Explore the vast range of titles available.

A few studies investigated the relationship between toxoplasmosis and mental disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the specific nature of the association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and OCD is not yet clear. The aim of this study was to collect information on the relationship between OCD and toxoplasmosis and assess whether patients with toxoplasmosis are prone to OCD. For the purpose of this study, 6 major electronic databases and the Internet search engine Google Scholar were searched for the published articles up to July 30th, 2018 with no restriction of language. The inverse variance method and the random effect model were used to combine the data. The values of odds ratio (OR) were estimated at 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 9 case-control and 3 cross-sectional studies were included in our systematic review. However, 11 of these 12 articles were entered into the meta-analysis containing 9873 participants, out of whom 389 were with OCD (25.96% positive for toxoplasmosis) and 9484 were without OCD (17.12% positive for toxoplasmosis). The estimation of the random effect model indicated a significant common OR of 1.96 [95% CI: 1.32-2.90]. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that toxoplasmosis could be as an associated factor for OCD (OR = 1.96). However, further prospective investigations are highly recommended to illuminate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of T. gondii infection in OCD and to better investigate the relationship between OCD and T. gondii infection.

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii , is a zoonotic disease affecting almost all warm-blooded vertebrates. Despite its importance to both humans and animals, research on toxoplasmosis in Armenia has been limited, with a notable 35-year gap in studies focused on host animals. This study aimed to conduct a survey of T. gondii seroprevalence among livestock in Armenia. A total of 1996 serum samples of sheep, pigs, and cattle were collected from the northern provinces (Shirak, Lori, Tavush) of Armenia and screened by the ELISA test for the presence of total anti- Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies. In the present study, the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in livestock from northern Armenia was 15.5% (308/1,982; 95% CI: 14.0–17.2). The overall prevalence of infection among sheep was 22.5% (196/870; 95% CI: 19.8–25.5), pigs 28.6% (4/14; 95% CI: 8.4–58.1), and cattle 10.1% (112/1,112; 95% CI: 8.4–12.0). After excluding pigs due to insufficient sample size, a Pearson’s chi-square test demonstrated a strong and statistically significant association between host species and T. gondii infection status (χ² = 58.31, df = 1, p < 0.001). To investigate environmental determinants of infection, species-specific logistic regression models were fitted using temperature and elevation as continuous predictors. In cattle, none of the environmental variables showed statistically significant associations with seropositivity, and model fit did not improve over the null model. In contrast, sheep displayed a strong and non-linear relationship between seropositivity and elevation. The likelihood of infection decreased from low to mid altitudes and rose slightly at the highest elevations. Temperature showed no detectable effect in either species. These findings reveal clear species-specific differences in environmental sensitivity and highlight elevation as a key ecological factor shaping T. gondii exposure risks in sheep.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular opportunistic parasite that is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This parasite accounts for mental disorders; however, the relationship between T. gondii infection and depressive disorder is unclear. Regarding this, the present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the scientific evidence regarding the potential association between major depression disorder (MDD) and Toxoplasma infection. For the purpose of the study, the articles related to the subject of interest were systematically searched in seven electronic databases. Special attention was given to the studies examining T. gondii seropositivity level in depressed patients and controls. The search process resulted in the identification of a total of 30 publications meeting the inclusion criteria and published up to April 2018 for the systematic review. Furthermore, 29 studies met the inclusion criteria to be entered into meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis involved the review of cross-sectional studies including 1657 depressed patients and 19565 individuals as controls and case-control studies entailing 1311 depressed cases and 6015 controls without depression. 1582 depressed people participated in cross-sectional studies whose results were reported as odds ratio (OR). In addition, the total number of participants was 15068 in this type of studies. Statistical analysis indicated that the pooled OR of the risk of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody in depressed individuals in case-control and cross-sectional studies was 1.15 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-1.39). As the findings of the reviewed articles indicated, toxoplasmosis is not a risk factor for MDD. However, it is necessary to perform further research to clarify the detailed association between T. gondii and dysthymia or mild and moderate depression. Furthermore, it is recommended to better investigate the effect of antibody titers on the relationship between depression and T. gondii infection.

Echinococcosis, caused by cestodes of the genus Echinococcus , poses significant public health and veterinary concerns globally. In Armenia, cystic echinococcosis (CE) is well-documented in livestock and humans, while alveolar echinococcosis (AE) has long been considered non-endemic. However, a recent retrospective study identified human AE cases, suggesting an underestimation of the parasite’s presence. To address knowledge gaps, a pilot survey was conducted to identify Echinococcus species and other taeniids in free-roaming dogs and wild carnivores in Armenia. Fecal samples ( n = 112) were opportunistically collected from eight wild carnivore species and stray dogs across six Armenian provinces between 2017 and 2018. Samples were analysed for taeniid eggs using flotation and molecular techniques. Echinococcus multilocularis was identified in a free-roaming dog, marking the first confirmed detection of the parasite in a definitive host in Armenia. Additionally, E. canadensis G6/7 and E. ortleppi were detected in a wolf, while E. canadensis G6/7, Taenia hydatigena , and T. laticollis were found in a lynx. These findings indicate the involvement of both domestic and wild carnivores in the transmission cycles of Echinococcus species and suggest the presents of a potential sylvatic cycle involving E. canadensis G6/7 and E. ortleppi . The presence of E. multilocularis in a dog underscores the risk of human infection, necessitating further epidemiological studies. This study provides initial insights into the epidemiology of Echinococcus in Armenia and highlights the need for continued surveillance to assess public health risks.

Toxoplasma gondii, a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite causes toxoplasmosis in humans and many species of domestic and wild animals. T. gondii instigates significant economic losses in sheep and goat farming industry and can lead to abortion, stillbirth, congenital malformations and neonatal losses. The objective of this protocol is to evaluate worldwide seroprevalence of T. gondii exposure in goats using Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis and geographic information system (GIS). A comprehensive literature search will be conducted using search engines, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, EMBASE, PROSPERO Register and, Google Scholar without date and language restrictions. The authors search for cross-sectional studies that determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii in goats. Two reviewers will independently screen, selected studies; also, they will extract data, and assess the risk of bias. In case(s) of disagreement, a consensus will be reached with the help of a third author. The Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis will use to estimate country and worldwide true seroprevalence of T. gondii, which is consist of the sensitivity and specificity of the applied serological assays. The obtained data will be used to identify country-level risk factors associated with T. gondii exposure using GIS in the ArcGIS software. The systematic review produced from this protocol will provide the true prevalence rate and spatial distribution T. gondii exposure in goats both regionally and globally using Bayesian hierarchical and GIS analysis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020107928.

Cystoisospora belli and Cyclospora cayetanensis have been known to cause a range of gastrointestinal and systemic complications, particularly in HIV/AIDS patients with low immunity. The manifestations are more severe in patients with CD4 + T-cell counts below 200 cells/µl. The current study was performed to detect these parasitic infections in HIV-positive patients in northern Iran. This cross-sectional study analyzed 50 stool samples from HIV-positive patients attending behavioral disease counseling centers in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Following informed consent, the samples were tested for C. cayetanensis and C. belli using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Among 50 stool samples tested, 8% [95% CI: 0.48–15.52] ( n  = 4) were positive for C. belli while 4% [95% CI: 0.00–9.43] ( n  = 2) were positive for C. cayetanensis . Also infection with C. belli showing a significant association with gastrointestinal symptoms ( p  < 0.05). Moreover, 52% of patients reported gastrointestinal issues, primarily diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The majority of individuals (66%) resided in rural villages, and more than half (56%) were under 50 years old. Notably, 52% had CD4 + T-cell counts below 500 cells/mL. Detecting these pathogens highlights their continued public health significance, especially in rural populations. Notably, a significant association was observed between C. belli infection and gastrointestinal symptoms, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and clinical vigilance. Given the burden of these infections, targeted screening and preventive strategies should be prioritized.

Backgrounds Toxoplasma gondii is a relatively common parasite with a global prevalence that can cause toxoplasmosis. This infection usually does not have clear symptoms, so timely and accurate detection plays a major role in the treatment of this disease. This study reviewed Toxoplasma antibodies dependent serologic tests in pregnancy, assessing their diagnostic effectiveness to guide healthcare providers, particularly obstetricians and gynecologists. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we utilized four different databases for our search and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines to collect pertinent studies in duration of 2000 to April 2024. After carefully evaluating the inclusion/exclusion criteria list, we ultimately selected 67 qualifying studies for our analysis and subjecting the obtained data to statistical scrutiny. Results Data analysis revealed that the pooled seroprevalence of IgM anti- T. gondii among pregnant women tested were 2.1% (95% CI = 1.67 to 3.03). Moreover, the weighted seroprevalence rate estimate of low IgG avidity in IgM-positive pregnant women was 30% (95% CI = 28 to 31) and the seroprevalence of IgA in IgM-positive pregnant women was 43% (95% CI = 18 to 70). Combining the IgG avidity test results with those of IgM and IgA can significantly improve the accuracy of diagnosing recent and past Toxoplasma infections. Conclusions This approach is particularly valuable for pregnant women, as it improves the reliability of serological test outcomes and helps to provide timely treatment and mitigate irreversible complications associated with toxoplasmosis.

Introduction Eosinophilia is a recognized hematological marker associated with helminthic infections, including strongyloidiasis which is caused by Strongyloides stercoralis . This case-control study, conducted in Mazandaran province from 2022 to 2023, aimed to determine and compare the seroprevalence of S. stercoralis infection between individuals with eosinophilia and healthy controls without eosinophilia. The ELISA test by a commercial kit was used for serological detection of anti- S. stercoralis IgG antibodies, and data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 23). Results There was analyzed 184 samples, divided into two groups, with and without eosinophilia, with 92 individuals each. In these groups, 36.96% (34/92) and 7.61% (7/92) were positive for anti- S. strongyloides IgG antibodies, respectively, which revealed a strong association (OR = 7.12, 95% CI [3.82, 13.27], P  < 0.001) between S. stercoralis antibodies as eosinophilia, confirming eosinophilia as a important predictor of S. stercoralis exposure. Subgroup analyses revealed that males, farmers, individuals aged > 41 years, those with a history of soil contact, and residents of rural areas exhibited higher seroprevalence rates of S. stercoralis . The findings suggest that screening individuals with eosinophilia for anti- S. stercoralis IgG antibodies may improve diagnosis in endemic area.

Background Preeclampsia (PE) is a major global health concern, contributing to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. While its exact pathogenesis remains unclear, abnormal placentation, immune dysregulation, and systemic inflammation are implicated. Emerging evidence suggests that chronic infections, including toxoplasmosis may increase PE risk. This study investigates the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in pregnant women with and without PE and analyses associated risk factors. Methods This comparative study examined 180 participants (90 preeclamptic cases and 90 healthy controls) from prenatal care centers in Mazandaran, northern Iran. ELISA testing measured T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies levels in collected serum specimens.Thepotential risk factors through validated surveys capturing demographic characteristics, nutritional patterns, educational background, and toxoplasmosis knowledge were assessed. The investigation employed a matched case-control design to evaluate associations between seropositivity and clinical outcomes. Results The seroprevalence of anti- T. gondii IgG was significantly higher in the PE group (71.11%) compared to controls (56.66%) ( P  = 0.045), while no IgM-positive cases were detected, suggesting chronic infection. Logistic regression analysis identified age > 30 years, consumption of undercooked meat, lower educational attainment, and lack of awareness regarding toxoplasmosis as independent risk factors for toxoplasmosis-associated PE. Conclusion The findings reveal that chronic toxoplasmosis is associated with an increased risk of PE, particularly among older housewives and women with limited health literacy. Public health interventions, including education on safe food handling practices and prenatal screening, have the potential to reduce both infection rates and the incidence of PE.

Background Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii) seropositive is a significant public health concern due to its potential impacts on both general morbidity and specific risks to maternal-fetal health. Concurrently, insufficient Vitamin D3 (Vit D3) levels during gestation may contribute to adverse outcomes for both mother and developing fetus. This study was designed to examine the Vit D3 status and seroprevalence of T. gondii among women of reproductive age in northern Iran. Methods This investigation employed Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to quantify anti- T. gondii immunoglobulins (IgG/IgM) and Vit D3 levels in 320 serum specimens from women of reproductive age in northern Iran. Data analysis incorporated prevalence calculations, binary, and multivariate logistic regression for odds ratio determination using SPSS v21. Results A total of 245 out of 320 (76.56%) women of reproductive age were characterized as Vit D3 deficient. Serological analysis revealed a 61.9% (198/320) IgG seroprevalence rate for T. gondii , with only 0.3% (1/320) showing IgM positivity. Notably, 159 seropositive cases (64.8%) occurred among Vit D3-deficient participants. Statistical evaluation demonstrated a significant correlation (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.01–2.88; P  = 0.045), indicating 71% increased T. gondii seropositive risk in individuals with insufficient Vit D3 levels compared to those with adequate status. Conclusions This study reveals a high concurrent prevalence of T. gondii infection and Vit D3 deficiency among women of reproductive age in northern Iran. Vit D3 deficiency may be linked to higher susceptibility to infection and potentially to reproductive health issues. However, due to the cross-sectional design of the study, it is not possible to determine whether Vit D3 deficiency increases the risk of infection or if infection itself influences Vit D3 levels. These findings highlight a significant association that warrants further prospective and interventional studies to clarify the direction and underlying mechanisms of this relationship.