Gholamreza Soleimani, S. Yaghoubi, Elham Shafighi Shahri
Introduction: COVID-19 is a new respiratory infection caused by the coronavirus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared as a global epidemic in 2019. All the information obtained about this virus was different in children than in adults. Case Presentation: The case investigated in this study was a 10-year-old boy with hemoptysis and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in his post-COVID-19 recovery phase. Conclusions: COVID-19 can have a variety of presentations and complications beyond the classic respiratory symptoms and fever. This case is important and shows how COVID-19 can be life-threatening.
{"title":"Post-COVID-19 Massive Hemoptysis and Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Case Report","authors":"Gholamreza Soleimani, S. Yaghoubi, Elham Shafighi Shahri","doi":"10.5812/IJI.110694","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.110694","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: COVID-19 is a new respiratory infection caused by the coronavirus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared as a global epidemic in 2019. All the information obtained about this virus was different in children than in adults. Case Presentation: The case investigated in this study was a 10-year-old boy with hemoptysis and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in his post-COVID-19 recovery phase. Conclusions: COVID-19 can have a variety of presentations and complications beyond the classic respiratory symptoms and fever. This case is important and shows how COVID-19 can be life-threatening.","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87095340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes a wide range of adverse effects in both mothers and infants during pregnancy and after delivery. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of erythromycin either alone or in combination with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the clinical GBS isolated from pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 106 women aged 16 - 48 years. After identification of GBS strains by phenotypic and genotypic methods (PCR), erythromycin-resistant isolates were identified using the Kirby-Bauer test and broth microdilution method according to CLSI-2015 guidelines. The antibacterial properties and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of erythromycin (either alone or combined with AuNPs) were assessed by the agar well-diffusion and broth microdilution methods, respectively. Results: The frequency of GBS isolates was significantly high in the pregnant women aged less than 40 years (73.9%) (P = 0.0251), those with a history of abortion (60.9%) (P = 0.038), and residents of rural areas (60%) (P = 0.038). Moreover, 65.2% of the isolates were resistant to erythromycin. The MIC of AuNPs-erythromycin combination required to inhibit the growth of 50% of GBS isolates (MIC50 = 0.25 μg/mL) was significantly lower than the concentration of AuNP-erythromycin required to inhibit the growth of 90% of the isolates (MIC90 = 1 μg/mL) (P = 0.02), indicating a 16-fold lower dose than the values for erythromycin and AuNPs alone. In the agar well-diffusion method, the average diameter of the growth inhibition zone of AuNPs-erythromycin was 2.5-fold greater than that of free erythromycin (P = 0.037). Conclusions: The results showed that the combination of erythromycin with AuNPs increased the antibacterial effects of erythromycin against GBS isolates.
{"title":"Response of Group B Streptococcus to the Combination of Gold Nanoparticles-Erythromycin as a Nanoweapon","authors":"L. Fozouni, Prastoo Vaezi, A. Ahani Azari","doi":"10.5812/IJI.113204","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.113204","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes a wide range of adverse effects in both mothers and infants during pregnancy and after delivery. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of erythromycin either alone or in combination with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the clinical GBS isolated from pregnant women. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 106 women aged 16 - 48 years. After identification of GBS strains by phenotypic and genotypic methods (PCR), erythromycin-resistant isolates were identified using the Kirby-Bauer test and broth microdilution method according to CLSI-2015 guidelines. The antibacterial properties and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of erythromycin (either alone or combined with AuNPs) were assessed by the agar well-diffusion and broth microdilution methods, respectively. Results: The frequency of GBS isolates was significantly high in the pregnant women aged less than 40 years (73.9%) (P = 0.0251), those with a history of abortion (60.9%) (P = 0.038), and residents of rural areas (60%) (P = 0.038). Moreover, 65.2% of the isolates were resistant to erythromycin. The MIC of AuNPs-erythromycin combination required to inhibit the growth of 50% of GBS isolates (MIC50 = 0.25 μg/mL) was significantly lower than the concentration of AuNP-erythromycin required to inhibit the growth of 90% of the isolates (MIC90 = 1 μg/mL) (P = 0.02), indicating a 16-fold lower dose than the values for erythromycin and AuNPs alone. In the agar well-diffusion method, the average diameter of the growth inhibition zone of AuNPs-erythromycin was 2.5-fold greater than that of free erythromycin (P = 0.037). Conclusions: The results showed that the combination of erythromycin with AuNPs increased the antibacterial effects of erythromycin against GBS isolates.","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"213 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89090071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Wound infection is a highly common problem in hospital settings, where microbes are often resistant and difficult to treat due to rapid exposure to antibiotics. While treating wound infection, bacteria often enter the deep tissue; as therapy needs long exposure time, bacteria have sufficient time to develop biofilm, which makes them much more resistant to antibiotics. Objectives: The current study was performed to identify wound-infecting bacteria and determine their protease production activity. Methods: The ability to produce biofilm was evaluated by the Congo red agar and tube methods. Antibiotic resistance pattern was assessed before and after biofilm formation to detect the changes in resistance due to biofilm formation. Results: We identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Corynebacteriumxerosis., Alcaligenes faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacterspp., Klebsiellapneumonia, Staphylococcus spp., Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. in 20 wound samples, among which about 10 isolates were found to be biofilm producers. Almost all the biofilm producers showed complete resistance or a much smaller inhibition zone. Conclusions: Pathogenic bacteria can be more difficult to eradicate by antibiotic treatment if they are able to produce biofilm; thus, it is essential to prevent biofilm formation.
{"title":"Evaluation of Drug Resistance Before and After Biofilm Formation of Bacteria Causing Wound Infection and Detection of Their Protease Activity","authors":"Tasnuba Tabassum Proma, T. Ahmed","doi":"10.5812/IJI.108247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.108247","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Wound infection is a highly common problem in hospital settings, where microbes are often resistant and difficult to treat due to rapid exposure to antibiotics. While treating wound infection, bacteria often enter the deep tissue; as therapy needs long exposure time, bacteria have sufficient time to develop biofilm, which makes them much more resistant to antibiotics. Objectives: The current study was performed to identify wound-infecting bacteria and determine their protease production activity. Methods: The ability to produce biofilm was evaluated by the Congo red agar and tube methods. Antibiotic resistance pattern was assessed before and after biofilm formation to detect the changes in resistance due to biofilm formation. Results: We identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Corynebacteriumxerosis., Alcaligenes faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacterspp., Klebsiellapneumonia, Staphylococcus spp., Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. in 20 wound samples, among which about 10 isolates were found to be biofilm producers. Almost all the biofilm producers showed complete resistance or a much smaller inhibition zone. Conclusions: Pathogenic bacteria can be more difficult to eradicate by antibiotic treatment if they are able to produce biofilm; thus, it is essential to prevent biofilm formation.","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"27 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88459287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emmanuel Ebuka Elebesunu, John Sunday Uhuo, Precious Ihechiluru Sylvanus
{"title":"Antimalarial Drug Resistance of Plasmodium falciparum in Africa: The Need for Novel Drug Treatments","authors":"Emmanuel Ebuka Elebesunu, John Sunday Uhuo, Precious Ihechiluru Sylvanus","doi":"10.5812/IJI.113088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.113088","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73394705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sama Rahnemayan, H. Ebrahimzadeh Leylabadlo, S. Sanaie, R. Ghotaslou
{"title":"COVID-19 and Increasing Risk of Antimicrobial Resistance","authors":"Sama Rahnemayan, H. Ebrahimzadeh Leylabadlo, S. Sanaie, R. Ghotaslou","doi":"10.5812/IJI.111443","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.111443","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72922328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dildar H. Musa, N. Hussein, Nashwan Ibrahim, Z. S. M. Saleem, I. Naqid
Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes severe respiratory infection. Gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported in up to 10% of patients. Case Presentation: We here report a case of COVID-19-associated acute mesenteric ischemia in a patient presenting with fever and abdominal pain, deteriorating over a four-day period. The diagnosis was initially missed due to a low suspicion level. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by chest CT scan and RT-PCR. Then the patient underwent an emergency laparotomy showing segmental small bowel ischemia of about 2 meters (between the lower jejunum and upper ileum). Resection of the ischemic segment was performed by end-to-end anastomosis. He was then discharged from the hospital after recovering from COVID-19. Conclusions: The present case report highlights the importance of being vigilant about mesenteric ischemia symptoms in the patients with COVID-19, presenting with progressive abdominal pain for timely ordering appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
{"title":"COVID-19 Associated Mesenteric Ischemia in a Patient from Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Case Report","authors":"Dildar H. Musa, N. Hussein, Nashwan Ibrahim, Z. S. M. Saleem, I. Naqid","doi":"10.5812/IJI.111246","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.111246","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes severe respiratory infection. Gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported in up to 10% of patients. Case Presentation: We here report a case of COVID-19-associated acute mesenteric ischemia in a patient presenting with fever and abdominal pain, deteriorating over a four-day period. The diagnosis was initially missed due to a low suspicion level. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by chest CT scan and RT-PCR. Then the patient underwent an emergency laparotomy showing segmental small bowel ischemia of about 2 meters (between the lower jejunum and upper ileum). Resection of the ischemic segment was performed by end-to-end anastomosis. He was then discharged from the hospital after recovering from COVID-19. Conclusions: The present case report highlights the importance of being vigilant about mesenteric ischemia symptoms in the patients with COVID-19, presenting with progressive abdominal pain for timely ordering appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75319544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute fetal illness the case fatality rate (CFR), which without treatment is between 26% to more than 80%. Despite the administration of ribavirin as a specific antiviral drug for the treatment of CCHF from many years ago, its clinical efficacy is still controversial. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ribavirin, favipiravir, and other treatment options for CCHF, including steroids, immunoglobulin, etc. Method: This systematic review included 31 articles, three factsheet from WHO, CDC, and ECDC, two editorial letters, and two textbooks from 2002 to 2020. The following databases were searched: Google Scholar, PubMed, Medscape, Cochrane, WHO, CDC, and ECDC. Results: The selected results of the above articles were concentrated on the different options of supportive treatment, including steroids, immunoglobulin, etc., as well as the efficacy of antiviral drugs, especially ribavirin and favipiravir. While some studies confirmed the clinical efficacy of ribavirin in the treatment of CCHF, some other studies did not confirm its efficacy. All studies justified that supportive therapies are the mainstay of treatment. Conclusions: The cornerstone of therapy of CCHF is supportive treatment. The clinical efficacy of ribavirin for CCHF treatment is questionable, and further randomized case-control clinical trials are required to confirm and recommend it for CCHF treatment. Also, other treatment strategies, including administration of steroids, immunoglobulin, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) require more conclusive data. The promising antiviral drug for CCHF treatment is favipiravir.
{"title":"A Systematic Review of Treatment Strategies Including Future Novel Therapies in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever","authors":"H. Kouhpayeh","doi":"10.5812/IJI.113427","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.113427","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute fetal illness the case fatality rate (CFR), which without treatment is between 26% to more than 80%. Despite the administration of ribavirin as a specific antiviral drug for the treatment of CCHF from many years ago, its clinical efficacy is still controversial. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ribavirin, favipiravir, and other treatment options for CCHF, including steroids, immunoglobulin, etc. Method: This systematic review included 31 articles, three factsheet from WHO, CDC, and ECDC, two editorial letters, and two textbooks from 2002 to 2020. The following databases were searched: Google Scholar, PubMed, Medscape, Cochrane, WHO, CDC, and ECDC. Results: The selected results of the above articles were concentrated on the different options of supportive treatment, including steroids, immunoglobulin, etc., as well as the efficacy of antiviral drugs, especially ribavirin and favipiravir. While some studies confirmed the clinical efficacy of ribavirin in the treatment of CCHF, some other studies did not confirm its efficacy. All studies justified that supportive therapies are the mainstay of treatment. Conclusions: The cornerstone of therapy of CCHF is supportive treatment. The clinical efficacy of ribavirin for CCHF treatment is questionable, and further randomized case-control clinical trials are required to confirm and recommend it for CCHF treatment. Also, other treatment strategies, including administration of steroids, immunoglobulin, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) require more conclusive data. The promising antiviral drug for CCHF treatment is favipiravir.","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"7 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91422567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: One of the most challenging aspects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is that a newly infected individual shows diagnosable symptoms, such as body temperature (Tb) rise, several days after contracting the disease. In the early phase of infection (i.e., incubation period), an undiagnosed and unaware individual can spread the virus to others. The fastest and most efficient route of COVID-19 transmission is the respiratory system. Therefore, developing a model of the respiratory system to predict changes in the lung performance upon COVID-19 infection is useful for early diagnosis and intervention during the incubation period. Objectives: This modeling study aimed to evaluate the respiratory system to present an early intervention for COVID-19 and its transmission. Methods: A simple model was developed by performing mass and energy balances on the lungs; it was simulated by the Aspen HYSYS chemical process simulator. Results: To compensate for the virus-infected lung inefficiency, the O2 concentration increased in the exhaled air at the cost of decreased CO2 concentration. Contrary to previous findings on the reduced stability of coronavirus in hot and humid environments, it was found that very hot and humid environments promote the viral transmission rate because of the direct heat transfer to the body via respiration and condensation of water vapor that may cause infection in the respiratory tract. Conclusions: Our model revealed that measurement of O2 or CO2 composition of exhaled gas, using a non-invasive and inexpensive device at home, allows for the early diagnosis of infection and its prevention. This study also aimed to highlight the actual effects of high temperature and high relative humidity (RH) on increasing the virus transmission rates, as opposed to the generally accepted hypothesis of decreased coronavirus stability under these conditions.
{"title":"A Modeling Study of the Respiratory System for an Early Intervention of COVID-19 and Its Transmission","authors":"Bijan Hejazi, K. Hejazi","doi":"10.5812/IJI.110410","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.110410","url":null,"abstract":"Background: One of the most challenging aspects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is that a newly infected individual shows diagnosable symptoms, such as body temperature (Tb) rise, several days after contracting the disease. In the early phase of infection (i.e., incubation period), an undiagnosed and unaware individual can spread the virus to others. The fastest and most efficient route of COVID-19 transmission is the respiratory system. Therefore, developing a model of the respiratory system to predict changes in the lung performance upon COVID-19 infection is useful for early diagnosis and intervention during the incubation period. Objectives: This modeling study aimed to evaluate the respiratory system to present an early intervention for COVID-19 and its transmission. Methods: A simple model was developed by performing mass and energy balances on the lungs; it was simulated by the Aspen HYSYS chemical process simulator. Results: To compensate for the virus-infected lung inefficiency, the O2 concentration increased in the exhaled air at the cost of decreased CO2 concentration. Contrary to previous findings on the reduced stability of coronavirus in hot and humid environments, it was found that very hot and humid environments promote the viral transmission rate because of the direct heat transfer to the body via respiration and condensation of water vapor that may cause infection in the respiratory tract. Conclusions: Our model revealed that measurement of O2 or CO2 composition of exhaled gas, using a non-invasive and inexpensive device at home, allows for the early diagnosis of infection and its prevention. This study also aimed to highlight the actual effects of high temperature and high relative humidity (RH) on increasing the virus transmission rates, as opposed to the generally accepted hypothesis of decreased coronavirus stability under these conditions.","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79930017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, and is among the diseases generally referred to as neglected tropical disease (NTD). It can be a reason for impulsive abortion in pregnant women or hereditary chorioretinitis in neonates. Objectives: The present study examined seroprevalence and related risk issues of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women (PTW) and non-pregnant females (NPF) of two health facilities in Port Harcourt. Methods: Venous blood was collected from 380 women and analyzed by immunodiagnostic techniques using ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay) IgG and IgM tests and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire on the socio-demographic risk issues linked with toxoplasmosis. Results: Among the study population, PTW and NPF had seroprevalence of 33.0% and 19.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). PTW recorded a higher overall seroprevalence than NPF with 16.1%, 1.3%, and 8.4%, 0.8% for Toxoplasma gondii ELISA IgG, and IgM tests, respectively. IgM-positive cases were all authenticated by the real-time PCR technique and were all negative. Age group 35-39 years had the highest IgG seroprevalence of 24.3% for PTW, while the age group > 40 years had the highest IgG seroprevalence of 18.2% for NPF. Traders recorded the uppermost seroprevalence of 20.9% and 2.6% for IgG and IgM among PTW, respectively, while teachers and traders recorded the maximum seroprevalence of 15.6% and 1.7% for IgG and IgM among NPF, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was no association between the age group, occupation, trimester, and toxoplasmosis. Conclusions: The toxoplasmosis was significantly high in pregnant women. It is recommended that Toxoplasma gondii tests should be included as a routine test during antenatal.
{"title":"Toxoplasmosis in Pregnant Women and Non-Pregnant Female Volunteers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria","authors":"E. Onosakponome, A. Abah, M. Wogu","doi":"10.5812/IJI.110598","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.110598","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, and is among the diseases generally referred to as neglected tropical disease (NTD). It can be a reason for impulsive abortion in pregnant women or hereditary chorioretinitis in neonates. Objectives: The present study examined seroprevalence and related risk issues of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women (PTW) and non-pregnant females (NPF) of two health facilities in Port Harcourt. Methods: Venous blood was collected from 380 women and analyzed by immunodiagnostic techniques using ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay) IgG and IgM tests and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire on the socio-demographic risk issues linked with toxoplasmosis. Results: Among the study population, PTW and NPF had seroprevalence of 33.0% and 19.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). PTW recorded a higher overall seroprevalence than NPF with 16.1%, 1.3%, and 8.4%, 0.8% for Toxoplasma gondii ELISA IgG, and IgM tests, respectively. IgM-positive cases were all authenticated by the real-time PCR technique and were all negative. Age group 35-39 years had the highest IgG seroprevalence of 24.3% for PTW, while the age group > 40 years had the highest IgG seroprevalence of 18.2% for NPF. Traders recorded the uppermost seroprevalence of 20.9% and 2.6% for IgG and IgM among PTW, respectively, while teachers and traders recorded the maximum seroprevalence of 15.6% and 1.7% for IgG and IgM among NPF, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that there was no association between the age group, occupation, trimester, and toxoplasmosis. Conclusions: The toxoplasmosis was significantly high in pregnant women. It is recommended that Toxoplasma gondii tests should be included as a routine test during antenatal.","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72847651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Vitamin D Double-edged Sword Against COVID-19","authors":"F. Pouya, Yousef Rasmi, M. Nemati, E. Asl","doi":"10.5812/IJI.109043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/IJI.109043","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":13989,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Infection","volume":"52 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87068428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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