RESUMEN
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease with potentially severe implications for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and their fetuses/children. This study examined the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in two groups of childbearing age women, including 653 participants in Group 1 (2013-2016) and 3221 participants in Group 2 (2019-2022). Our results revealed a decrease in the overall positivity rate of anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies from 2.32% to 1.06%, suggesting improved public health interventions over time. However, there were variations among different age groups and between rural and urban environments, with a significant decrease in urban areas across all age groups from Group 1 to Group 2. Regarding anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies, we did not observe a significant change in the seropositivity rate between the two groups. In the rural population with an age group over 35 years, we observed the highest positivity rate in Group 2. This study provided information on the risk factors and burden of toxoplasmosis in women of childbearing age with data that can be valuable to public health policies and the planning of healthcare measures for effective toxoplasmosis management.
RESUMEN
Maternal-fetal infectious pathology-notably the TORCH panel (Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses)-critically impacts maternal and neonatal health. This review collates data on the seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against TORCH agents in Romanian women, aiming to discern regional and population differences and identify risk factors. Twenty studies were included in the review, revealing variable seroprevalence rates across the country. Regions such as Moldavia and Banat showed higher anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence rates than Bihor, with notable declines in Banat. Rural, older, and multiparous women showed elevated T. gondii IgG rates. Anti-rubella vaccine introduction significantly reduced the prevalence of anti-rubella IgG antibodies, but recent vaccination coverage decreases raise concerns. CMV and HSV seroprevalence varied geographically, with rural areas generally showing higher CMV rates and HSV influenced by factors like education level and number of sexual partners. Concurrent seroprevalence of multiple TORCH components in some cases underscores potential common risk factors. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and preventive measures such as vaccinations and awareness campaigns to mitigate the health impact on the pregnant population.
RESUMEN
Sepsis remains a major medical emergency that describes the body's systemic immune response to an infectious process and can lead to end-stage organ dysfunction and death. Clinical studies have introduced the concept of sepsis associated encephalopathy, which seems to have a plethora of cellular and molecular triggers starting from systemic inflammatory cytokines, blood-brain barrier (BBB) rupture, microscopic brain injury, altered cerebral circulation, neurotransmission, or even metabolic dysfunction. The purpose of our study is to reproduce the sepsis model previously described using the cecal ligature and puncture (CLP), and to take a closer look to the acute modifications that occur on cellular level when it comes to the brain-blood-barrier of the mice with systemic inflammation. After a rapid systemic response to peritonitis, we show a heterogeneity in astrocytic response within different cortical structures; hippocampus having the longest change in the number of GFAP+cells, while no difference was seen in the number of cortical astrocytes. With even more increasing roles of astrocytes in different pathologies, the relation between sepsis and astrocytes could prove a valuable in discovering new therapy in sepsis.