Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:29:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-02-15Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:17:50Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 castro_apb_me_botfmvz.pdf: 208554 bytes, checksum: 0ef69e5e00358dd8ecdb9255b9ddff62 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da UNESP (FUNDUNESP) / A toxoplasmose é uma protozoonose causada pelo Toxoplasma gondii, de distribuição mundial e que acomete todos os animais homeotérmicos, incluindo o homem. Apresenta desde quadros assintomáticos a manifestações sistêmicas graves. Nos seres humanos a infecção atinge com maior gravidade principalmente indivíduos imunocomprometidos e gestantes, sendo que a primoinfecção, pode levar a óbitos, abortamentos, natimortos além de lesões severas do sistema nervoso central. Técnicas sorológicas precisas de fácil aplicação a campo e de menores custos, podem auxiliar na promoção de medidas de prevenção e controle, mas para isso é importante garantir a produção de antígenos em quantidade e de qualidade, a fim de atender as necessidades do método empregado, para garantir a sua padronização. A produção in vitro de taquizoítos de T.gondii usando células de sarcoma murino TG180 em histoculturas, mostra-se uma alternativa viável para a produção de antígeno de T. gondii, em quantidade e qualidade para uso no diagnóstico dessa infecção utilizando-se o Método de Aglutinação Direta, o que pode permitir sua difusão como um teste rápido a campo, possibilitando a sua utilização por profissionais autônomos ou unidades de saúde, podendo-se assim agilizar com uma maior rapidez as ações de prevenção dessa zoonose. / Toxoplasmosis is one protozoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, of world-wide distribution and that acomete to all the animals, including the man. It presents since without symptoms until serious clinical manifestations. In the human beings the infection reaches with bigger gravity immunocompromised patients individuals mainly and pregnant woman, being that the primary infecction, it can take the deaths, abortions, stillborn beyond severe injuries of the central nervous system. Serologicals techniques of easy application in the field and of lesser costs, can assist in the promotion of measures of prevention and control, but for this it is important to guarantee the production of antigens in amount and quality, in order to take care of the necessities of the employed method to guarantee its standardization. The production in vitro of taquizoitos of T.gondii using cells of sarcom murine TG180 in histoculture, reveals to a viable alternative for the antigen production of T. gondii, in amount and quality for use in the diagnosis of this infection by the Direct Agglutination Test, what it can allow its diffusion as a fast test in the field, allowing its use for independent professionals or units of health, and thus allowing to a bigger rapidity in the actions of prevention of this zoonose.

Orientador: Alvimar José da Costa / Coorientador: Gilson Pereira de Oliveira / Banca: Maria Cecília Rui Luvizotto / Banca: João Luis Garcia / Banca: Carlos Noriyuki Kaneto / Banca: Paulo Henrique Franceschini / Resumo: O elevado índice de ovinos naturalmente infectados por Toxoplasma gondii, a grande possibilidade destes animais se reinfectarem com este protozoário e a inexistência de dados sobre a transmissão congênita em uma reinfecção, motivaram a realização deste projeto de pesquisa. O objetivo deste experimento foi estudar a transmissão congênita em ovelhas, infectadas e reinfectadas experimentalmente com oocistos de T. gondii, em três fases gestacionais. Vinte ovelhas em idade reprodutiva, sorologicamente negativas para T. gondii (RIFI-IgG), foram selecionadas e primoinfectadas experimentalmente com a cepa ME49 (Dia zero). Três carneiros, sorologicamente negativos para toxoplasmose, neosporose, leptospirose e brucelose, foram utilizados para monta natural (RIFI≤512). Posteriormente ao diagnóstico de gestação, estas ovelhas foram distribuídas em quatro grupos experimentais: GI - cinco ovelhas reinfectadas com T. gondii no 40º dia de gestação (DG), GII - cinco no 80º DG, GIII - cinco no 120º DG e GIV - cinco receberam solução salina no 120º DG (controle não reinfectado). Cinco fêmeas sorologicamente negativas (RIFI<64) para infecção toxoplásmica foram mantidas como controle negativo (não infectado) - GV. Sete dias antes da primoinfecção, imediatamente antes da inoculação, a cada três dias até o 30º dias pós-inoculação e a cada sete dias até o término da gestação, exames clínicos e pesquisa de anticorpos (RIFI-IgG) contra T. gondi foram realizados nas 25 ovelhas. Exames ultrassonográficos foram efetuados para diagnóstico de gestação, posteriormente à reinoculação, a periodicidade deste exame foi quinzenal. Amostras de sangue (soro), de todos os cordeiros provenientes das ovelhas experimentais foram obtidas, imediatamente após o nascimento, no 3º e 14º dia de idade, para... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The high occurrence of naturally infected sheep with Toxoplasma gondii, the great possibility of reinfection and the lack of data on congenital transmission in a reinfection were the motivation of this research project. The aim this study was evaluate the congenital transmission in experimentally reinfected and infected ewes, by oocysts T. gondii, in three pregnancies phases. Twenty ewes, negative serologically for T. gondii (indirect fluorescent antibody test-IgG), were selected and experimentally infected with ME49 strain (Day0). Three ram, negative serologically for toxoplasmosis, neosporosis, leptospirosis and brucellosis were used for natural mating (IFAT≤512). After the diagnosis of pregnancy, these ewes were distributed in four experimental groups: GI - five ewes reinfected with T. gondii on the 40th day of gestation (DG), GII - five in the 80th DG, GIII - DG 120th in five and GIV - five received saline solution in 120th DG (unreinfected). Five ewes, negative serologically (IFA <64) for T. gondii infection were kept as negative control (uninfected) - GV. Seven days before the first infection, immediately prior to inoculation, every three days until the 30th day after inoculation and every seven days until the end of pregnancy, clinical examinations and blood samples (IFAT-IgG against T. gondii) were performed in 25 ewes. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed in the diagnosis of pregnancy and fortnightly after reinfection. Serum samples, from all the lambs were obtained immediately after birth (pre-colostral), at 3 and 14 days of life, for T. gondii (IFAT-IgG). Parasitism by T. gondii was investigated (histopathology, mouse inoculation and PCR) in tissue fragments of female and fetuses, stillbirths and/or dead lambs after birth. Twenty ewes showed T. gondii antibodies specific on post-inoculation day (PID) 11. The most serological title... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Orientador: Claudio Lucio Rossi / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-10T14:37:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Nascimento_FernandaSantos_M.pdf: 1195114 bytes, checksum: 8f7292945661258264c33482af428d55 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008 / Resumo: A toxoplasmose, uma zoonose com ampla distribuição mundial, causada pelo parasita intracelular obrigatório Toxoplasma gondii, é geralmente adquirida por meio da ingestão de cistos ou oocistos viáveis do parasita, presentes, respectivamente, em carne crua ou mal cozida e no solo, alimento ou água contaminados com fezes de gatos infectados. A toxoplasmose pode ser altamente debilitante, e ocasionalmente fatal, em crianças infectadas no útero e em receptores de transplante. O diagnóstico de infecção aguda primária em mulheres grávidas é geralmente baseado em testes sorológicos, visto que, na grande maioria dos casos, a toxoplasmose não é reconhecida clinicamente. A longa persistência dos anticorpos IgM em algumas pessoas e a dificuldade para demonstrar soroconversão ou aumento significativo da concentração de anticorpos específicos, têm complicado a interpretação dos testes sorológicos, quando se suspeita de infecção aguda. Com relação à infecção toxoplámica em pacientes transplantados, em muitos casos o status sorológico do doador não é conhecido e a pesquisa periódica de anticorpos anti-T. gondii no receptor raramente é realizada. O objetivo do primeiro estudo foi determinar o valor da demonstração dos anticorpos IgA anti-T.gondii para o diagnóstico da fase aguda da infecção toxoplásmica. Nossos resultados mostraram que os anticorpos IgA são detectados com alta freqüência em amostras de soros obtidas de mulheres com evidência clínica e/ou sorológica de infecção toxoplásmica aguda. Entretanto, em 19% das mulheres apresentando persistência de anticorpos IgM e alto índice de avidez dos anticorpos IgG, anticorpos IgA anti-T. gondii foram detectados em amostras de soros coletadas mais de 9 meses após o início da infecção, indicando que esses anticorpos não podem ser considerados marcadores confiáveis de infecção aguda primária. No segundo estudo, nós relatamos o diagnóstico de infecção toxoplásmica primária em um paciente com mieloma múltiplo submetido a transplante alogênico não-mieloablativo de células hematopoiéticas, provenientes de doador com sorologia negativa para toxoplasmose. A resposta primária contra o T. gondii foi baseada na soroconversão dos anticorpos IgM, IgG e IgA. O paciente foi prontamente tratado e nenhuma complicação relacionada à toxoplasmose foi observada nos meses subseqüentes. Esse caso ressalta a necessidade da detecção dos anticorpos anti-T. gondii no doador e no receptor antes do transplante e a importância do monitoramento sorológico do receptor durante o seguimento pós-transplante / Abstract: Toxoplasmosis, a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is usually acquired through the ingestion of viable parasite cysts or oocysts, present, respectively, in raw or undercooked meat and in soil, food or water contaminated with feces of infected cats. Toxoplasmosis can be highly debilitating and occasionally fatal in children infected in utero and in transplant recipients. The diagnosis of acute primary infection in pregnant women is usually based on serology, because in the great majority of cases primary infection is not recognized clinically. The sustained persistence, in some persons, of specific IgM antibodies and the difficulty in demonstrating seroconversion or a significant increase in specific antibody concentrations, have complicated the interpretation of serological tests when acute infection is suspected. With regard to toxoplasmic infection in transplant patients, in many cases the serological status of the donor is not known and the periodic research of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the receptor is rarely performed. In the first study, we investigated the usefulness of detecting anti-T. gondii IgA for the diagnosis of an acute acquired Toxoplasma infection. Our results showed that anti-T. gondii IgA antibodies are detected with a high frequency in serum samples obtained from women with clinical and/or serologic evidence of acute acquired Toxoplasma infection. However, in 19% of the women presenting a sustained IgM antibody response and a high IgG avidity index, anti-T. gondii IgA antibodies were detected in serum samples collected more than nine months after the beginning of infection, indicating that IgA cannot be considered a dependable marker for acute primary infection. In the second study, we report the diagnosis of a primary toxoplasmic infection in a patient with multiple myeloma following a non-myeloablative allogeneic transplant with hematopoietic stem cells from a donor with negative serology for toxoplasmosis. The primary response to T. gondii was supported by IgM, IgG and IgA seroconversion. The patient was promptly treated and there were no complications related to toxoplasmosis in the subsequent months. This case stresses the importance of detecting anti-T. gondii antibodies in the donor and in the recipient before transplantation, and of serologically monitoring the recipient during long-term follow-u / Mestrado / Ciencias Biomedicas / Mestre em Ciências Médicas

Submitted by Mario BC (mario@bc.ufrpe.br) on 2016-06-15T16:11:55Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Renata Pimentel Bandeira de Melo.pdf: 793664 bytes, checksum: 79341c83c86e5ba3b6f51a28991d5e93 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-15T16:11:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Renata Pimentel Bandeira de Melo.pdf: 793664 bytes, checksum: 79341c83c86e5ba3b6f51a28991d5e93 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-18 / Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular coccidian, tissue cyst forming, which causes toxoplasmosis, zoonotic disease of great impact in public health. T. gondii is able to infect most of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Felids are recognized as the only definitive hosts and are important in toxoplasmosis epidemiology, shedding oocysts in feces, contaminating environment. The purpose of this study was to isolate and genotyping T. gondii in feral cats (Felis catus) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Pernambuco state, Brazil. During one year sick feral cats were caught by Archipelago Animal Vigilance Center. After chemical restraint (ketamine 10% and xylazine 1%) blood samples of 31 feral cats from different locations on the island were collected. These weak animals posteriorly died and fragments of brain, heart, lung, diaphragm, and liver were collected. Blood samples were intended to serology by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) for IgG antibody detection and tissue fragments were submitted to mouse bioassay for T. gondii isolation. Anti-T.gondii antibodies were detected in 18/31 (58%) felines. Tissues from seven animals were submitted to bioassay, obtaining two T. gondii isolates non-pathogenic for mouse. Genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP using 10 molecular markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 e Apico), identifying an atypical strain of T. gondii (ToxoDB #146). This is the first report of this genotype in feral cats worldwide. The results obtained contribute to molecular epidemiology studies of this pathogen and show/demonstrate T. gondii infection in feline population of the Archipelago. Control measures based on health education should be reinforced to prevent the cat infection and to reduce infection sources for definitive and intermediate hosts, especially to human population of this island. / Toxoplasma gondii é um coccídeo intracelular obrigatório formador de cistos teciduais, responsável pela toxoplasmose, zoonose de grande impacto na saúde pública. É capaz de infectar a maioria dos animais homeotérmicos, incluindo humanos. Os felídeos são os únicos hospedeiros definitivos, apresentando grande importância na epidemiologia da toxoplasmose pela capacidade de eliminar oocistos nas fezes, contaminando o ambiente. Este estudo teve como objetivo isolar e genotipar T. gondii em gatos ferais (Felis catus) do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Durante o período de um ano, gatos ferais fracos foram capturados pelo Centro de Vigilância Animal do Arquipélago. Após contenção química (quetamina 10% e xilazina 1%) foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 31 felinos ferais de diferentes localidades da Ilha. Esses animais doentes, posteriormente, vieram a óbito e fragmentos de encéfalo, coração, pulmão, diafragma e fígado foram coletados. As amostras de sangue foram destinadas à sorologia por meio da Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) para pesquisa de anticorpos (IgG) anti-T.gondii e os fragmentos de tecido deos felinos positivos na RIFI foram submetidos ao bioensaio em camundongos para isolamento do protozoário. Anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii foram detectados em 18/31 (58%) felinos. Sete animais tiveram seus tecidos submetidos ao bioensaio, obtendo-se dois isolados de T. gondii não patogênicos para camundongos. A genotipagem foi realizada por meio da PCR-RFLP multilocus, utilizando 10 marcadores genéticos (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 e Apico). Uma cepa atípica de T. gondii (ToxoDB #146) foi identificada, sendo este o primeiro relato deste genótipo em gatos ferais no mundo. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho contribuem para o estudo da epidemiologia molecular deste agente e permitem concluir que a infecção por T. gondii ocorre na população de felinos do Arquipélago. Medidas de controle baseadas na educação sanitária devem ser reforçadas para prevenir a infecção dos felinos e reduzir as fontes de infecção para outros hospedeiros intermediários, sobretudo para a população humana desta Ilha.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-05-07T15:21:59Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Maria Bárbara Franco Gomes - 2006.pdf: 2250028 bytes, checksum: 46c3a2379b74f9a04775429408165570 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-05-07T15:26:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Maria Bárbara Franco Gomes - 2006.pdf: 2250028 bytes, checksum: 46c3a2379b74f9a04775429408165570 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-07T15:26:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Maria Bárbara Franco Gomes - 2006.pdf: 2250028 bytes, checksum: 46c3a2379b74f9a04775429408165570 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-12-19 / (sem resumo em outro idioma) / (sem resumo)

A hipótese de \"manipulação comportamental\" supõe que um parasito pode alterar o comportamento de seu hospedeiro visando aumentar a probabilidade de completar seu ciclo evolutivo. Tais alterações aumentariam a taxa de transmissão hospedeirohospedeiro, assegurando ao parasito ou a seus propágulos o encontro de novo hospedeiro. A possibilidade de infecções parasitárias provocarem mudanças comportamentais em seus hospedeiros e a elevada frequência com que o acometimento de seres humanos por larvas de Toxocara e cistos de Toxoplasma ocorre, têm chamado à atenção de pesquisadores interessados no estudo das relações hospedeiro-parasita. Na infecção por Toxoplasma gondii e Toxocara canis, cistos e larvas estão presentes em diversos locais anatômicos incluindo musculatura, coração, pulmões, olhos e cérebro. A presença de parasitos no cérebro dá oportunidade de manipulação do comportamento do hospedeiro. Entretanto, não se sabe qual ou quais mecanismos estão envolvidos no processo de manipulação do comportamento. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram verificar alterações na ansiedade, medo, memória e aprendizagem de Rattus norvegicus experimentalmente infectados por Toxocara canis e/ou Toxoplasma gondii em dois períodos após infecção, bem como a localização das larvas e cistos e presença de placas beta amiloide ( A) na região do hipocampo no tecido cerebral desses roedores corado pela técnica de Hematoxilina e Eosina (HE), e Vermelho de Congo, respectivamente. Foram utilizadas 40 exemplares fêmeas da espécie Rattus norvegicus, com seis a oito semanas. Os animais foram divididos em quatro grupos: Toxocara - 10 ratos infectados com 300 ovos de Toxocara canis, Toxoplasma -10 ratos infectados com 10 cistos de Toxoplasma gondii, Infecção dupla - 10 ratos infectados com 300 ovos de Toxocara canis e 10 cistos de Toxoplasma gondii, e controle - 10 ratos sem infecção. Nos dias 40, 41, 70 e 71 após a infecção, os animais dos grupos infectados e controle foram submetidos à avaliação no Labirinto em Cruz Elevado e Campo aberto. Aos 120 após infecção foi feita avaliação da memória, aprendizado e aversão a urina de gato dos animais no Labirinto de Barnes. No final das análises comportamentais os animais foram levados a eutanásia para retirada do cérebro e confecção dos cortes histológicos preparados em HE e Vermelho de Congo. Os resultados mostraram efeito ansiolítico para ambas as infecções, principalmente para Toxoplasma gondii. Não houve comprometimento da memória e aprendizado no LB, porém os animais infectados por Toxocara canis ou Toxoplasma gondii apresentaram menor tempo para encontrar a toca com urina e entrar nela. A leitura dos cortes histológicos corados com HE mostraram larvas de Toxocara canis e cistos de Toxoplasma gondii em regiões do sistema nervoso central dos animais relacionadas com memória e aprendizado. As lâminas coradas com Vermelho de Congo apresentaram placas beta amiloides ( A) em metade dos animais infectados por Toxoplasma gondii. Conclui-se que a infecção por ambos os parasitos apresenta efeito ansiolítico quando ocorre infecção única. Quando a Infecção ocorre concomitantemente há modulação no comportamento. Além disso, ratas infectadas com infecção única apresentam-se menos aversivas à urina de gatos. / The hypothesis of \"behavioral manipulation\" states that a parasite can change the behavior of its host specifically to improve the chances of completing its life cycle. It means the increase of transmission host to host and ensures that the parasite or their propagules are released in appropriate place increasing their survival . The possibility of parasitic infections to cause behavioral changes in their hosts and the high frequency which the involvement of humans by larvae of Toxocara and Toxoplasma cysts occur , have called the attention of researchers interested in the study of host/parasite relationships. In human beings Toxoplasma gondii cysts and Toxocara canis larvae infections are present in various anatomical sites including muscles, heart, lungs, eyes and brain. The presence of parasites in brain gives opportunity of manipulation of the host behavior. However, the mechanisms involved in the behavior changes are still unclear. The aims of this study were to assess changes in anxiety, fear, memory and learning, as well as the larvae, cysts and the presence of beta amyloid plaques (A) in the hippocampus region of the brain tissue of the Rattus norvegicus exper imentally infected with Toxocara canis and/or Toxoplasma gondii, in two stages of infection, satained with hematoxyl in/eosin (HE) and Red Congo techniques, respectively. Eighty female Rattus norvegicus species, aged six to eight weeks-old were used. The animals were divided into four groups: Toxocara - 10 rats infected with 300 Toxocara canis eggs, Toxoplasma - 10 rats infected with 10 cysts of Toxoplasma gondii, double infection - 10 mice infected with 300 Toxocara canis eggs and 10 Toxoplasma gondii cysts, and control - 10 rats without infection. In the days 40, 41, 70 and 71 after infection, the infected animals and that belonging to the control group were evaluated in the Elevated plus-maze (EPM) and Open- field (OF). At 120 days after infection the memory and learning evaluation and aversion to cat urine by the rats were assessed in the Barnes maze. At the end of the behavioral analysis the animals were euthanized to remove the brain and preparation of histological sect ions stained by Hematox yl in/Eosin (HE) and Congo Red. The results showed anxiolytic effect for both infections, especially for Toxoplasma gondii. There was no impairment of memory and learning in LB, but the animals infected by Toxocara canis or Toxoplasma gondii spentless time to find the bur row with urine and entering it. The reading of the histological sections stained with HE showed larvae of Toxocara canis and Toxoplasma gondii cysts in regions of the central nervous system of animals related to memory and learning. The slides stained with Congo Red showed A-plate for the majority of animals infected by Toxoplasma gondii. It is concluded in the single infection, to both parasites, produced anxiolytic effect. When infections occur concomitantly there was a modulating effect in rats\' behavior. In addition, rats infected with single infection presents less aversive urine cats.

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an obligate intracellular parasite. T. gondii infects a large portion of the world’s population, but uncommonly causes clinically significant disease. Those that are at greatest risk for more severe disease with toxoplasmosis are the immunologically impaired, fetuses, and newborns. T. gondii infection in immunocompetent patients can present as a self-limiting acute infection, or as an acute systemic disease. There are three main T. gondii genotypes, I, II, and III, with varying geographical prevalence. T. gondii is most commonly acquired via ingestion of infectious oocysts, from the environment, tissue cysts from contaminated food items, vertical transmission, or via organ transplantation from an infected donor. Diagnosis can be made via histological and serologic testing in suspected patients. Seropositive testing should be considered within the clinical context, as IgM antibodies may persist for months to years. IgG antibody avidity patterns further help delineate acute versus chronic infections. Histopathology from tissue biopsy of lymphadenopathy is more commonly pursued to establish diagnosis in immunocompetent patients. Case Report: We present a 37-year-old male who presented to the clinic with persistent bilateral non-tender occipital lymphadenopathy of two months duration. Patient also endorsed an acute fluid filled blister on the penis, recurrent cold sores, and significant fatigue. Review of systems were unremarkable. Patient’s immunizations were up-to-date. Patient is an active military serviceman with history of overseas deployment. Patient reports consuming undercooked meat overseas, as well as game meat preparation while hunting. Similar symptoms were also reported by another fellow veteran. Laboratory studies revealed normal CBC, CMP, and TSH. HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia testing were negative. Urology referral found no abnormalities. Aspiration biopsy of the right occipital lymph node demonstrated granulomas and aggregates of histiocytes compatible with reactive hyperplasia. Findings were suggestive of toxoplasmosis and no malignancy was found. Follow up T. gondii serological testing results revealed Ab IgM: 104 AU/ML (reference range 0.0-7.9). Toxoplasma gondii Ab IgG: >400 AU/ML (reference range 0.0-7.1), which were consistent for active infection. Patient was referred to Infectious Disease and supportive therapy was recommended. A three month follow up showed improvement in symptoms. Discussion: Although acute infections with T. gondii in immunocompetent patients typically are self-limiting, more serious systemic infections may occur. A pyrimethamine-containing antibiotic regimen is recommended for treating systemic infections. We propose educating high-risk individuals with appropriate preventive measures, which may be beneficial in preventing Toxoplasmosis.

The major purpose of this study was to correlate certain personal characteristics of mothers and their offspring with the occurrence of toxoplasmosis serum antibodies in these women. As a byproduct, we determined the prevalence and incidence of toxoplasmosis in a particular subgroup of women in the Stockton, California area of San Joaquin County. We had also hoped to provide early diagnostic services and follow up for any infected infants that we encountered. Unfortunately, follow up on these infants has been difficult largely due to the migrant habits of this particular group of seasonal farm workers. For these reasons this study will deal mainly with the epidemiological aspects of the disease and the statistical analysis of data from laboratory examination of blood samples, from questionnaire responses, and from information provided on physical exams of the newborns.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease with severe manifestations in HIV-positive human patients. In 1978 the overall sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in human patients in South Africa was found to be 20%. Toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients is known to be a cause of sometimes fatal complications, such as encephalomyelitis and ocular lesions. According to the literature, mutton infected with the cysts of Toxoplasma gondii is an important route of transmission to humans who ingest under-cooked meat, or eat with unwashed hands after working with meat. There is no data on the sero-prevalence in sheep in South Africa, although this is available for most other countries, including Zimbabwe. The aim of this study was to estimate the sero-prevalence of T.gondii in sheep in South Africa and to discuss the zoonotic aspects related to the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in humans. Three-stage cluster sampling was done where five different provinces randomly chosen from all the provinces in South Africa were the primary units: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. Two sheep abattoirs and one rural location per province, selected randomly from a list supplied by the provincial Departments of Agriculture, were the secondary units. A total of 677 serum samples from these sheep were tested for IgG using the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA) test (Diagnostic&Technical Services CC, Randburg, South Africa) and the commercial Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent-Assay (ELISA) kit. Informal interviews were conducted with doctors (n=5), doctors regarded as experts (n=17) were selected for an expert opinion survey and National Laboratories (n=3) supplied data on human serum tested for toxoplasmosis in different provinces. The sero-prevalence in sheep, per province, was found to be: Gauteng 6%, Eastern Cape 7.8%, Western Cape 6%, KwaZulu-Natal 6.3% and Free State 2.7% when tested with the IFA test. The results obtained with the ELISA test were: Gauteng 6%, Eastern Cape 5.4%, Western Cape 4%, KwaZulu-Natal 3.6% and Free State 2.7%. Overall prevalences of 5.6% (IFA) and 4.3% (ELISA) were obtained. From the results it appears that toxoplasmosis in sheep has a lower sero-prevalence in South Africa than in other countries. Zimbabwe has an average sero-prevalence in sheep of 67.9%, there is a 80% sero-prevalence in sheep in France and 20-30% in different states in the USA. There was no significant difference between the levels in rural and commercial sheep at the 95% confidence level in South Africa, although there was a significantly higher prevalence in intensively farmed sheep in contrast to those farmed extensively. The informal interviews with the medical doctors indicated that they do not consider toxoplasmosis as an important disease. In contrast to these findings, the experts regard toxoplasmosis as a significant disease and the data obtained from the National Laboratories substantiated this opinion. The seroprevalence in humans was found to be between 14 and 32 % in the three provinces from which data were obtained. It can be concluded that the lower sero-prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep in South Africa, as compared with international levels, was probably due to more extensive methods of sheep farming and the relatively low rainfall in southern Africa. It must be noted, however, that comparison of sero- prevalence in different countries is made difficult by the many different tests and end-titres used in both humans and animals. Standardisation is recommended. The presence of toxoplasmosis in sheep in South Africa should be considered as significant because in this country we have a high consumption of mutton. Medical practitioners underestimate the importance of toxoplasmosis in humans. It was recommended that a pamphlet for education of veterinarians, doctors, health workers and patients be produced to increase the knowledge and understanding of this disease and its prevention in South Africa. / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Paraclinical Sciences / MSc / unrestricted

El documento digital no refiere un asesor / Determina la concordancia entre las pruebas de HAI y ELISA, para detectar IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii en el diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis porcina. El trabajo se desarrolla en 407 animales provenientes de crianzas porcinas ubicadas en la franja costera del departamento de Lima. Se colectan las muestras de sangre de cerdos en la fase de acabado, posteriormente las muestras de suero son conservadas en congelación (-70ºC) hasta su procesamiento en el Laboratorio de Parasitología de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de la UNMSM. La concordancia de las técnicas diagnósticas y la seroprevalencia correspondiente se evalúan mediante dos diferentes modelos estadísticos: Indice de Kappa y la prueba de McNemar. En los resultados se halla que la concordancia entre las pruebas de HAI-ELISA a través del índice de Kapa es igual a 26% considerándose de tipo regular, con valores de 18.7 ± 3.8% por el método de HAI, y 14.7 ± 3.4%, por el método de ELISA; sin embargo, mediante la prueba de McNemar no se encuentra diferencias significativas y sugerirían que ambas técnicas son mutuamente reemplazables. Concluyendo que, como la correlación es regular, no se recomienda. / Tesis