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Insulinoma is a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor that produces hyperinsulinism and causes a severe lowering of blood glucose levels with chronic symptoms such as fainting. It is more common in males and can occur at any age, either as solitary or multiple neoplasms, the latter known to be part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1) group. Insulinomas are rare and require resective surgery, with symptoms resolution being the marker of recovery. This article describes a case of insulinoma in a 51-year-old woman with a clinically typical presentation and signs and symptoms of hyperinsulinism. Laboratory tests revealed increased insulin secretion, while magnetic resonance imaging showed features of insulinoma, where the pancreatic tumor could be seen. This case was treated by surgical resection of the pancreatic tumor during an exploratory laparotomy, using the enucleation technique, which is described in detail herein. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, i.e., the result was successful in terms of health recovery. This surgical technique is used at Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza in Lima, Peru, when facing cases such as the one described. This type of neoplasm is very uncommon, so it should be considered highly suspicious and, in this case, the images were essential for choosing the surgical resection. Other cases of insulinoma have been treated surgically at the Hospital; moreover at least one case of nesidioblastosis could not receive an adequate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foundation: acquired toxoplasmosis in children during the first years of life is the consequence of the oral transmission of this parasitosis. Objective: to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in children in the first years of life and relate them to epidemiological variables of infestation. Methods: descriptive and cross-sectional study to examine the presence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in children from one to six years of age in the rural area of the Cueto municipality during the period 2020-2021. Quota probabilistic sampling was used and demographic and epidemiological variables were collected. A sample of 200 children was obtained, from whom serum was taken through venipuncture. The IFI technique was used to determine the presence of IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies and the Pearson Chi-Square non-parametric test was applied to verify research hypotheses. Results: seropositivity to T. gondii was 58% in the studied sample; A relationship was found between the infestation and the coexistence with domestic cats and with the origin of the water. No significant differences were found in the prevalence of T. gondii in relation to age, sex, social and cultural level, and environmental hygiene, consumption of meat, fruit, and vegetables, and living with farm animals. Conclusions: T. gondii seroprevalence is evidenced in the child population from one to six years of age and its relationship with the source of water and living with cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the case of two male HIV-positive patients who were not receiving treatment and whose diagnosis was confirmed by serology testing. Both patients developed midbrain stroke syndrome and the structural injury, which was caused by a central nervous system infection due to cerebral toxoplasmosis, was verified by brain magnetic resonance imaging. This condition was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid serology testing. Weber's syndrome is a very rare type of midbrain stroke syndrome with little information available on its symptoms and evolution. It was first described by Sir Herman David Weber in 1863 and is characterized by ipsilateral injury of the third cranial nerve fascicle with contralateral hemiparesis due to injury of the corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts of the cerebral peduncle. Its causes range from ischemic or hemorrhagic processes, which damage the third cranial nerve fascicle and cerebral peduncle, to brain tumors, aneurysms, extradural hematomas and infectious diseases that behave like spreading processes. The assessed patients showed clinical signs and symptoms such as ptosis; vertical double vision; difficulty standing up; hemiparesis; hyporeflexia; decreased superficial and deep sensation; poor balance and coordination; third cranial nerve palsy; slurred speech; intermittent disorientation in time, place and person; and facial asymmetry. Oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin and prednisone were administered as specific treatment for toxoplasmosis, which enabled the improvement of the clinical picture. This case report presents the sequence of events, treatment and a brief review of the literature to be considered in the diagnosis and determine its importance in patients with HIV-toxoplasmosis of the central nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a protozoan called Toxoplasma gondii, it manifests itself with great morbidity and mortality in fetuses, newborns and immunocompromised patients, however, toxoplasmosis can also manifest itself in immunocompetent patients suffering from: chorioretinitis, lymphadenopathy, pneumonia, brain abscess, myositis, myocarditis and hepatitis. The objective of this investigation was to identify the clinical manifestations of toxoplasmosis in pork meat and the possible risks to human health. A literature review was performed in the Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, PubMed, Library, and Embase databases up to October 2022. Reference lists of all major articles found electronically were also hand searched, which allowed obtaining 85 records, of which 19 were selected. Toxoplasmosis is a common infectious disease in developing, tropical, and subtropical countries around the world. The incidence has increased in rural areas and in lower socioeconomic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis prevalent in one-third of the world's population, adversely affecting maternal-fetal health by causing varying degrees of damage to the fetus. Objective: To assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies and associated risk factors in firsttrimester pregnant women in Cúcuta, Colombia, in 2018. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional and correlational study in 111 women who voluntarily participated. Specific IgM and IgG antibodies were detected by luminescence immunoassay (LIA). Results: Total seropositivity for IgM and IgG was 19.8% and 35.1%, respectively, 11.7% was for IgM only, and 53.2% corresponded to the overall seronegativity rate for T. gondii. Risk factors (CI = 95%) such as undercooked meat consumption (54.1% of cases, OR = 1.8, p = 0.120), tap water consumption (48.6%, OR = 1.4, p = 0.421), and goat or cow raw milk consumption (39.6%, OR = 0.78, p = 0.553) were identified; in addition, living with cats (23.4%) was identified as a risk factor significantly associated with parasite seropositivity (OR = 2.8, p = 0.025). Discussion and conclusions: Our findings showed a possible risk of primary infection in more than half of the pregnant population, given the seronegativity against the parasite. A considerable frequency of suspected cases of very recent infection was also found. In addition to being associated with a previously recognized risk factor, this fact suggests the presence of other dietary risks that should be addressed through prevention strategies during prenatal care and the need to strengthen event surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite with great zoonotic potential. It can infect a broad range of warm-blooded hosts (including livestock) and causes significant losses in the industry. In humans, it has been described as a pathogen in immunosuppressed people, it affects the fetus development in congenital infections, and is associated with various behavioral disorders in healthy people. Humans can acquire T. gondii by consuming undercooked, contaminated meat. Objective: To determine T. gondii positivity (currently unknown) in meat for human consumption (i.e., beef, chicken, and pork) in the city of Ibague, Colombia. Materials and methods: We used conventional nested PCR and the T. gondii B1 gene sequence as amplification target. We collected samples of meat (N=186) sold in the urban area of Ibagué (62 beef, 62 chicken, and 62 pork samples) and determined the T. gondii positivity percentage for each type of meat. Results: The study found an average of 18.8% positivity for all meat samples, pork having the highest percentage (22.5%; 14/62), followed by beef (19.3%; 12/62) and chicken (14.5%; 9/62). The best-amplified products were sequenced by macrogen and aligned with the B1 gene sequences in GenBank, thereby confirming their identity. Conclusions: This is the first study of T. gondii prevalence in meat for human consumption carried out in the city of Ibagué and the department of Tolima. All three types of meat sampled represent a risk for local human infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe knowledge, attitudes and practices related to toxoplasmosis in two districts of high prevalence in Armenia, Quindío. Methodology: descriptive study; the population of two districts of Armenia, Quindío were engaged. A self-administered questionnaire regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices was applied. This tool included elements related to Toxoplasma gondii, its transmission pathways, general clinical, diagnostic and treatment aspects, as well as practices to prevent infection. The instrument was applied before and after an educational intervention. Frequencies were described as the number of correct answers before and after the intervention for each district. Results: 27 people participated, with an average age of 57 years. 59 % were women; 48 % had completed high school and 40.7 % had completed elementary school. Before the intervention, the knowledge of the causal agent was 22 %, while after the intervention, it was 92.3 % in district 1 and 81.8 % in district 6. After the intervention, about 90 % of participants recognized the retina as the main compromised structure and all participants recognized the consumption of boiled water as a protective factor. Conclusion: The knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis in the two districts was limited. After the educational intervention, there was an increase in the percentage of correct answers in most of the questions. New educational and public health interventions are recommended to assess the long-term effects of these interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the toxoplasmosis is a disease, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii; it can be congenital or acquired and it has a wide worldwide distribution. Objective: to describe the characteristics of the infested pediatric patients by Toxoplasma gondii whish were diagnosed at the "José Luis Miranda" Pediatric University Hospital from Villa Clara Province. Methods: it was made a transversal character descriptive study to a sample of 54 patients which were diagnosed with Toxoplasma gondii infection in the period from January 2014 to December 2016. Results: 54 patients who were diagnosed, 61.1% belonged to female sex and the 72.2% were from rural zones and they had been in contact with infected animals. Conclusion: the acute acquired toxoplasmosis in the pediatric population from Villa Clara Province showed a high proportion at its systematic form, with a superiority in adolescents and in females from rural zones, and complications at the diagnosis with the ocular form. It is recommended the development of studies about the parasite - environment - susceptible host interaction that would allow to give answers to the main epidemiologic factors which influence the acquisition of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Evidence has been found in Mexico in cats, dogs, pigs, boars, horses, sheep, ocelots, cougars, spider, monkeys, rabbits, marine mammals and chickens. The conditions are congenital and severe neurological (encephalitis) that affect the functioning of the liver, lungs, kidneys and retina. OBJECTIVE: Not having a history of the existence of this disease in Ensenada city, Baja California (BC), the objective was to perform a frequency study of toxoplasmosis in patients attended in three clinical laboratories, to demonstrate the presence of the disease in this region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective and descriptive study was conducted in the period between June 1, 2015 and May 31, 2016. A total of 139 blood samples were collected from humans from one year to 75 years old in Ensenada city. For the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, a commercial ELISA kit was made. RESULTS: The frequency of toxoplasmosis was 8.6% (12/139) in humans 1-75 years of age (CI: 95%, 5.0-14.4). Of the total samples, six corresponded to women and six to men, representing 4.3% in each case (CI: 95%, 1.9-9.1 for both sexes); In addition, two patients (1.4%) younger than 18 years (CI: 95%, 0.4-5.0) and 10 patients (7.1%) older than 18 years (CI: 95%, 3.9-12.7) were positive for toxoplasmosis. DISCUSSION: This study shows that although the frequency of infection by Toxoplasma gondii is low in the city of Ensenada, B.C., the risk of contracting it exists; In addition, it's found that its prevalence in humans is related to that of animals. In this study, there was no difference in the prevalence of toxoplasmosis by sex, as has happened in other parts of the world, probably because they have the same eating and working habits. Likewise, it was demonstrated that the adults sampled in Ensenada had higher prevalence (7.1%) than those under 18 years (1.4%), a situation consistent with other regions, which shows that toxoplasmosis prevalence --which is one of the main parasitic diseases in humans-- increases with age. CONCLUSIONS: With the results of this study it was confirmed that toxoplasmosis does exist in Ensenada, B.C., so it must be included in the differential diagnoses in the health sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a young patient, immunocompetent and without risk factors, with a condition compatible with mononucleosis syndrome (cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, malaise), which was characterized by persistent symptoms, despite multiple antibiotic treatments. During its approach infection was ruled out due to the most common causes of fever and Epstein-Barr infection, for which serological tests were performed where it was corroborated an etiology that is unusual that is presented as infectious mononucleosis. By identifying the infectious agent and because it was associated with haematological alterations, organomegalias and myositis during its evolution, the patient was a candidate for antibiotic treatment, with notable improvement when he started it, which led to his total recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to describe the reproductive disorders related to experimental infection by artificial insemination with semen contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii of four goats in the chronic phase of the infection. In the end of the study, the does were submitted to necropsy, and PCR and histopathological evaluations were performed. Among infected does that exhibited embryonic loss, two were in anestrus and two exhibited repeated estrus. One of the latter animals exhibited clinical signs of estrus at seven-day intervals, whereas the other had a 21-day estrous cycle. However, both does were naturally mated on subsequent natural estrous and were not able to get pregnant until the end of the experiment (90 d). Two of the goats exhibited abnormalities in the ultrasound examinations, one of which was an ovarian cyst, while the other was a hydrosalpinx, both of which were confirmed in the post-mortem examination. The main microscopic injuries in this group were neutrophilic infiltration of the lungs, interstitial glomerulonephritis and neutrophilic infiltration of the liver. T. gondii DNA was found in the organs (heart and brain) of three does. In conclusion, does infected with Toxoplasma gondii in semen at the time of artificial insemination display reproductive disorders in the chronic phase of infection that might be associated with toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which usually causes asymptomaticdisease in immunocompetent humans; in immunocompromised patients, themanifestations are atypical and severe. This article describes the case of a 14-year-oldgirl, previously healthy with diagnosis of empyema by Toxoplasma gondii by directobservation of the protozoon in pleural fluid and lung biopsy, which was resolvedwith washing and decortication as well as medical management with trimethoprimwith sulfamethoxazole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a 72-year-old immunocompetent patient from Chocó, Colombia, with a 12-day course of fever, headache, progressive neurological deterioration, and rapid evolution to multiorgan failure and death. In the histopathological study of tissues obtained at necropsy, tissue cysts morphologically suggestive of being bradyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii were identified and confirmed by immunohistochemistry in heart, brain, and striated muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first reports of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, the field of infectology has changed in a vertiginous way resulting in the appearance of two new subspecialties: HIV infectology and neuroHIV the latter focused in the nervous system complications caused by the virus or its treatment. About 50-70% of patients with HIV infection have or will develop any syptom or neurologic síndrome at any point during the course of the illness either caused by the virus, an opportunistic infection or as a complication of the drugs. Among the most common Neurological issues are peripheric neuropathies, neuropsychiatric manifestations and aseptic meningitis, however by far the most challenging and complex aspect is the approach of a patient with a suspected neuroinfection in the context of HIV infection, because immune system has been compromised and its response might not be the expected in an immunocompetent patient. That's why a special algorith must be designed for the diagnosis and management of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The infection in human occurs accidentally by different transmission mechanisms: oral, congenital, blood transfusions, organ transplants and from laboratory accidents. In Venezuela, it has been reported that 60% of the population apparently healthy have the infection. Taking into account its prevalence was determined the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in female patients aged 14-44 years of the outpatient network Municipality Francisco Linares Alcántara, Maracay, State Aragua, Venezuela, implemented as methods of diagnosis the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Indirect Hemagglutination (HAI) in 90 patients. Obtaining as a result of the ELISA method, a seroprevalence 61% where 98% presented antibodies IgG and IgM antibodies 2%, by the HAI method, was found 41% where 100% showed IgG antibodies. By means of the chi-square test with a significance level of 95% and a p value =0.005, we identified no statistically significant associations between risk factors and infection. However the group with the highest frequency of antibodies anti-T. gondii was represented by ages >34 years, proving that the risk of acquiring the infection increases with age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital toxoplasmosis continues to be a public health threat. Even existing guidelines, publicly known, its implementation and lack of appropriate interpretation of serological tests in pregnancy is often observed. This leds to failure in opportunities for positive and known interventions to decrease the fetal risk due to Toxoplasma gondii infection. We reported herein a case series, with variable neurological and systemic compromise (respiratory distress, hepatosplenomegaly, enterocolitis, brain calcifications, thrombocytopenia, ascites, shock), even fatal, calling for awareness about the fact that despite the Zika epidemics in 2015-2016 in Brazil, Colombia and other countries, precisely toxoplasmosis, is a differential diagnosis still prevalent in these territories, that can leds to severe consequences, with neurological disability and risk of ocular damage, even lately. Additionally, with varieties of T. gondii with more aggressive patterns in Latin America, which make worse those cases, including also a higher risk of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan whose definitive hosts are cats, among them domestic cat, which can transmit the infection to humans. In Chile, there are no published studies on seroprevalence in people with occupational risk. Thus, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and associated risk factors in operators of a slaughter plant in Bío-Bío (Chile). Serum samples from 39 operators were collected and studied by chemiluminescence analysis in order to detect IgG and IgM antibodies, with a sensitivity and specificity of 93 and 96%, respectively. An epidemiological survey was conducted and odds ratio was calculated for the analysis of the variables of hygiene, food, and exposure. Evidence showed that 24 individuals had IgG antibodies for an apparent seroprevalence of 61.5%, while this was 0% for IgM. In addition, the highest seropositivity was observed in operators who did not use masks (64%) and did not disinfect the working material (100%), as well as in those who consumed undercooked meat (62.5%). Regarding exposure time, 72.7% was obtained for the group of more than 10 years, and 62.2% of seropositivity was found in those exposed between four and seven days a week. There were no significant differences for any of the analyzed variables (p > 0.05). The study concludes that there is a high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in workers with occupational risk at the Bío-Bío slaughter plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The screening for infection diseases in pregnancy by laboratory tests can reduce the risk of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of vertically transmitted infections: toxoplasmosis, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, for the period November 2013 to May 2014. Descriptive study, the sample consisted of 175 pregnant women between 14 to 43 years, women who were discarded for Toxoplasmosis, Reaginic Antibodies by qualitative VDRL, HIV, hepatitis B (Anti-HBsAg Anti-HBsAg, anti-Core); hepatitis C (Total antibodies), through ultramicroELISA (UMELISA). The results showed 27.4% positive for Anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies, with 31.2% of these pregnant women having antibody titers of 1/512. Anti-HIV antibodies were positive by 0.6%. 99.4% showed Nonreactive VDRL. 38.9% were positive for antibodies against the hepatitis B surface antigen, the markers HBsAg and anti-Core were negative by 100%; 1.7% were positive for total antibodies against Hepatitis C. It is concluded that the screening of infectious diseases that represent risk factors for vertically transmission infections during pregnancy, is one of the most appropriate tools to diagnose these diseases and prevent maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The case report of a 12 year adolescent is presented, who began to present repeated feverish patterns and adenopathy since he was a child, reason why he was hospitalized 5 times. Later on, other complications appeared (allergic condition, food intoxication, adenoiditis and chronic tonsillitis) and the patient was referred to the oncohematology service of the Southern Children Hospital in Santiago de Cuba. A sample to carry out toxoplasma test was taken, which was sent to "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute where a toxoplasmosis was diagnosed. Specific treatment with clindamicine was indicated and he had a favorable clinical course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate in vitro the inmune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Methodology: The study groups were pregnant women with toxoplasmosis (E + T +) (n = 15), pregnant women without toxoplasmosis (E + T) (n = 15) and non-pregnant women without toxoplasmosis (ET) (n = fifteen). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of the three study groups were stimulated in vitro with T. gondii soluble antigen. After the incubation period (6 days), levels of cell proliferation and IFN-γ and IL-10 (TH1 and TH2 respectively) this last in culture supernatants, additionally it was performed the absolute count of TCD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 + lymphocyte, in whole blood samples treated with EDTA. Results:The results show increased cell oroliferation in the group (E + T +) statistically significant differences compared to the groups (E + T) and (ET). Regarding TH1 cytokine evels, it was observed higher production of IFN-γ in group (E + G +) compared with groups (E + T) and (ET-). Production of IL-10 is ow and / or undetectable in all three study groups. The levels of CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 + were within normal parameters in the three study groups, but in the CD4 + / CD8 + in the groups (E + T) and (ET) have decreased compared values to group (ET). Conclusions: Pregnant women infected with Toxoplasmosis (E + T +) there is a polarization of the immune response haciaTHI, so providing some immunity against a possible reinjection with the parasite, as opposed to groups (E + T) and (ET- ) that may be more susceptible to toxoplasmosis during pregnancy because their levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 are low and / or undetectable. Regarding the levels of CD3 + T CD4 +, CD8 + lymphocytes of pregnant women, if they are well within normal parameters, are slightly decreased, this could be due to inmunogulador been presented by women during pregnancy, but you could say that they have protection against T. gondii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies about seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in Chile; therefore, this article aims to determine seroprevalence in cats in the district of San Carlos, by ELISA Immuno- Comb® serological technique, and, at the same time, to examine association with variables of sex, age, diet, and habitat. To the effect, 60 cats over 2 months old were randomly sampled. Sera were analyzed using the ELISA ImmunoComb® Biogal Toxo & Chlamydia test kit, which detects specific immunoglobulin G-type antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii with a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 100%. The study evidenced that 29 individuals were positive (48.3% seroprevalence); when broken down by gender this corresponded to 9 males and 20 females (39.1% and 54%, respectively). By age, seropositivity was higher in the "Adult" group (76.7%), followed by groups "Over 7 years" (50%) and "Young" (25%). With respect to diet, higher seropositivity was obtained in animals fed on mixed diet, as opposed to commercial diet (60% vs. 47.2%). By variable habitat, 16 indoor and 13 outdoor cats were positive (45.7% and 52%), showing statistically significant difference only for the variable age (p <0.05). Finally, through relating age with seropositivity, a negative correlation was evidenced (r = -0.3), indicating that older individuals had lower seroprevalence. The results show the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topic and scope: this article aims to provide the reader with an overview on toxoplasmosis, a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which affects both intermediate and definitive hosts. We seek to understand the dynamics of the disease, putting aside certain myths on the subject. Characteristics: felines (Felidae) are the definitive hosts, among which are the cats as the closest animal to the human species that develop the gendered form of the parasite and release the infectious oocysts in the environment; hence their presence is essential to the life cycle of T. gondii. Findings: research on cats worldwide are limited since sampling is highly complex; however, there is a wide variety of studies on their taxonomy, morphology, life cycle and molecular biology, as well as epidemiological distribution, hosts, transmission routes, sources of contamination, and risk factors associated with the infection in this and other vulnerable species. Conclusions: the knowledge of this parasite infection is of great importance, especially in cases of pregnant women and immunosuppressed individuals, who can manifest complications of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the frequency of acute toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: A total of 2673 asymptomatic pregnant women were included during 2007. IgM anti T. gondii was detected by indirect immunofluorescence, positive samples were confirmed by ELISA. Results: 11 (0,41%) pregnant women were IgM positive with titers of at least 1:16. Conclusions: Prevalence of acute toxoplasmosis among asymptomatic pregnant women in the city of Rio de Janeiro is low, lower that the overall prevalence in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoonosis whose etiologic agent is Toxoplasma gondii. Among the forms of infection occurring in humans the congenital, has severe clinical manifestations in infants. The purpose of this study was to conduct a serological screening and to identify the risk factors associated with transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women attending the maternity hospital "Dr José María Vargas" in the city Valencia Carabobo state, during the period of April-August 2012 in order to estimate the prevalence of the parasite. Antibodies - Toxoplasma gondii IgG were determined by immunoenzymatic assay and they were detected in 36.9% (45) of women tested (122). The observed prevalence was low compared with other studies done in Venezuela and other countries. Furthermore, no statistically significant association was found between this parameter and the risk factors studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the prevalence of intestinal and tissue parasites and their relationship with eosinophilia in Yukpa Amerindians, 91 fecal and blood samples were analyzed. The fecal samples underwent microscopic and concentrated examinations. Complete hematology was performed to determine white count and percentage of eosinophils; and ELISA tests were performed on the serum to detect anti-Toxocara canis and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. A high prevalence of intestinal parasites (90.10%) was observed. The predominance of protozoa over helminths was noted; for the first, the most prevalent were Blastocystis hominis (51.64%), and for the second, Ascaris lumbricoides (38.46%). Seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara canis antibodies was 24.17% and for anti-Toxoplasma gondi, 43.95%. No statistically significant differences were observed between age and sex groups for the different intestinal and tissue parasites. No association between seroprevalence for Toxocara canis and eosinophilia was found. A statistically significant association between the presence of eosinophilia and helminthiasis was observed. These results suggest that there is a high prevalence of parasitic infections in these communities due probably to their customs and the sanitary conditions in which they live. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. The presence of cysts of T. gondii in edible meat, represent a potential risk for humans, if the meat is consumed raw or undercooked. Accurate and reliable diagnostic tests are essential for detecting, surveillance and control of intermediate hosts to minimize the risks of human infections. Objective. To evaluate the sensitivity and the specificity of three diagnostic tests to detect the presence of Toxoplama gondii in women with spontaneous abortion in two localities of Yucatan, Mexico, using Bayesian procedures. Materials and Methods. The tests were evaluated using Bayesian analysis which allow the estimation of the Sensitivity (Se) and Specificity (Sp) in absence of a gold standard. Two scenarios were compared: 1) Using a priori uniform distributions, and 2) Using a priori beta distributions of the parameters. Results. The Se and the Sp using a priori uniform distributions for the ELISA test to detect IgG were 0.915 and 0.568; and for IgM ELISA yielded 0.670 and 0.948 levels. PCR test results were 0.747 and 0.981 respectively. The results using a priori beta distribution of the parameters were 0.952 and 0.806 for IgG, 0.856 and 0.986 for IgM, and 0.712 and 0.995 for PCR, respectively. Conclusion. The results showed that no single test results were sufficient to diagnose T. gondii infections in women with spontaneous abortions. Further, the inclusion of beta parameters in the a priori beta distribution of the model also improved the estimates of Se and Sp of the tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objetives of this study were to present and document the hystopathologycal findings of systemic toxoplamosis in a captive red kangaroo (Maeropus rufus) which described macro and microscopic findings of the hystopathological analysis. In the laboratory of animal histopathology (Universidad de los Llanos) formalin fixed tissue specimens were received, from a captive male Macropus rufus, who was eight years old and weighed 50 kg. The samples were processed by usual methods for optical microscopy. The histological sections of 3-4 mm thick were colored with Hematoxilin-Eosin (H&E) and then some samples stained with Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), and processed by PCR and IHQ. Once the histopathological analysis was performed systemic toxoplasmosis was associated to protozoa cysts immunoreactives to T. gondii. The molecular detection of T. gondii in formalin fixed tissues was made using two PCR tests and confirmated by IHQ. Histopathologically a chronic infection by an eucoccideo protozoa from the Sarcocystidae family was diagnosed. The etiologic diagnosis was toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a 7-year-old male patient from Veracruz with a history of bronchial hyperresponsiveness and zoonoses with cats, dogs and birds. He began his condition 10 months previous with fever, without predominance of hours, underarm lymph nodes left and right groin, with subsequent development of lymphadenopathy in the neck. Four months after the beginning of his sickness we requested serology for Toxoplasma, which was positive, and remained untreated for being an immunocompetent patient. However, follow-up visit one month after the first assessment, revealed fatigue of three weeks of evolution and loss of 450 g in weight, with no decrease in the lymph nodes. Biopsy was requested to rule out other diagnostic possibilities. Inguinal lymph node biopsy reported nonspecific follicular hyperplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is considered infrequent, even in cases of human immunodefficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, little is known about the frequency of this association in Mexico. Objective: To determine the prevalence and neurological manifestations of patients with PCNSL and the HIV/AIDS complex, in a 10-year period in a reference hospital of the Mexico City. Methods: In this retrospective study, clinical records of PCNSL cases in patients with HIV infection were reviewed from the clinical database of the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, from January 2001 to January 2011. Results: In this 10-year period, the pravalence of PCNSL in patients with HIV infection was 0.2% (5 cases, age range: 30-39 years): 3 (60%) man and 2 (40%) women. Histopathological analysis was achieved in 3 cases (all diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma); in the rest, diagnosis was based on the clinical presentation, suggestive neuroimaging and negative serology for toxoplasmosis. Main sign and symptoms were headache (100%), seizures (80%), papilledema (60%), multiple cranial neuropathies (60%) and hemiparesis (60%). During the first 6 months after diagnosis, 60% of the patients died due to disease activity. Conclusions: Diagnosis of PCNSL is challenging. The low prevalence here reported, as compared with relatively old series, could be a consequence of the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, as it has been recognized in other parts of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La toxoplasmosis es una enfermedad de distribución mundial provocada por el protozoario Toxoplasma gondii cuyos huéspedes definitivos son los felinos y una gran diversidad de especies animales son los huéspedes intermediarios. En primates del Nuevo Mundo se caracteriza por ser una enfermedad aguda y de curso fatal. La razón de la alta susceptibilidad en estos animales hasta la fecha se desconoce y generalmente se ha asociado con sus hábitos arborícolas. Se realizó la necropsia de cinco monos ardilla (Saimiri sciureus), tres machos (adultos) y dos hembras (una de ellas gestante), con historia clínica de enrojecimiento de los ojos y salida de espuma serosanguinolenta por la nariz. Macroscópicamente, los cinco animales presentaron los lóbulos pulmonares no colapsados y el parénquima rojo oscuro con áreas rosa claro entremezclado que en ocasiones tenían aspecto nodular. El hígado de los cinco animales se apreció aumentado de tamaño y pálido en su totalidad. Microscópicamente se observó neumonía intersticial caracterizada por el engrosamiento de los septos alveolares y la presencia de numerosos macrófagos espumosos cuyo citoplasma contenía estructuras elongadas, basofílicas de 20-25 µm de diámetro con pared refringente que a su vez albergaban estructuras basofílicas de 8 µm (bradizoítos) PAS positivas consistentes con quistes de protozoarios. El hígado presentó focos de infiltrado inflamatorio periportal, así como numerosos quistes de protozoarios, que también se apreciaron en bazo y cerebro. Se realizó inmunohistoquímica de secciones histológicas de pulmón, hígado y cerebro, las cuales fueron positivas para Toxoplasma gondii con el anticuerpo Hyperimmune antiserum-caprine, a una dilución de 1:300. Asimismo, muestras de estos mismos tejidos fueron procesadas para microscopía electrónica de transmisión, en las que el hígado exhibía en su citoplasma vacuolas parasitarias con estructuras correspondientes a taquizoítos que medían de 3.6 µm de largo por 2.3 µm de diámetro, con una membrana plasmática electrodensa, ligeramente ondulada, que en ocasiones exhibían en su extremo anterior el conoide, y por debajo de éste, escasos micronemas electrodensos. Las características ultraestructurales como el conoide, y la ubicación de los micronemas, son criterios primordiales que permiten identificar al parásito como Toxoplasma gondii. La historia clínica, los hallazgos a la necropsia, el estudio histopatológico, la inmunohistoquímica y microscopía electrónica de los cinco monos ardilla fueron consistentes con un cuadro de toxoplasmosis sistémica. Este informe demuestra la alta susceptibilidad que poseen los primates del Nuevo Mundo al ser infectados por este protozoario, por lo que se debe considerar entre los diagnósticos diferenciales para enfermedades de curso clínico no específico en estos animales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trough the strategic planning it was done a situational diagnosis and a problematic analysis of the health system to implement a interventional project in the Brown Health Centre of the city of general Pico, La Pampa. The objectives were to analyze the characteristic of interventional scenario recognizing necessities, health problems and parts. It was selected as a health problem the lack of knowledge of the mechanisms of transmission and prevention of toxoplasmosis in puberty and fertile women. To sizing the problem a questionnaire was done to the selected population. As consequence was evidenced an ignorance of the women surveyed in relation to the form of transmission of toxoplasmosis, and 50% of the pregnant women did not have serum title against the disease turning them in a risk group. It was concluded that social cultural actions tending to spread the knowledge of causes and sources of the toxoplasmosis infection from an inter sectorial perspective and community participation was accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most frequent protozoonosis in the human being. The objective of this study was to determine toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in an infantile population from the Mara Municipality, State of Zulia. 119 serum samples from both sexes (53 male and 66 female) with ages between 4-13 years were studied. The toxoplasmic antibodies were determined by the indirect hemaglutination technique. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi square test and Spearman's correlation. General prevalence of the infection was 15.9%. The positive serum frequency was greater in the 10-13 year age range (8/25) with 32.0%. It was observed that the number of positive cases increased in relation to the age group. No statistically significant differences related to gender were observed; nevertheless, a greater positive tendency was observed for females in the 10-13 year group. The geometric average was 9.479. The range of positive titles was from 1:64 to 1:2.097.512; the lowest title was 1:64 with 5.26% (1/19) and the highest was 1:2.097.512 with 5.26% (1/19). Results indicate that this disease is frequent in this infantile population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Surveillance of congenital anomalies receives importance in the world-wide context of eradicating the congenital rubella syndrome. Objective: To identify the congenital anomalies and to consider the low birth weight a criterion to test IgM for the complex TORCH. Methodology: Surveillance of the congenital specific and non specific anomalies of the congenital rubella syndrome(CRS) and low birth weight in ten hospitals. It was considered as case, everything new born with some congenital anomaly or low weight for the gestational age. Serum tests for rubella, toxoplasmosis, citomegalovirus, herpes and parvovirus were practiced. For the negative cases cariotype was performed. Results: A total of 840 cases were selected, 669 by low weight for the gestational age, 52 by anomalies not related to CRS, 52; by anomalies that could be related to the CRS, 105. The most frequent anomalies were congenital heart diseases, 5.1%; hepatosplenomegalies, 3.9%; and microcephalies, 1.2%. There were confirmatory IgM titles for rubella in 0.5% of cases; toxoplasmosis 1.4%; citomegalovirus 1.5%; parvovirus 1.2%; herpes 0.5%; and positive test for congenital syphilis, 3.7%. In total there were 8.8% positive results for any congenital infectious disease. The relative risk for low birth weight having IgM positive rubella was RR = 2.83 (IC: 1.26:6.36-0.95). Discussion and conclusions: The surveillance for CRS, through the monitoring of febrile in the first year and by the presence of some specific congenital anomalies, could be improved in sensitivity by means of the routine monitoring of congenital anomalies, with the inclusion of low birth weight, like a selecting criterion to study the infectious agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an updated review on toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy and its more feared outcome, the damage to the fetus and the newborn. The scope of this review is to summarize current and important epidemiological and clinical aspects concerning this disease. Several new parasitological and epidemiological concepts are reviewed, as well as the clinical presentation of the perinatal infection. In addition, we discussed current diagnostic approaches and treatment of the pregnant woman, fetus and newborn. Recent controversies on the different strategies for primary and secondary prevention of toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Un brote de toxoplasmosis en una colonia de monos ardilla (Saimiri sciureus) cautivos causó morbilidad aparente de 92%, y mortalidad de 64%. El diagnóstico fue realizado mediante histopatología y confirmado por inmunohistoquímica. Presumiblemente las cucarachas actuaron como vector mecánico de ooquistes y fueron la fuente de infección. Este trabajo confirma la alta susceptibilidad de monos ardilla a toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sero-prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 446 pregnant women with ages ranging from 15 to 43 years of age, living in the Cabudare and Agua Viva population, Lara State, Venezuela, was determined by using a commercial indirect hemagglutination test and considering titers ≥ 1:16 as a positive reaction. Under this condition, 169 samples were positive (38%), 1:256 the most frequent titer (21%) and proportional increase of seroprevalence with age was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human toxoplasmosis has worldwide distribution and its prevalence depends upon climatic, geographic, hygienic and cultural factors. Objectives: To know the toxoplasmosis seroprevalence among adult population from 18 to 45 years old and to know and to analyze by a questionnaire the ranking of risk factors of toxoplasmosis acquisition among those people. Material and methods. We performed a transversal serologic survey to determine the presence of anti-toxoplasma antibodies in a sample of 400 individuals of both sexes, between 18 and 45 years of age, from the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Results: By using an ELISA test we detected lgG-antibodies and found an overall seropositivity of 20.5%. The seropositivity rate increased with the age of tested individuals. Conclusions: Our data show a similar, somewhat lower seropositivity (20.5 vs 24.8%) compared to that reported by the National Seropidemiologic Survey in 1992 for the state of Nuevo León. These preliminarily reported data belong to a larger survey for the identification of risk factors involved in the transmission of toxoplasmosis in a semi-desertic, urban area like that of Monterrey. Thus, besides the well known cat-related mechanisms of transmission, we also stress the need to recognize the potential role of some other mechanisms which sometimes go underestimated or unrecognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of intrauterine infection by Toxoplasma gondii, Chikungunya and Zika viruses in a Colombian woman from the southern part of the country. The patient attended prenatal care in the second trimester of her pregnancy and she informed that in the first trimester she had presented with clinical symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection. Amniotic fluid PCR assays showed infection by T. gondii, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Diagnostic imaging showed fetal malformation of the central nervous system. At 29 weeks of gestation, pregnancy was terminated medically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]