While this is encouraging in the light of relatively low excess mortality in the country, future investigations on the long-term effect of high viral exposure on epidemic resilience and public health impact will be crucial.

Distribution of maedi-visna virus in different organs of the spontaneously affected small ruminants in India.

Background: Maedi-visna (MV) is a small ruminant lentiviral (SRLV) disease affecting sheep and goats, and causes pathological alterations in various organs including lungs, pulmonary lymph nodes, mammary glands, joints, and CNS. Aims: Present study was focused to detect the MV virus (MVV) nucleic acid and MVV p28 antigen in different organs of the spontaneously MVV affected sheep and goats. Methods: Total of 657 samples were collected from sheep and goats (169 blood, 136 lungs, 96 pulmonary lymph nodes, 74 brain, 54 mammary gland, 78 joints, and 50 spleen) and screened for MVV nucleic acid using nested PCR assay. Serum samples were screened for SRLV antibodies by cELISA. Immunolocalization of MVV was demonstrated by using the polyclonal antibody against p28 antigen by immunohistochemistry in lungs, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and joint tissues. Results: Out of 657 samples, 10.7% (70) were found positive for MVV. Among different organs, lungs showed highest positivity (25.7%) followed by mammary glands (14.8%), blood (9.5%), joint tissues (7.7%), brain (5.4%), and pulmonary lymph node (1.0%). SRLV antibodies were detected in 29.2% of the serum samples of both sheep and goats by cELISA. MVV p28 antigen immunostaining was observed in lungs, lymph nodes, mammary glands, and joint tissues. However, the presence of MVV p28 antigen could not be demonstrated in the brain tissues. Conclusion: The highest positivity of MVV in lung tissues indicated higher predilection of the virus in the pulmonary tissue.

Spatiotemporal analysis and clinico-epidemiological study for seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide re-emerging zoonotic disease. The study was conducted to estimate the Seroprevalence of canine leptospirosis in a total of 450 dogs, from a total of 97 puppies and 353 adult dogs selected for examination Sampling, started from January to December 2023 in District Kasur in the province Punjab of the country Pakistan. Leptospira IgG ELISA kit manufactured by DRG Instruments GmbH, Germany was used for the screening of canine Leptospira antibodies. Out of 450 tested dogs, 183 dogs (40.67%) were tested positive for Leptospira antibody for the screening of Leptospira antibodies. The estimated Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in various age groups of dogs, were 23.7% (23/97) and 45.3% (160/353), in puppies and adults, respectively (P < 0.05). It was found that out of the sampled dogs, a total of 35/127 (27.6%), 29/100 (29%), 73/130 (56.2%), and 46/93 (49.5%) dogs were tested seropositive for Leptospira antibodies in winter, spring, summer and fall, respectively (P < 0.05).

Sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northwestern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a ubiquitous protozoan parasite on our planet that causes toxoplasmosis. This study evaluated the seroprevalence and related risk factors for T. gondii infection in a population referred to healthcare centers in Meshkin-Shahr, Northwest Iran. METHODS: A total of 400 blood samples were randomly collected from the general population and assessed using the anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, Immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kits in two steps before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 2019-2020. The results were analyzed through logistic regression via SPSS 26 software. RESULTS: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 39% of individuals (IgG: 38%, IgM: 0.5%, and IgG-IgM: 0.5%). Among the eleven risk factors evaluated, contact with soil and people awareness were significantly associated with T. gondii infection (p < 0.05). However, factors such as females, 20-39 age groups, junior high schools, housewives, rural areas, raw meat or vegetable consumption, vegetable or fruits washed by water, not detergent, and cat owners did not show a significant relationship with seropositivity (p > 0.05). After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall seroprevalence for anti-T. gondii antibody increased to 49.7% (IgG: 47.7%, IgM: 0.5%, and IgG and IgM: 1.5%). Among these patients, 26% were positive for COVID-19. Additionally, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 40 samples were negative for anti-T. gondii antibodies but later became positive. The crude and adjusted models suggested that toxoplasmosis may be a possible risk factor for increased susceptibility to COVID-19, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82-1.99; P < 0.05). Conversely, a non-significant protective effect against latent toxoplasmosis was observed in COVID-19-positive individuals (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.51-1.92; P > 0.05), and COVID-19 positivity did not increase the levels of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The general population in this region had a moderate seroprevalence of T. gondii. The increased number of COVID-19-positive patients with latent toxoplasmosis highlights the need to pay attention to the early diagnosis and proper treatment of toxoplasmosis in these patients and implement preventive programs in these areas for future possible viral infections.

The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in workers occupationally exposed to animals (1972-2023): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous zoonotic parasite infecting warm-blooded animals, poses a significant health threat to workers with occupational animal exposure (WOEA) due to their frequent contact with potential reservoirs. Existing data on T. gondii seroprevalence in the WOEA exhibits substantial global variation. This systematic review and meta-analysis, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, aimed to quantify the global seroprevalence of T. gondii infection among WOEA over the past five decades (1972-2023). We identified 66 eligible studies through a comprehensive search strategy encompassing English publications, with a total sample size of 15,279. A random-effects model with the Freeman-Tukey transformation in STATA v16.0 accounted for the high heterogeneity observed. We estimated the pooled global seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in WOEA at 41% (95% CI: 36-47%). Subgroup analyses revealed significant variations by gender: males (63%) vs. females (37%) (p < 0.05), occupation: non-livestock workers (54%), livestock workers (47%), slaughterhouse workers (44%), and veterinary personnel (27%) (p < 0.05). Geographic trends showed the highest prevalence in Africa (51%), followed by South America (49%), Europe (47%), Australia (43%), Asia (36%), and North America (23%; p < 0.05). Lower prevalence was observed in high-income (39%) and upper-middle-income (38%) countries compared to lower-middle-income (44%) and low-income (48%) countries (p < 0.05). This analysis underscores the high global seroprevalence of T. gondii in the WOEA, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in this high-risk population.

Detection and comparison of SARS-CoV-2 antibody produced in naturally infected patients and vaccinated individuals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Natural infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or vaccination triggers antibody production against key viral antigens. However, there is limited evidence on the levels of antibodies produced in naturally infected individuals compared to those vaccinated in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to detect and compare SARS-CoV-2 antibodies produced by naturally infected and vaccinated individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study among a total of 355 naturally infected and 355 vaccinated individuals from November 2022 to April 2023 at 10 selected health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We enrolled the participants consecutively upon their arrival at health facilities until the required sample size was achieved. We used a structured questionnaire to collect data on the demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants. We also collected 3-5 ml of blood samples from all participants and tested for anti-Spike (anti-S) and anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) antibodies using Cobas 6000. We utilized frequency, mean, or median to describe the data, the Mann-Whitney U test to compare groups, and a generalized linear regression model to assess factors associated with anti-S antibody concentration. We analyzed the data with SPSS version 26, and the level of significance was set at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the naturally infected participants, 352 (99.5%) had anti-S antibodies and all (100%) had anti-N antibodies, whereas among vaccinated participants, all (100%) had anti-S antibodies, while 323 (91.6%) had anti-N antibodies. Anti-S antibodies produced by vaccinated individuals were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than those produced as a result of natural infection. Being young (P = 0.004), having hypertension (P < 0.001), and having diabetes (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower anti-S antibody levels, while being recently vaccinated and having a higher number of vaccine doses were significantly associated with higher anti-S antibody concentrations in vaccinated participants. Having diabetes (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower anti-S concentrations in participants who were naturally infected. CONCLUSION: There is a high seropositivity rate in both naturally infected and vaccinated individuals. However, vaccinated individuals had higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies than those who were naturally infected, which highlights the significant contribution of vaccination in increasing the protection of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.