Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T18:55:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Elaine 13_12.pdf: 293254 bytes, checksum: 7f7d42644c7707ca6a924c2a20793c34 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-09-22 / Toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati, parasites of the dogs and cats, respectively. The disease occurs mostly amongst children, but may affect adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in 253 blood donors, aging 19 up to 65 years old, in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo. ELISA test was performed for detection of the IgG antibodies. A survey was applied in order to evaluate the possible factors associated to the presence of antibodies, including individual (gender and age), socioeconomic (scholarship and familial income) and habit information (contact with soil, geophagy, onicophagy and intake of raw/undercooked meat) as well as the presence of dogs or cats in the household. Bivariate analysis was performed in order to evaluate the potential risk factors. The overall prevalence observed in this study was 8.7% (22/253). Contact with soil was the variable associated with the presence of antibodies (p= 0.006; OR = 4.08; IC 95%= 1.456-11.431). Although considered not associated with a ELISA positive test, 45% of the individuals answered having the behavior of eating raw/undercooked meat. Educational programmes are necessary in order to reduce the infection of the adult population by visceral/ocular larva migrans agents. / A toxocaríase é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial ocasionada por Toxocara canis e T. cati, que são parasitos de cães e gatos, respectivamente. A doença é mais comum em crianças, mas pode também acometer adultos. A finalidade do presente estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência de IGg anti-Toxocara spp. em 253 doadores de sangue entre 19 e 65 anos de Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, pela técnica de ELISA. Um questionário foi aplicado para avaliar os fatores que poderiam estar associados à presença de anticorpos, incluindo informações individuais (sexo e idade, tipagem sanguínea), socioeconômicas (escolaridade e renda familiar, presença de quintal na casa, local de moradia e condições sanitárias), comportamentais (contato com solo, hábitos de geofagia, onicofagia e consumo de carne crua/mal cozida) e presença de cães ou gatos. As avaliações dos fatores associados foram avaliadas pela análise bivariada. A frequência observada foi de 8,7% (22/253). Das variáveis estudadas, houve apenas associação entre a presença de anticorpos e contato com solo (p= 0,006; OR = 4,08; IC 95%= 1,456-11,431). Foi observado que 45% dos indivíduos afirmaram ter o hábito de consumir carne crua embora não tenha havido associação estatística. Programas educativos devem ser adotados para reduzir a infecção da população adulta por agentes de larva migrans visceral/ocular.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-18T17:53:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Elaine 13_12.pdf: 293254 bytes, checksum: 7f7d42644c7707ca6a924c2a20793c34 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-09-22 / Toxocariasis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati, parasites of the dogs and cats, respectively. The disease occurs mostly amongst children, but may affect adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in 253 blood donors, aging 19 up to 65 years old, in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo. ELISA test was performed for detection of the IgG antibodies. A survey was applied in order to evaluate the possible factors associated to the presence of antibodies, including individual (gender and age), socioeconomic (scholarship and familial income) and habit information (contact with soil, geophagy, onicophagy and intake of raw/undercooked meat) as well as the presence of dogs or cats in the household. Bivariate analysis was performed in order to evaluate the potential risk factors. The overall prevalence observed in this study was 8.7% (22/253). Contact with soil was the variable associated with the presence of antibodies (p= 0.006; OR = 4.08; IC 95%= 1.456-11.431). Although considered not associated with a ELISA positive test, 45% of the individuals answered having the behavior of eating raw/undercooked meat. Educational programmes are necessary in order to reduce the infection of the adult population by visceral/ocular larva migrans agents. / A toxocaríase é uma zoonose de distribuição mundial ocasionada por Toxocara canis e T. cati, que são parasitos de cães e gatos, respectivamente. A doença é mais comum em crianças, mas pode também acometer adultos. A finalidade do presente estudo foi avaliar a soroprevalência de IGg anti-Toxocara spp. em 253 doadores de sangue entre 19 e 65 anos de Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, pela técnica de ELISA. Um questionário foi aplicado para avaliar os fatores que poderiam estar associados à presença de anticorpos, incluindo informações individuais (sexo e idade, tipagem sanguínea), socioeconômicas (escolaridade e renda familiar, presença de quintal na casa, local de moradia e condições sanitárias), comportamentais (contato com solo, hábitos de geofagia, onicofagia e consumo de carne crua/mal cozida) e presença de cães ou gatos. As avaliações dos fatores associados foram avaliadas pela análise bivariada. A frequência observada foi de 8,7% (22/253). Das variáveis estudadas, houve apenas associação entre a presença de anticorpos e contato com solo (p= 0,006; OR = 4,08; IC 95%= 1,456-11,431). Foi observado que 45% dos indivíduos afirmaram ter o hábito de consumir carne crua embora não tenha havido associação estatística. Programas educativos devem ser adotados para reduzir a infecção da população adulta por agentes de larva migrans visceral/ocular.

Recent reductions in healthcare funding in the United States has pressured clinical laboratories to provide the same quality of diagnostic testing with fewer resources. Testing cascades have been developed to assist in the diagnosis of various illnesses, which use fewer tests and subsequently reduce costs. However, the cost effectiveness of a celiac disease (CD) testing cascade compared to a panel is currently unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a CD testing cascade was equivalent to a panel in identifying patients deemed likely for CD, and to compare their cost effectiveness in a sample of symptomatic patients from Northeast Tennessee. A retrospective analysis using a CD testing cascade was performed on 933 outpatient samples referred to our laboratory from 2012 to 2017 with a request for a celiac disease serology panel. The seroprevalence of CD for the panel and the cascade were the same in this population (1.82%, 95% binomial confidence interval: 1.06% to 2.90%). The total cost of the CD cascade was 268% less than the cost of the panel resulting in a savings of $44,705, which translates to a savings of $47.92/patient. Based on these findings, we recommend utilization of the cascade to identify patients with likely CD. In the future, creative use of novel testing strategies can have significant contributions to healthcare reform and afford patients more cost-effective clinical diagnostic testing.

A total of 1076 sera from breeding goats were randomly collected from 24 different farms and tested with CHEKIT®-ELISA (Dr. Bommeli AG-IDEXX, Switzerland) for antibodies against Chlamydophila abortus. The farms were divided into two categories of 12 farms each, depending on their level of observed abortions over the previous 12 months: those with insignificant (<5 %) levels of abortions and those with significant (≥5 %) levels of abortions. The farmers were also interviewed on their level of awareness about chlamydophilosis and whether or not they were doing regular preventive vaccination against the disease. The study determined the seroprevalence levels of 25% at farm level and 8 % at individual animal level (at 95% confidence level). A total of 6 out of 24 farms had at least one positive breeding animal. Only 5 out of the 24 (20.8%) farmers interviewed were aware of chlamydophilosis and its zoonotic dangers. None of the 24 farmers interviewed practised any vaccination against chlamydophilosis. There was a significantly higher number of seropositive animals from farms with significant levels of abortions compared to those animals from farms with insignificant levels of abortions (P=0.0000). The study underscored the need for more farmer awareness and training on chlamydophilosis and its zoonotic dangers. / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / MSc / unrestricted

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is an emerging pathogen that causes severe infections in humans. Infection risk areas are mostly defined based on the incidence of human cases, a method which does not work well in areas with sporadic TBE cases. Thus, sentinel animals may help to better estimate the existing risk. Serological tests should be thoroughly evaluated for this purpose. Here, we tested three test formats to assess the use of dogs as sentinel animals. A total of 208 dog sera from a known endemic area in Southern Germany were tested in an All-Species-ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assays (IIFA), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sensitivity and specificity for both were determined in comparison to the micro-neutralization test (NT) results. Of all 208 samples, 22.1% tested positive in the micro-NT. A total of 18.3% of the samples showed characteristic fluorescence in the IIFA and were, thus, judged positive. In comparison to the micro-NT, a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 98.8% was obtained. In the ELISA, 19.2% of samples tested positive, with a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 99.4%. The ELISA is a highly specific test for TBE-antibody detection in dogs and should be well suited for acute diagnostics. However, due to deficits in sensitivity, it cannot replace the NT, at least for epidemiological studies. With even lower specificity and sensitivity, the same applies to IIFA.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most important viral zoonosis caused by a neurotropic arbovirus (TBEV). In Germany, TBE is classified as a notifiable disease with an average of 350 autochthonous human cases annually. The incidence-based risk assessment in Germany came under criticism because every year, a number of autochthonous human TBE cases have been detected outside of the official risk areas. Therefore, it is necessary to find additional parameters to strengthen TBEV surveillance. The aim of this study was to examine red foxes as sentinels for TBE. Thus far, there are no published data about the sensitivity and specificity for serological methods testing fox samples. Hence, we aimed to define a system for the screening of TBEV-specific antibodies in red foxes. A total of 1233 fox sera were collected and examined by ELISA and IIFA and confirmed by micro-NT. The overall seroprevalence of antibodies against TBEV in red foxes from Germany confirmed by micro-NT was 21.1%. The seroprevalence differed significantly between risk (30.5%) and non-risk areas (13.1%), with good correlations to local TBE incidence in humans. In conclusion, serological monitoring of red foxes represents a promising surrogate marker system and may even determine unexpected TBEV foci in regions currently regarded as non-risk areas.

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic wasting disease mainly of domestic and wild ruminants. It occurs worldwide, causing significant economic losses through decreased productivity, low fertility, increased cull rates and mortality. It is listed by the OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) as a disease of concern to trade in animals. Prevalence of this disease can be studied by detecting anti-MAP antibodies by Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The aim of this study was to investigate the current prevalence of MAP infection in cattle in Khartoum State. The overall apparent prevalence of MAP infection was found to be 6.3% and 18.9% at animal and herd levels, respectively. All seropositive animals were cross-bred females of good body condition; most of them (>90%) were >3 years old and >50% were from medium-sized herds in Omdurman. No significant association (p > 0.05) was found between seropositivity and animal herd size. The prevalence of MAP infection in Khartoum State is still low to medium compared to other parts of the world, but it is comparable to those reported from other African countries. Further studies with the view of designing nationwide surveys in domestic ruminants and camels in other states of the country are needed for establishing control programmes.

No description available.

Student Number : 9402058P - M Med Research Report - School of Clinical Medicine - Faculty of Health Sciences / Objective In view of recent suggestions that HIV infection may protect against pre-eclampsia, this study was done to estimate whether untreated HIV positive pregnant women have a lower rate of preeclampsia-eclampsia than HIV negative women. Methods Subjects for this study were pregnant women from Soweto, South Africa, who gave birth from March to December 2002 at midwife-run clinics or at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, and in whom the HIV status was known. A sample size calculation indicated that 2588 subjects would be required to show statistical significance at P<0.05 with a power of 80% for a reduction in the rate of preeclampsia from 8% to 5% with HIV seropositivity, assuming an HIV seroprevalence rate of 30%. Data collection was by record review from randomly selected patient files and birth registers. Results In the total sample of 2600 women, 1797 gave birth at the hospital and 803 at the midwife-run clinics. The HIV seroprevalence rate was 27.1%. Hypertension was found in 17.3% of women, with 5.3% having preeclampsia-eclampsia. The rates of preeclampsia-eclampsia were 5.2% in HIV negative and 5.7% in HIV positive women (P=0.61). CD4 count results were available for only 13 women (0.5%). Conclusion HIV seropositivity was not associated with any reduction in the risk of developing preeclampsia-eclampsia.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-10T10:54:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RONALDO PORTELA.pdf: 1248321 bytes, checksum: 32236d6c47873061a20e4e8cd5b4e4b3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-28 / Background: Syphilis is an infectious disease that in Brazilian prison systems has optimal conditions to increase the risk of transmission among inmates. Objectives: Determine prevalence and assess risk situations associated with transmission of syphilis among inmates of Prison Complex Aparecida de Goiânia/GO in the period from February to September 2011. Methods: cross-sectional study exploratory of quantitative approach. Study participants were 1.173 inmates that answered a questionnaire containing variables on behaviors risk for T. pallidum infection. The seroprevalence was found using serological tests screening VDRL and ELISA as confirmatory. Data were tabulated and the variables were analyzed using the EPI INFO and SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences).Were calculated rates of seroprevalence by age and educational level, and relative risks (odds ratios) associated with risk behaviors. Results: The seroprevalence of syphilis found in this population was 2.22% (IC95%). Of the study participant s total, 83.4% were aged between 18 and 39 years. This age group contributes with 85% of cases found positive for serological screening. The seroprevalence among those with low education contributed 58.2% of the population seroprevalence. For the variables of risk situations the homosexual relationship had an odds ratio of 3.44 (IC 0,77 - 15,29 and p=0,084), use of tattoo 3.05 (IC 1,14 - 8,14 and p=0,019), condom use 1.84 (IC 0,40 - 8,43 and p=0,356)and use of injecting drugs 3.71 (IC 1,35 - 10,13 and p=0,006).Conclusions: The seroprevalence rate was lower than those found in studies performed in other prisons in the country. Of the variables evaluated in the study the use of tattoos and the use of injectable drugs were statistically significant risk factors associated with seropositivity to syphilis. The combination of risk situations evaluated in this study can contribute to the transmission of syphilis on the Brazilian prisons. / Introdução: A sífilis é uma doença infectocontagiosa que encontra no ambiente prisional brasileiro condições que podem aumentar o risco da sua transmissão entre a população carcerária. Objetivos: Determinar a soroprevalência e avaliar as situações de risco associadas à transmissão da sífilis entre os presidiários do Complexo Prisional de Aparecida de Goiânia/GO no período de fevereiro a setembro de 2011. Metodologia: Estudo de base exploratória transversal com abordagem quantitativa. Um total de 1.173 participantes do estudo responderam a um questionário contendo variáveis sobre comportamentos e situações de risco para infecção pelo T. pallidum. A soroprevalência foi encontrada após a triagem sorológica utilizando o teste VDRL e ELISA como confirmatório. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e as variáveis foram analisadas através dos programas EPI INFO e SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Foram calculadas as taxas de soroprevalência por faixa etária e nível de escolaridade, e os riscos relativos (odds ratio) associados a comportamentos de risco. Resultados: A soroprevalência encontrada para sífilis na população estudada foi de 2,22% (IC95%). Do total de participantes do estudo, 83,4% tinham idade entre 18 e 39 anos. Esta faixa etária contribui com 85% dos casos positivos encontrados na triagem sorológica. A soroprevalência entre àqueles que possuem escolaridade abaixo do nível médio contribuiu com 58,2% da soroprevalência encontrada na população. Para as variáveis de situações de risco a relação homossexual teve uma razão de chances de 3,44 (IC 0,77 - 15,29 e p= 0,084), uso de tatuagem 3,05 (IC 1,14 - 8,14 e p= 0,019), uso de preservativos 1,84 (IC 0,40 - 8,43 e p =0,356) e uso de drogas injetáveis 3,71 (IC 1,35 - 10,13 e p= 0,006). Conclusões: A taxa de soroprevalência encontrada foi menor do que as encontradas em estudos realizados em outros presídios do País. Das variáveis avaliadas no estudo o uso de Tatuagens e o uso de Drogas Injetáveis foram os fatores de risco estatisticamente significantes associados à soropositividade para a sífilis. A combinação das situações de risco avaliadas pode contribuir para a transmissão da sífilis nos presídios brasileiros.