Seroprevalence of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection among women of childbearing age in an endemic region of Romania, 2016–2018

Mihu, Alin Gabriel; Baltă, Cornel; Marti, Daniela; Paduraru, Ana Alexandra; Lupu, Maria Alina; Olariu, Tudor Rareș

doi:10.1051/parasite/2020057

Cited by 10 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Our results revealed a high prevalence of T. gondii IgG antibodies in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, organic (personality and behaviour) disorders, and mental disorders concerning alcohol abuse, compared with controls. Similar to the results of other studies conducted in this region [4,13], the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies tended to increase with age in both groups: psychiatric patients and controls.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…T. gondii seroprevalence differs widely between countries [1][2][3]. Humans can be infected by ingestion or handling of undercooked or raw meat, ingestion of contaminated food or water [2,4], organ transplantation, via blood or leucocytes, or vertically from the acutely infected pregnant women to the foetus [2,5]. In immunocompetent subjects, the postnatally acquired T. gondii infection is generally considered clinically insignificant [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders from Western Romania

et al. 2022

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Background and Objectives: High rates of infection with Toxoplasma gondii were found in psychiatric patients globally. In this study, we assessed for the first time the prevalence of T. gondii infection in psychiatric patients and healthy individuals with no known psychiatric disorders in Western Romania. Materials and Methods: The presence of specific IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies was evaluated in 308 psychiatric patients and 296 control subjects using a chemiluminescence assay. Results: Overall, the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was higher in psychiatric patients (67.86%; 209/308), compared with the control group (54.05%; 160/296) (p < 0.001). Our results revealed a significantly higher prevalence of T. gondii antibodies among patients with schizophrenia (69.77%), organic (personality and behaviour) disorders (76.74%), and mental disorders concerning alcohol abuse (84.62%), compared with the control group (p = 0.009, p = 0.005, p = 0.043, respectively). Conclusions: This study provides new and important information on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in Romanian psychiatric patients and may serve for further scientific research regarding the status of T. gondii infection in patients with psychiatric disorders.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders from Western Romania

et al. 2022

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“…The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies generally increased with age, as showed by Olariu et al [ 62 ], higher in women aged over 40 years (71.4%) compared with young women under 20 years of age (33.3%). This difference was confirmed by studies performed 7 years later [ 54 ] and 12 years later in the Banat region by Motoi et al and Mihu et al, respectively [ 59 , 63 , 64 ]. The estimated annual infection risk associated with age showed high susceptibility from childhood to adolescence (3–4.5% annual infection risk), a stable level for adults (1–2%), and then an increase up to 5.5% for individuals over 65 years old [ 53 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 57%

“…The seroprevalence was higher in rural areas (70%) compared with urban areas (48.1%). The Banat region had different seroprevalence rates, with a study conducted in 2015 showing a rate of 55.55% [ 54 ] in women of childbearing age, while other studies conducted in 2020 and later found rates between 38.81% and 55.8% [ 58 , 59 , 63 , 64 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Seroprevalence of Infections with TORCH Agents in Romania: A Systematic Review

Radoi,

Zlatian,

Balasoiu

et al. 2023

Microorganisms

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Maternal–fetal infectious pathology—notably the TORCH panel (Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses)—critically impacts maternal and neonatal health. This review collates data on the seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against TORCH agents in Romanian women, aiming to discern regional and population differences and identify risk factors. Twenty studies were included in the review, revealing variable seroprevalence rates across the country. Regions such as Moldavia and Banat showed higher anti-T. gondii IgG seroprevalence rates than Bihor, with notable declines in Banat. Rural, older, and multiparous women showed elevated T. gondii IgG rates. Anti-rubella vaccine introduction significantly reduced the prevalence of anti-rubella IgG antibodies, but recent vaccination coverage decreases raise concerns. CMV and HSV seroprevalence varied geographically, with rural areas generally showing higher CMV rates and HSV influenced by factors like education level and number of sexual partners. Concurrent seroprevalence of multiple TORCH components in some cases underscores potential common risk factors. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and preventive measures such as vaccinations and awareness campaigns to mitigate the health impact on the pregnant population.

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Prevalence of Human Toxoplasmosis in Spain Throughout the Three Last Decades (1993–2023): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Miguel-Vicedo,

Cabello,

Ortega-Navas

et al. 2024

J Epidemiol Glob Health

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Humans are infected by Toxoplasma gondii worldwide and its consequences may seriously affect an immune deprived population such as HIV and transplanted patients or pregnant women and foetuses. A deep knowledge of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in Spain is needed in order to better shape health policies and educational programs. We present the results of the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the human prevalence for this disease in Spain. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Teseo) were searched for relevant studies that were published between January 1993 and December 2023 and all population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting the human seroprevalence in Spain were revised. Within the population analysed, our targeted groups were immunocompetent population, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Among 572 studies and 35 doctoral theses retrieved, 15 studies and three doctoral theses were included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model was used for the meta-analyses due to the high heterogeneity found between studies (I2: 99.97), since it is a statistically conservative model, in addition to allowing better external validity. The global pooled seroprevalence was 32.3% (95% CI 28.7–36.2%). Most of the studies carried out were in pregnant women and the meta-analysis reported that the pooled seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Spain was 24.4% (24,737/85,703, 95% CI 21.2–28.0%), based on the random effects model. It is recommended to continue monitoring the seroprevalence status of T. gondii in order to obtain essential guidelines for the prevention and control of the infection in the population.

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Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among women of childbearing age in an endemic region of Romania, 2016–2018

Cited by 10 publications

References 24 publications

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders from Western Romania

Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders from Western Romania

Seroprevalence of Infections with TORCH Agents in Romania: A Systematic Review

Prevalence of Human Toxoplasmosis in Spain Throughout the Three Last Decades (1993–2023): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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