Serologic Detection of Anti Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Diabetic Patients

Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by the Toxoplasmagondii parasite. The parasite is intracellular and can result in severe complications leading to death in immuno-deficient patients in particular. Diabetes is an important factor that increases susceptibility and risk of various infections in the host. Objectives: The present study focused on the serologic detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: Through a case-control study, overall 184 serum samples including 91 from diabetic cases and 93 from healthy non-diabetic controls were investigated. Cases and controls were matched for age and gender. Serum samples were tested for sugar by an enzymatic method, and IgG antibodies were tested against Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA method. Results: The prevalence of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in diabetic patients and healthy controls were 60.43 and 38 respectively. Risk of toxoplasmosis infection in diabetic patients with was two folds higher than healthy controls (RR = 2.21, 95 CI; 1.6 - 3.7, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Diabetes may be caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Presence of T. gondii in the pancreas at the same time could directly undermines the pancreas cells. When beta cells are destroyed, insulin secretion would then be affected. Probably the destruction of T. gondii affects nervous system and damages pancreatic cells leading to increased risk of diabetes

Enteric parasites in patients referred to health centers of Qom -Iran 2007-2009

The current study was performed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in patients referred to health centers of Qom province. Materials and Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on stool specimens from patients referred to the health centers of Qom province.The samples were tested using formalin-ether concentration and Graham methods.Results:Within the 117,403 fecal samples evaluated; protozoa, Giardia, and then Entamoeba coli were the most frequently observed parasites. The lowest infection rate was related to Oxyuris.The three-year prevalence percentage was determined to be 6.5 .Most infections occurred in spring and summer, in the age group below 10, and in residents of suburbs and villages. The Infection rates were almost similar in the two sexes. Conclusion: A significant relationship was observed between the rate of infection and age groups,season, and place of residence (P<0.005), but sex was not related to the rate of infection

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection in pregnant women in Qom province, Iran (2010)

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can infect a wide range of hosts, including humans. Infection with T. gondii is potentially life threatening in immunocompromised individuals. Moreover, the infection can be detrimental during pregnancy, often leading to abortion of the fetus. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection among Qom's pregnant women in 20l0. Materials and methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 200 serum samples were selected randomly and examined for toxoplasmosis by ELISA and IFA methods.The relationship between seropositivity for toxoplasmosis on the one hand, and some important factors on the other hand, were evaluated. Results: Total prevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma was 45.3. According to the data reported by patients, toxoplasmosis had direct relationship with residential areas, consumption of semi-cooked meat, consumption of unwashed raw vegetables, and being in contact with cats. There is a statistically significant relationship between age and occurrence of the infection with regard to IgG seropositivity. However, such relationship could not be found for IgM. The highest infection rate was observed in the age range of 2l to 25. Discussion: Education about the routes of the disease transmission and performing toxoplasma test before pregnancy can be effective reducing the prevalence rate

Serologic detection of anti Toxoplasma gondii infection in diabetic patients

Background: Toxoplasmosis is caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The parasite is intracellular and can result in severe complications leading to death in immuno-deficient patients in particular. Diabetes is an important factor that increases susceptibility and risk of various infections in the host. The present study focused on the serologic detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in diabetic patients. Methodology: Through a case-control study, overall 184 serum samples including 91 from diabetic cases and 93 from healthy non-diabetic controls were investigated. Cases and controls were matched for age and gender. Serum samples were tested for sugar by an enzymatic method, and IgG antibodies were tested against Toxoplasma gondii by ELISA method. Results: The prevalence of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in diabetic patients and healthy controls were 60.43 and 38 respectively. Risk of toxoplasmosis infection in diabetic patients with was two folds higher than healthy controls (RR=2.21, 95CI; 1.6-3.7, p=0.001). Conclusions: Diabetes may be caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Presence of Toxoplasma gondii in the pancreas at the same time could directly undermines the pancreas cells. When β cells are destroyed, insulin secretion would then be affected. Probably the destruction of T. Gondii affects nervous system and damages pancreatic cells leading to increased risk of diabetes