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Klin Lab Diagn 2018 ;63(1):41-44

The state budget institution of health care "The oblast children clinical hospital №1", 620149, Yekaterinburg, Russia.

The toxoplasmosis is a disease representing a potential risk for fetus. This is the reason to detect antibodies to agent of the given infection in case of any suspicion to intrauterine infection. The analysis was applied to 65 samples of blood serum of newborns, children of the frst year of life and pregnant women. Read More

J Parasit Dis 2018 Dec 23;42(4):636-642. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Student Research Committee, Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.

Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic infection, caused by a unicellular protozoan parasite known as () that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of infection in the general population of Abadan city. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 496 subjects were participated. Read More

J Parasit Dis 2018 Dec 15;42(4):554-558. Epub 2018 Oct 15.

2Department of Biotechnology, Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, KP Pakistan.

Toxoplasmosis is a very common and asymptomatic infection caused by Pregnant women can develop serious complications if the infection passes to the developing fetus. Primary infection in the pregnant women during the gestation period will result in the development of severe systemic disease with temporary parasitemia and will affect the developing fetus. Several clinical complications can be observed in the congenitally infected children which include mild disease to serious health defects such as mental retardation. Read More

J Parasit Dis 2018 Dec 15;42(4):527-536. Epub 2018 Oct 15.

Central Lab for Evaluation of Vet. Biologics (CLEVB), Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt.

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by protozoan . Detection of infection with touchy and particular strategies is a key advance to control and prevent toxoplasmosis. Genotyping can explain the virulence, epidemiology and setting up new methodologies for diagnosis and control in human and animals. Read More

Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018 Dec 10:e13523. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection can occur through the ingestion of raw meat that contains tissue cysts or food that contains oocysts. Through the ingestion of oocysts, the parasite crosses the intestinal barrier, where the enteric nervous system is located. The objective was to investigate the kinetics of neuronal and glial responses during acute T. Read More

Zoonoses Public Health 2018 Dec 9. Epub 2018 Dec 9.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Practising veterinary medicine has an inherent risk of exposure to zoonotic agents, including the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. We screened sera of veterinarians authorized to work in Finland for the presence of specific immunoglobulin G antibodies against T. gondii with an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay, and evaluated potential risk factors for T. Read More

Purinergic Signal 2018 Dec 8. Epub 2018 Dec 8.

Graduate Program in Toxicological Biochemical and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.

The effects of Toxoplasma gondii during embryonic development have not been explored despite the predilection of this parasite for neurons and glial cells. Here, we investigated the activation of the purinergic system and proinflammatory responses during congenital infection by T. gondii. Read More

Case Rep Infect Dis 2018 11;2018:9409121. Epub 2018 Nov 11.

University of Iowa, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Iowa City, IA, USA.

Infection with is a rare but often fatal complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. Most cases have been reported in allogeneic (allo-) HSCT recipients, with only narrative reports following autologous HSCT (ASCT). We report the case of a 58-year-old Caucasian male presenting with toxoplasma encephalitis following tandem ASCT for myeloma and successfully treated with diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. Read More

Vet World 2018 Nov 26;11(10):1500-1505. Epub 2018 Oct 26.

Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.

Background And Aim: is an intracellular parasite that commonly infects warm-blooded animals, including humans. Virtually all species can be infected, but a species-specific variability is evident, in terms of both type and severity of the symptoms encountered. As serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) plays an important regulatory role in both physiological and immune responses, the aim of this research was to assess whether toxoplasmosis disease could affect plasma 5-HT concentration and/or hematochemical parameters in a particularly susceptible species to infection as sheep. Read More

Vet World 2018 Nov 12;11(10):1409-1415. Epub 2018 Oct 12.

Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Parasitology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the network productions and research collaborations on toxoplasmosis worldwide.

Materials And Methods: A bibliometric research was carried out using the Web of Science (WOS) database. The analysis unit was the original research articles about toxoplasmosis published between 2000 and 2016 (17 years). Read More

Vet World 2018 Nov 8;11(10):1385-1396. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

Aim: Human cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of cestodes, is a globally distributed chronic disease that is an important socioeconomic and public health problem in humans and livestock in developing countries, including Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the overall seroprevalence of hydatid infection in the general population of Iran.

Materials And Methods: This systematic review began by searching electronic databases in English (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar) and Persian (Magiran, Scientific Information Database, Iran Medex, and Iran Doc). Read More

Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2018 Oct-Dec;21(4):250-255

Department of Microbiology, Kidwai Cancer Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Context: Published data on genetic characterization of () from clinical cases of toxoplasmosis from India is lacking.

Aims: The present study was aimed at identifying genetic types of in fatal cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT) associated with HIV, from India.

Settings And Design: Archived tissues of CT were obtained postmortem from 25 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients between 2000 and 2014. Read More

Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018 Dec 10. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

Department of Parasitology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

is one of the most widespread obligatory parasitic protozoa which infect nearly all the warm-blooded animals, leading to toxoplasmosis. Current administration of the therapeutic drugs like the combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine shows high rates of toxic side effects and encounters drug resistance in some cases. Resveratrol is a natural plant extracts with multiple functions, such as anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and anti-parasite activities. Read More

Int J Infect Dis 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

University of Montpellier, Research Unit "MiVEGEC" (CNRS 5290/IRD 224/UM), Montpellier, France; University Hospital Centre of Montpellier, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Montpellier, France; Molecular Biology 'Pole' of the National Reference Center for Toxoplasmosis, Montpellier, France. Electronic address:

Myopericarditis is a rare but well-documented clinical presentation of primary Toxoplasma gondii infection in immunocompetent patients. Here, early detection of Toxoplasma DNA in the peripheral blood by PCR allowed the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis while serological tests were negative. Additional serological evaluations two weeks later confirmed the diagnosis and showed that cardiac manifestations occurred before seroconversion, highlighting the importance of a second serological control in case of suspicion of evolutive infection. Read More

Bioorg Med Chem 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Laboratory of Toxoplasmosis and Other Protozoans, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Electronic address:

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) triggers the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) ionic channel to stimulate the release of the interleukin-IL-1β cytokine into macrophages. The current study explored the reaction of six structurally diverse triazole derivatives on P2X7-mediated dye uptake into murine peritoneal macrophages. P2X7R activity determined by ATP-evoked fluorescent dye uptake. Read More

Parasite 2018 11;25:66. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin Province 130118, PR China.

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are widely distributed throughout China; they are used for their meat, as food, and certain donkey-derived items are also important for traditional Chinese medicinal purposes. However, only limited information is available on Toxoplasma gondii infection in donkeys in China, especially the eastern region, which is one of the largest production areas. Thus, the present study was conducted to detect specific anti-T. Read More

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018 Dec 11. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

1 College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, PR China.

Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is carried by a range of intermediate hosts, including pigeons. Eating raw or undercooked pigeon meat, as is common in regions of China, can easily pass on a potentially fatal T. gondii infection. Read More

Pathog Glob Health 2018 Dec 10:1-10. Epub 2018 Dec 10.

e Department of Medical Affairs , Vyera Pharmaceuticals , New York , NY , USA.

Toxoplasmosis causes substantial morbidity and mortality in the United States (US). Clinical manifestations to toxoplasmosis vary and there is limited information on incidence or treatment patterns in the US. Treatment pathways for pyrimethamine-based regimens and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) for toxoplasmosis hospitalizations were investigated using the Vizient Health Systems inpatient and outpatient data. Read More

Front Microbiol 2018 21;9:2822. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.

() is a zoonotic parasite that severely harms the health of the host. The cysts of can reactivate from bradyzoites to tachyzoites, if the individual develops low or defective immunity, causing lethal toxoplasmosis. The host resists infection by mediating Th1-type cellular immunity to generate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Read More

Int J Nanomedicine 2018 9;13:7363-7374. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,

Background: The aim of this study was to prepare curcumin nanoemulsion (CR-NE) to solve the problems associated with poor water solubility and low bioavailability of CR and to test its efficiency in the treatment of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in mouse models.

Materials And Methods: CR-NE 1% was prepared using spontaneous emulsification by soybean as oil phase; a mixture of Tween 80 and Tween 85 as surfactant; ethanol as cosurfactant and distilled water. Particle size and zeta potential of NE were assessed using Nano-ZS90 dynamic light scattering. Read More

Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2018 Dec 3;143(24):1755-1758. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Klinische Arbeitsgemeinschaft AIDS Deutschland (KAAD), Sektion der Deutschen AIDS-Gesellschaft (DAIG).

Guidelines from 3 clinical societies and peer-reviewed publications have been reviewed for recent changes in the management of opportunistic infections. Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazol administered intravenously is an option to treat cerebral toxoplasmosis if oral therapy is not feasible. CD4 T cell cut-off for starting prophylaxis with trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole is now 200/µl. Read More

Med Sci Monit 2018 Dec 3;24:8734-8749. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to review the causes, presentation, and clinicopathological associations of uveitis in a single department of ophthalmology in Poland, and to compare the findings with previously published studies from other European countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS Review of local patient records between 2005-2015 identified patients diagnosed with uveitis. Data obtained included age, gender, imaging findings, and laboratory diagnostic findings. Read More

Am J Ophthalmol 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Ophthalmology Department, Reference Center in Rare diseases, DHU ViewRestore, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris VI University, F-75013 Paris, France.

Purpose: To investigate clinical and biological factors influencing recurrences of severe toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (TRC) confirmed by aqueous humor analysis.

Design: Retrospective case series.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of 87 subjects with severe TRC, proven by positive Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC), Toxoplasma gondii (T. Read More

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2018 Nov-Dec;51(6):781-787

Departamento de Oftalmologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

Introduction: The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection varies markedly among different populations, especially depending on factors related to socioeconomic development and eating habits. Cássia dos Coqueiros is a small city in Brazil with rural characteristics and increased risk factors traditionally associated with T. gondii infection. Read More

Georgian Med News 2018 Oct(283):63-66

National Medical University, Kharkiv; Regional Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital, Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of the parallel detection of the avidity index of the IgG to Toxoplasma gondii in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid by a three-step solid-phase enzyme immunoassay using T. gondii antigen, protein dissociating agent and monoclonal antibodies against human IgG at HIV-infected individuals with a focal damage of the brain. The results of the study showed that conducting of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay by a direct and dissociated method makes it possible to detect specific intrathecal and serum immunoglobulins, which is proposed in terms of improving diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected individuals. Read More

Proteomics 2018 Dec 4:e1800271. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, P. R. China.

We artificially infected Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and Kunming (KM) mice with type II Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) strain Prugniaud (Pru) to generate toxoplasmosis, which is a fatal disease mediated by T. gondii invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) by unknown mechanisms. Read More

Scientifica (Cairo) 2018 1;2018:2308619. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Blalock Bldg. 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.

is an obligate intracellular parasite with worldwide distribution. Felines are the definitive hosts supporting the complete life cycle of However, other warm-blooded animals such as rodents and humans can also be infected. Infection of such secondary hosts results in long-term infection characterized by the presence of tissue cysts in the brain and other organs. Read More

Front Vet Sci 2018 19;5:285. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

We report on the efficacy of selected endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) against tachyzoites grown in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF), and in a pregnant BALB/c mouse model. Fourteen ELQs were screened against transgenic tachyzoites expressing β-galactosidase (Nc-βgal). Drugs were added concomitantly to infection and the values for 50% proliferation inhibition (IC) were determined after 3 days. Read More

Infect Immun 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Clarendon Way, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

is associated with physiological effects in the host. Dysregulation of catecholamines in the central nervous system has previously been observed in chronically-infected animals. In the study described here, the noradrenergic system was found to be suppressed with decreased levels of norepinephrine (NE) in brains of infected animals and in infected human and rat neural cells The mechanism responsible for the NE suppression was found to be down-regulation of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) gene expression, encoding the enzyme that synthesizes norepinephrine from dopamine with down-regulation observed and in infected brain tissue, particularly in the dorsal locus coeruleus/pons region. Read More

Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2018 Dec 10;8(3):488-492. Epub 2018 Nov 10.

Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA. Electronic address:

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with global incidence. The acute infection, toxoplasmosis, is treatable but current regimens have poor host tolerance and no cure has been found for latent infections. This work builds upon a previous high throughput screen which identified benzoquinone acyl hydrazone (KG8) as the most promising compound; KG8 displayed potent in vitro activity against T. Read More

BMC Genomics 2018 Nov 29;19(1):856. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Grupo GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia.

Background: Thiazolidinone derivatives show inhibitory activity (IC) against the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, as well as high selectivity with high therapeutic index. To disclose the target proteins of the thiazolidinone core in this parasite, we explored in silico the active sites of different T. gondii proteins and estimated the binding-free energy of reported thiazolidinone molecules with inhibitory effect on invasion and replication of the parasite inside host cells. Read More

Lupus 2018 Nov 28:961203318815583. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

1 Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan.

Toxoplasma is a common parasite worldwide that mainly affects the brain, lungs and eyes. Although toxoplasmic encephalitis is a lethal disease without treatment, past case reports show most patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed toxoplasmic encephalitis were misdiagnosed and treated as neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, which led to unfavorable outcomes. We herein describe a case of disseminated toxoplasmosis affecting all the above organs with atypical symptoms, which developed with exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Read More

Iran J Parasitol 2018 Jul-Sep;13(3):430-439

Dept. of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease that causes critical medical complications in neonates and immunocompromised persons. Infection rates in cats, specifically stray cats, are believed to be the best sentry of the level of in the environment. Therefore, in this study, we surveyed infection in stray cats of Shiraz, one of the metropolises of Iran. Read More

Iran J Parasitol 2018 Jul-Sep;13(3):416-422

Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

Background: Wild boars () are distributed worldwide and found in many parts of Iran. Although is reservoirs for many parasites, there is little data on helminthic prevalence in them. We aimed to survey the status of helminthic infections in in the Mazandaran Province of northern Iran. Read More

Iran J Parasitol 2018 Jul-Sep;13(3):406-415

Dept. of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Background: can infect a wide range of mammalians, especially humans. It controls several intracellular signals for the inhibition of apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the apoptogenic effect of cisplatin and sodium azide on infected HeLa cells and isolate apoptotic bodies (blebs) as a potent stimulator of the immune system. Read More

Iran J Parasitol 2018 Jul-Sep;13(3):392-398

Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a common infection all around the world. During pregnancy; it may lead to congenital disorders or abortion in human and animals. Severe damage of toxoplasmosis indicates to require effective vaccine. Read More

Iran J Parasitol 2018 Jul-Sep;13(3):382-391

Dept. of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

Background: We isolated from camels by bioassay method in mice model and detect parasitic DNA in brain mice by molecular methods.

Methods: One hundred tissue samples including heart (n=50), and diaphragm (n=50) were collected from camels (n=50) slaughtered in abattoirs from Feb to Oct 2015 in three provinces located in eastern Iran. In first, blood sample from 50 camels was assayed for anti- antibodies by modified agglutination test (MAT) test. Read More

Iran J Parasitol 2018 Jul-Sep;13(3):373-381

Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Children Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Background: , cause severe medical complications in infants and immune-compromised individuals. As using early, sensitive and rapid technique has major in diagnosis of toxoplasmosis, the present study was aimed to detect parasite by using from repetitive element (RE) and B1genes, in blood samples of seropositive immuno-compromised patients and pregnant women.

Methods: A total of 110 peripheral blood samples were collected from seropositive cases with anti- antibodies, including immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. Read More

Foodborne Pathog Dis 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki , Helsinki, Finland .

Wild boar populations around the world have increased dramatically over past decades. Climate change, generating milder winters with less snow, may affect their spread into northern regions. Wild boars can serve as reservoirs for a number of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which are transmissible to humans and domestic animals through direct interaction with wild boars, through contaminated food or indirectly through contaminated environment. Read More

Transl Vis Sci Technol 2018 Nov 14;7(6). Epub 2018 Nov 14.

Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and the Rappaport Institute, Haifa, Israel.

Purpose: To evaluate retinal toxicity of intravitreal trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) in an albino rabbit model.

Methods: Albino rabbits ( = 10) were treated in the right eye with the maximum intravitreal dose of TMP-SMX mixture (1600 μg/8000 μg /0.1 mL), while 0. Read More

Trop Med Health 2018 19;46:39. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

1Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, P.O. Box 2240, Moshi, Tanzania.

Background: Acute infection during pregnancy represents a risk for congenital disease, especially among women without previous exposure to infection. There is, however, a paucity of information about the epidemiology of infection in pregnant women in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of infection and associated demographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors in pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic (ANC) at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC), a referral medical center in Northern Tanzania. Read More

Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018 Nov 23;96:72-92. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia. Electronic address:

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that resides, in a latent form, in the human central nervous system. Infection with Toxoplasma drastically alters the behaviour of rodents and is associated with the incidence of specific neuropsychiatric conditions in humans. But the question remains: how does this pervasive human pathogen alter behaviour of the mammalian host? This fundamental question is receiving increasing attention as it has far reaching public health implications for a parasite that is very common in human populations. Read More

Parasite Immunol 2018 Nov 24:e12606. Epub 2018 Nov 24.

Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite which, depending on the geographical location, can infect between 10 to 90% of humans. Infection during pregnancy may result in congenital toxoplasmosis. The effects on the fetus vary depending on the stage of gestation in which primary maternal infection arises. Read More

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2018 Nov 23. Epub 2018 Nov 23.

Department of Forensic Medicine, Center for Biostructure Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Oczki 1, 02-007, Warsaw, Poland.

Toxoplasmosis was linked to impairment in brain function, encompassing a wide range of behavioral and neuropsychiatric changes. Currently, the precise localization of Toxoplasma gondii in the human brain is limited and the parasite DNA was not found in population-based screening of autopsy cases. The aim of proposed study was to identify the presence of parasite DNA within the brain and its association with risky behavior and alcohol consumption in postmortem examination. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2018 Nov 22;19(12). Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Department of Genomics, University of Wrocław, 50-383 Wrocław, Poland.

Signal peptides are N-terminal presequences responsible for targeting proteins to the endomembrane system, and subsequent subcellular or extracellular compartments, and consequently condition their proper function. The significance of signal peptides stimulates development of new computational methods for their detection. These methods employ learning systems trained on datasets comprising signal peptides from different types of proteins and taxonomic groups. Read More

Brain Behav Immun 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Stanley Neurovirology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.

Background: Inflammation has been suggested to be one, possibly treatable, cause of cognitive decline and dementia. The purpose of the present article was to investigate whether the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) or Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infections are related to cognitive decline or dementia. Read More

J Clin Microbiol 2018 Nov 21. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, California.

This study evaluated the usefulness of adding the IgA antibody ELISA test to the serologic panel of tests done for the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in a reference laboratory in the United States. We conducted a retrospective study of 690 consecutive pregnant women with positive IgG antibody test results who also had IgA and IgM antibody tests performed. Patients were defined as acutely or chronically infected with based on a panel of serologic tests performed at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation - Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory (PAMF-TSL). Read More

Open Forum Infect Dis 2018 Nov 17;5(11):ofy259. Epub 2018 Oct 17.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto, California.

We report the case of a 65-year-old patient with pseudolymphoma who developed acute toxoplasmosis following 6 cycles of rituximab and bendamustine therapy. Acute toxoplasmosis in the setting of biological response modifiers, rather than reactivation, is a unique unreported infection. The patient developed severe disease with multi-organ involvement, including retinitis, myocarditis, and myositis. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for multicopy genes has emerged as a promising strategy for sensitive detection of parasite DNA. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction can be performed from blood samples, which are minimally invasive to collect. However, there is no consensus about what type of blood specimen yields the best sensitivity in qPCR assays. Read More

Meat Sci 2018 Nov 5;149:1-8. Epub 2018 Nov 5.

National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.

Consumption of raw or undercooked meat increases the risk of infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Freezing meat products can eliminate this risk. Freezing of meat may affect consumers' valuation of meat products in two different ways: it may be valued positively because of increased food safety or valued negatively because of (perceived) loss of quality. Read More