Anatomopathological study in BALB/c mice brains experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Silva, Marcos Gontijo da; Lino, Ruy de Souza; Costa, Tatiane Luiza da; Soares, Joanna Darc Aparecida Herzog; Amaral, Waldemar Naves do; Avelino, Mariza Martins; Castro, Ana Maria de

doi:10.1590/s1413-86702008000100012

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 14 publications

(17 reference statements)

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“…Blood samples were collected before specific medication was given to NB. These samples were taken to determine the presence of a parasite by PCR or experimental inoculation in mice (using according to Silva et al [ 65 ]. PCR was performed according to the following protocol.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Congenital toxoplasmosis and prenatal care state programs

et al. 2014

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BackgroundControl programs have been executed in an attempt to reduce vertical transmission and the severity of congenital infection in regions with a high incidence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate whether treatment of pregnant women with spiramycin associated with a lack of monitoring for toxoplasmosis seroconversion affects the prognosis of patients.MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study with 246 newborns (NB) at risk for congenital toxoplasmosis in Goiânia (Brazil) between October 2003 and October 2011. We analyzed the efficacy of maternal treatment with spiramycin.ResultsA total of 40.7% (66/162) of the neonates were born seriously infected. Vertical transmission associated with reactivation during pregnancy occurred in 5.5% (9/162) of the NB, with one showing severe infection (systemic). The presence of specific immunoglobulins (fetal IgM and NB IgA) suggested the worst prognosis. Treatment of pregnant women by spiramycin resulted in reduced vertical transmission. When infected pregnant women did not undergo proper treatment, the risk of severe infection (neural-optical) in NB was significantly increased. Fetal IgM was associated with ocular impairment in 48.0% (12/25) of the fetuses and neonatal IgA-specific was related to the neuro-ophthalmologic and systemic forms of the disease. When acute toxoplasmosis was identified in the postpartum period, a lack of monitoring of seronegative pregnant women resulted in a higher risk of severe congenital infection.ConclusionTreatment of pregnant women with spiramycin reduces the possibility of transmission of infection to the fetus. However, a lack of proper treatment is associated with the onset of the neural-optical form of congenital infection. Primary preventive measures should be increased for all pregnant women during the prenatal period and secondary prophylaxis through surveillance of seroconversion in seronegative pregnant woman should be introduced to reduce the severity of congenital infection in the environment.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Congenital toxoplasmosis and prenatal care state programs

et al. 2014

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“…However, it may convert to a chronic phase without symptoms; this phase being mostly localized in the brain (14). This is because T. gondii is able to pass the blood-brain-barrier and settle in the central nervous system (brain) and establish cysts including bradyzoites (17) that escape the immune system (3) and lead to chronic infection in the brain, and present various psychoneurological disorders (12,18,19).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Also, some reports demonstrated diffuse edema and congestion. However, in some studies no significant edema or necrosis was reported in parallel to the observed hemorrhage (19,48). Diffuse meningoencephalitis, in the white and gray matter has also been seen (19).…”

Section: Anatomopathological Changesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Threat of Toxoplasmosis Targeting the Brain for Military Forces and Veterans

2014

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Context: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections worldwide and is occasionally able to cause cysts in the central nervous system (CNS). Although its importance is highlighted in immune-compromised patients, it is also associated with non-identified complications due to various anatomopathological and histological changes in CNS among immune-competent hosts, particularly following travel or military deployment to endemic regions. These changes may lead to behavioral disorders, which are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed. Evidence Acquisition: We designed a narrative review to describe the risk of toxoplasmosis associated with military jobs and the potential changes in different parts of the central nervous system during toxoplasmosis, based on published articles in the last 30 years. Results: The current body of evidence reveals many potential routes of transmission for military operating forces and there have been several reports of toxoplasma outbreaks among soldiers. Although acute infection is frequently symptomless, many mild and non-specific clinical manifestations are commonly overlooked. Also, military forces are prone to CNS toxoplasma infections, which may lead to several psychological and neurological clinical presentations following acute, sub-acute and chronic infection. Conclusions: Toxoplasmosis is frequent among military forces and CNS infection is likely in this population. Thus clinicians must be aware and investigate toxoplasma in suspicious neuropsychological manifestations even in immunocompetent and apparently healthy hosts, particularly for military personnel deployed to endemic areas.

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