Objective To construct the eukaryotic expression recombinant plasmid, pcIFN γ, as a genetic adjuvant and observe the immune responses elicited by pcDNA3 rhoptry protein 1 (pc ROP1) combined with pcIFN γ aga...Objective To construct the eukaryotic expression recombinant plasmid, pcIFN γ, as a genetic adjuvant and observe the immune responses elicited by pcDNA3 rhoptry protein 1 (pc ROP1) combined with pcIFN γ against Toxoplasma gondii (T gondii) infection in mice Methods A fragment of the IFN γ gene was directly inserted into the pcDNA3 plasmid and identified by two restriction endonucleases digestion pcIFN and pcROP1 DNA was injected into the left leg muscle of mice at a dosage of 100?μg, and a booster vaccination was given at the same dosage after two weeks Control groups were injected with pcDNA3 blank plasmid or normal saline At 30, 50 and 70 days after booster injection, kinetic tests were carried out: MTT assay for the proliferation response of T lymphocyte cells and the activity of NK cells, sandwich ABC ELISA for the determination of IFN γ, IL 2 and IL 10; a serum enzymetic aassay for nitric oxide (NO) in sera and ELISA for the titer of IgG antibody in sera Results The recombinant plasmid, pcIFN γ was constructed The proliferation response of spleen T lymph cells, NK cell killing activity, and serum levels of IFN γ, IL 2 and NO in mice injected with pcROP1 and pcIFN γ were higher than in those injected with pcROP1 alone There was no difference in IgG antibody levels between the two groups Conclusion The genetic adjuvant, pcIFN γ, could enhance the cellular immune response induced by DNA vaccine of pcROP1 in mice against Toxoplasma gondii infection展开更多
Objective To evaluate the immune responses induced by experimental DNA construct encoding Toxoplasma gondii ( T.gondii ) surface antigen1 (SAG1) and rhoptry protein 1 (ROP1) in mice as a hybrid gene. Methods Truncated...Objective To evaluate the immune responses induced by experimental DNA construct encoding Toxoplasma gondii ( T.gondii ) surface antigen1 (SAG1) and rhoptry protein 1 (ROP1) in mice as a hybrid gene. Methods Truncated SAG1 and ROP1 DNA fragments were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and inserted into pEGFP-N3 vector to construct recombinant plasmid pSAG1-ROP1. NIH3T3 mammalian cells were transiently transfected with the DNA construct. Female BALB/c mice were given three intramuscular injections of 10 μg plasmid DNA entrapped in liposome. Four weeks after the final booster injection,blood samples were collected and subjected to enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Reversal transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the transcription of inoculated DNA-liposome complex in the injected site. Dot-blot hybridization was employed in order to detect whether or not the injected DNA was incorporated into the genomic DNA of the immunized mice. Results Green fluorescence was observed in pSAG1-ROP1-transfected cells. Western blot analysis showed antibody recognition of the expressed SAG1-ROP1 was between 58 kDa and 75 kDa. No expression was observed in blank control plasmid-transfected cells. The sera of immunized mice exhibited antibodies to T.gondii tachyzoites and primarily interferon-γ and interlukin-2. RT-PCR showed that the duration of transcribed inoculated liposome entrapped DNA in the injected muscular tissue was at least ten days post the first injection. Dot-blot hybridization revealed that the presence of foreign DNA in the splenocytes and peripheral blood leukocytes was transient and that no foreign DNA had inserted into the genomic DNA of mice immunized with pSAG1-ROP1. Conclusions Immunization with a liposome-encapsulated DNA construct encoding the T.gondii SAG1 and ROP1 can induce humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.展开更多
Artemisia annua is an anti-fever herbal medicine first described in traditional Chinese medicine 1,000 years ago.Artemisinin,the extract of A.annua,and its derivatives(dihydroartemisinin(DHA),artemether,and artesunate...Artemisia annua is an anti-fever herbal medicine first described in traditional Chinese medicine 1,000 years ago.Artemisinin,the extract of A.annua,and its derivatives(dihydroartemisinin(DHA),artemether,and artesunate)have been used for the treatment of malaria with substantial efficacy.Recently,DHA has also been tested for the treatment of lupus erythematosus,indicating that it may function to balance the immune response in immunocompromised individuals.In the present study,the regulatory effect of artemisinin on the murine immune system was systematically investigated in mice infected with two different protozoan parasites(Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium berghei).Our results revealed that the mouse spleen index significantly increased(spleen enlargement)in the healthy mice after DHA administration primarily due to the generation of an extra number of lymphocytes and CD8^+T lymphocytes in both the spleen and circulation.DHA could increase the proportion of T helper cells and CD8^+T cells,as well as decrease the number of splenic and circulatory B cells.Further,DHA could reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines.Our study revealed that apart from their anti-parasitic activity,artemisinin and its derivatives can also actively modulate the immune system to directly benefit the host.展开更多
Objective:To compare analytical sensitivity and specificity of a newly described DNA amplification technique.LAMP and nested PCR assay targeting the RE and Bl genes for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) DNA...Objective:To compare analytical sensitivity and specificity of a newly described DNA amplification technique.LAMP and nested PCR assay targeting the RE and Bl genes for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) DNA.Methods:The analytical sensitivity of LAMP and ncstcd-PCR was obtained against 10-fold serial dilutions of T.gondii DNA ranging from 1 ng to 0.01 fg.DNA samples of other parasites and human chromosomal DNA were used to determine the specificity of molecular assays.Results:After testing LAMP and nesled-PCR in duplicate,the detection limit of RE-LAMP.B1-LAMP,RE-nested PCR and B1-nested PCR assays was one fg.100 fg,1 pg and 10 pg of T.gondii DNA respectively.All the LAMP assays and nested PCRs were 100% specific.The RE-LAMP assay revealed the most sensitivity for the detection of T.gondii DNA.Conclusions:The obtained results demonstrate that the LAMP technique has a greater sensitivity for detection of T.gondii.Furthermore,these findings indicate that primers based on the RE are more suitable than those based on the B1 gene.However,the B1-LAMP assay has potential as a diagnostic tool for detection of T.gondii.展开更多
AIM: To establish seroprevalence and provide characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii(TG) infection in children with recurrent headaches. METHODS: The study was performed in 178 children aged 7-17 years admitted consecuti...AIM: To establish seroprevalence and provide characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii(TG) infection in children with recurrent headaches. METHODS: The study was performed in 178 children aged 7-17 years admitted consecutively to the Department of Pediatric Neurology from November 2009 to July 2011. The children were surveyed with a questionnaire with the help and assistance of their parents and blood samples taken on admission were studied for the presence of specific anti-TG Ig M, Ig G antibodies and Ig G avidity using enzyme immunoassay Platelia Toxo Ig M, Ig G. RESULTS: The study showed that 19 children(8 boys, 11 girls; 8-17 years old, mean age 14.36 years) hadhigh serum anti-TG Ig G antibody levels(range: 32.2 > 240 UI/m L, mean 120.18 UI/m L; positive value for Ig G was ≥ 9 UI/m L). The avidity index(AI) ranged from 0.202 to 0.925(scale: ≥ 0.5 high AI). The results for Ig M antibodies were all negative and the obtained results ranged from 0.113 to 0.25 U/m L(mean = 0.191 IU/m L) and all values below 0.8 IU/m L were considered negative. The most frequent complaints found in the seropositive patients were headaches that affected the frontal(13 children), occipital(4) and parietal areas(5). Headaches usually had a pulsating(in 7 patients) and squeezing(6) character and rarely were piercing, dull or expanding. Interestingly, 8 children did not feel discomfort during the headaches, probably because they did not have sufficiently increased intracranial pressure yet. The headaches usually appeared 1-2 times/mo, lasted for 2-6 h, and had a mean intensity of 5.5 points in a 10 point subjective scale. The comorbidities included epilepsy(5 patients), various infections in 3 children(chronic eustachitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic purulent tonsillitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, meningitis, allergic diseases), disturbances of behavior, deficits of attention, and ocular and motor concentration disorders in 1 child. The electroencephalographic and neuroimaging studies performed in our patients had a very limited value in 展开更多
Background:Toxoplasma gondii infection is mainly caused by ingestion of water or food that is contaminated with oocysts excreted by cats,or by eating raw meat containing T.gondii tissue cysts.However,oral transmission...Background:Toxoplasma gondii infection is mainly caused by ingestion of water or food that is contaminated with oocysts excreted by cats,or by eating raw meat containing T.gondii tissue cysts.However,oral transmission does not explain the common occurrence of toxoplasmosis in a variety of hosts,such as herbivorous animals,birds,and wild rodents.Little information exists on the maintenance of T.gondii parasites in nature and routes of transmission to domestic and wild animal hosts.Therefore,this study evaluated the role of Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis.Methods:The real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)technique was used to detect the presence of T.gondii DNA in ticks collected from the field.To observe the amount of dynamic changes of T.gondii in the tick’s body and its infectivity,microinjection of green fluorescence parasites was performed.Under laboratory conditions,we evaluated if H.longicornis ticks were infected with T.gondii and their potential to transmit the infection to other hosts using traditional parasitological methods coupled with molecular detection techniques.Results:The infection rates of T.gondii parasites among field-collected adult and nymph H.longicornis ticks were 11.26%and 5.95%,respectively.T.gondii can survive and remain infective in a tick’s body for at least 15 days.We found that blood feeding of infected ticks did not transmit T.gondii to hosts,however,ingestion of infected ticks may be a transmission route between ticks and other common hosts.Conclusion:The T.gondii infection in ticks could serve as a reservoir for toxoplasmosis transmission.展开更多
Objective:To document Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) antibody status in patients with liver disease,blood samples were taken from 180 hepatic patients and 180 healthy controls.Methods:Toxoplasma IgG antibody was detected...Objective:To document Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) antibody status in patients with liver disease,blood samples were taken from 180 hepatic patients and 180 healthy controls.Methods:Toxoplasma IgG antibody was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and histopathological assessment of liver biopsy METAVIR score was applied.Results:Anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies were found in 32.8%of patients and in 22.2%of controls(P=0.02).Toxoplasma seropositivity was significantly associated with lymphadenopathy,history of blood transfusion and reflex impairment in patients.Chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)and chronic HCV-related cirrhosis groups compared to chronic HBV and chronic HBV-related cirrhosis groups expressed significantly higher prevalence of T.gondii seropositivity(odds ratio(OR) =4;95%confidence interval(CI):1.3-12.6;P=0.013,OR=4.8;95%CI:1.5-14.9;P=0.006,respectively).Within the chronic HCV group,T.gondii seropositivity significantly associated disease evolution as regards to METAVIR histopathological system for fibrosis and inflammation(OR=19.4;95%CI:2.3-165.2;P=0.0008,OR=0.29;95%CI:0.1-0.8;P=0.01,respectively).Albumin,international normalized ratio(INR) and platelets count were the laboratory parameters significantly altered in Toxoplasma-positrvc chronic HCV patients(P=0.00 l,0.03,0.04,respectively).Child-Pugh scoring for cirrhosis in chronic HCV group placed the majority of seropositive patient in class C with significant statistical difference compared to Child A reference group(OR= 0.08;95%67:0.01-0.5;P=0.003).Conclusions:Toxoplasma seropositivity was high in patients with cirrhosis and associated higher grades of inflammation and necrosis signifying disease evolution,suggesting that cirrhotic patients may thus form a risk group for toxoplasmosis.展开更多
Objective:To analyze and review the overall seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) infection in cattle from Iran.Methods:In the current study,data collection(published and unpublished papers,abstracts of n...Objective:To analyze and review the overall seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) infection in cattle from Iran.Methods:In the current study,data collection(published and unpublished papers,abstracts of national scientific congresses and dissertations) using particular terms was carried out systematically on the following electronic databases like PubMed,Google Scholar,Ebsco,Science Direct,Scopus,Magiran,Irandoc,IranMedex and SID(Scientific Information Database).Results:A total of 22 studies since 1983 to 2012 reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in cattle from different regions of Iran met our eligibility criteria.The pooled proportion of toxoplasmosis,using random effect model,among cattle in Iran from over the 30-year period was estimated 18.1%(95%CI:9.9%to 28.2%).Conclusions:This study firstly establishes a crude seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma infection in cattle which can lead us to understand the condition of eattle toxoplasmosis,which have to take into accounted fur an appropriate and effective prevention and controls.Secondly,it compares and discusses elaborately the role of risk factors including sex,age and breed in the epidemiology of the disease.Thus,it determines gaps and drawbacks in the prior studies which are greatly useful to design more accurate investigations in the future.展开更多
The dense granule protein 4 （GRA4） is a granular protein from Toxoplasma gondii, and is a candidate for vaccination against this parasite. In this study, the plasmid pcDNA3, 1-GRA4 （pGRA4）, encoding for the GRA4 a...The dense granule protein 4 （GRA4） is a granular protein from Toxoplasma gondii, and is a candidate for vaccination against this parasite. In this study, the plasmid pcDNA3, 1-GRA4 （pGRA4）, encoding for the GRA4 antigen, was incorporated by the dehydration-rehydration method into liposomes composed of 16 mmol/L egg phosphatidylcholine （PC）, 8 mmol/L dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine （DOPE）, and 4 mmol/L 1,2-diodeoyl-3-（trimethylammonium） propane （DOTAP）. C57BL/6 mice and BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly three times with liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 to determine whether DNA immunization could elicit a protective immune response to T. gondii. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） of sera from immunized mice showed that liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 generated high levels of IgG antibodies to GRA4. Production of primary interferon （IFN）-7 and interleukin （IL）-2 in GRA4-stimulated splenocytes from vaccinated mice suggested a modulated Th 1-type response. 72.7% of C57BL/6 mice immunized with liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 survived the challenge with 80 tissue cysts of ME49 strain, whereas C57BL/6 mice immunized with pGRA4 had only a survival rate of 54.5%. When immunized BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally challenged with 103 tachyzoites of the highly virulent RH strain, the survival time of mice immunized with liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 was markedly longer than that of other groups. Our observations show that liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 enhanced the protective effect against infection of T. gondii.展开更多
文摘Objective To construct the eukaryotic expression recombinant plasmid, pcIFN γ, as a genetic adjuvant and observe the immune responses elicited by pcDNA3 rhoptry protein 1 (pc ROP1) combined with pcIFN γ against Toxoplasma gondii (T gondii) infection in mice Methods A fragment of the IFN γ gene was directly inserted into the pcDNA3 plasmid and identified by two restriction endonucleases digestion pcIFN and pcROP1 DNA was injected into the left leg muscle of mice at a dosage of 100?μg, and a booster vaccination was given at the same dosage after two weeks Control groups were injected with pcDNA3 blank plasmid or normal saline At 30, 50 and 70 days after booster injection, kinetic tests were carried out: MTT assay for the proliferation response of T lymphocyte cells and the activity of NK cells, sandwich ABC ELISA for the determination of IFN γ, IL 2 and IL 10; a serum enzymetic aassay for nitric oxide (NO) in sera and ELISA for the titer of IgG antibody in sera Results The recombinant plasmid, pcIFN γ was constructed The proliferation response of spleen T lymph cells, NK cell killing activity, and serum levels of IFN γ, IL 2 and NO in mice injected with pcROP1 and pcIFN γ were higher than in those injected with pcROP1 alone There was no difference in IgG antibody levels between the two groups Conclusion The genetic adjuvant, pcIFN γ, could enhance the cellular immune response induced by DNA vaccine of pcROP1 in mice against Toxoplasma gondii infection
文摘Objective To evaluate the immune responses induced by experimental DNA construct encoding Toxoplasma gondii ( T.gondii ) surface antigen1 (SAG1) and rhoptry protein 1 (ROP1) in mice as a hybrid gene. Methods Truncated SAG1 and ROP1 DNA fragments were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and inserted into pEGFP-N3 vector to construct recombinant plasmid pSAG1-ROP1. NIH3T3 mammalian cells were transiently transfected with the DNA construct. Female BALB/c mice were given three intramuscular injections of 10 μg plasmid DNA entrapped in liposome. Four weeks after the final booster injection,blood samples were collected and subjected to enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Reversal transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the transcription of inoculated DNA-liposome complex in the injected site. Dot-blot hybridization was employed in order to detect whether or not the injected DNA was incorporated into the genomic DNA of the immunized mice. Results Green fluorescence was observed in pSAG1-ROP1-transfected cells. Western blot analysis showed antibody recognition of the expressed SAG1-ROP1 was between 58 kDa and 75 kDa. No expression was observed in blank control plasmid-transfected cells. The sera of immunized mice exhibited antibodies to T.gondii tachyzoites and primarily interferon-γ and interlukin-2. RT-PCR showed that the duration of transcribed inoculated liposome entrapped DNA in the injected muscular tissue was at least ten days post the first injection. Dot-blot hybridization revealed that the presence of foreign DNA in the splenocytes and peripheral blood leukocytes was transient and that no foreign DNA had inserted into the genomic DNA of mice immunized with pSAG1-ROP1. Conclusions Immunization with a liposome-encapsulated DNA construct encoding the T.gondii SAG1 and ROP1 can induce humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0500400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81420108023,81772219)distinguished scientist grant from Shenyang Agricultural University。
文摘Artemisia annua is an anti-fever herbal medicine first described in traditional Chinese medicine 1,000 years ago.Artemisinin,the extract of A.annua,and its derivatives(dihydroartemisinin(DHA),artemether,and artesunate)have been used for the treatment of malaria with substantial efficacy.Recently,DHA has also been tested for the treatment of lupus erythematosus,indicating that it may function to balance the immune response in immunocompromised individuals.In the present study,the regulatory effect of artemisinin on the murine immune system was systematically investigated in mice infected with two different protozoan parasites(Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium berghei).Our results revealed that the mouse spleen index significantly increased(spleen enlargement)in the healthy mice after DHA administration primarily due to the generation of an extra number of lymphocytes and CD8^+T lymphocytes in both the spleen and circulation.DHA could increase the proportion of T helper cells and CD8^+T cells,as well as decrease the number of splenic and circulatory B cells.Further,DHA could reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines.Our study revealed that apart from their anti-parasitic activity,artemisinin and its derivatives can also actively modulate the immune system to directly benefit the host.
基金supported financially by grant of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences,Khorramabad,Iran
文摘Objective:To compare analytical sensitivity and specificity of a newly described DNA amplification technique.LAMP and nested PCR assay targeting the RE and Bl genes for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) DNA.Methods:The analytical sensitivity of LAMP and ncstcd-PCR was obtained against 10-fold serial dilutions of T.gondii DNA ranging from 1 ng to 0.01 fg.DNA samples of other parasites and human chromosomal DNA were used to determine the specificity of molecular assays.Results:After testing LAMP and nesled-PCR in duplicate,the detection limit of RE-LAMP.B1-LAMP,RE-nested PCR and B1-nested PCR assays was one fg.100 fg,1 pg and 10 pg of T.gondii DNA respectively.All the LAMP assays and nested PCRs were 100% specific.The RE-LAMP assay revealed the most sensitivity for the detection of T.gondii DNA.Conclusions:The obtained results demonstrate that the LAMP technique has a greater sensitivity for detection of T.gondii.Furthermore,these findings indicate that primers based on the RE are more suitable than those based on the B1 gene.However,the B1-LAMP assay has potential as a diagnostic tool for detection of T.gondii.
文摘AIM: To establish seroprevalence and provide characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii(TG) infection in children with recurrent headaches. METHODS: The study was performed in 178 children aged 7-17 years admitted consecutively to the Department of Pediatric Neurology from November 2009 to July 2011. The children were surveyed with a questionnaire with the help and assistance of their parents and blood samples taken on admission were studied for the presence of specific anti-TG Ig M, Ig G antibodies and Ig G avidity using enzyme immunoassay Platelia Toxo Ig M, Ig G. RESULTS: The study showed that 19 children(8 boys, 11 girls; 8-17 years old, mean age 14.36 years) hadhigh serum anti-TG Ig G antibody levels(range: 32.2 > 240 UI/m L, mean 120.18 UI/m L; positive value for Ig G was ≥ 9 UI/m L). The avidity index(AI) ranged from 0.202 to 0.925(scale: ≥ 0.5 high AI). The results for Ig M antibodies were all negative and the obtained results ranged from 0.113 to 0.25 U/m L(mean = 0.191 IU/m L) and all values below 0.8 IU/m L were considered negative. The most frequent complaints found in the seropositive patients were headaches that affected the frontal(13 children), occipital(4) and parietal areas(5). Headaches usually had a pulsating(in 7 patients) and squeezing(6) character and rarely were piercing, dull or expanding. Interestingly, 8 children did not feel discomfort during the headaches, probably because they did not have sufficiently increased intracranial pressure yet. The headaches usually appeared 1-2 times/mo, lasted for 2-6 h, and had a mean intensity of 5.5 points in a 10 point subjective scale. The comorbidities included epilepsy(5 patients), various infections in 3 children(chronic eustachitis, chronic rhinitis, chronic purulent tonsillitis, streptococcal pharyngitis, meningitis, allergic diseases), disturbances of behavior, deficits of attention, and ocular and motor concentration disorders in 1 child. The electroencephalographic and neuroimaging studies performed in our patients had a very limited value in
基金supported by the Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest of China(grant no:200903036).
文摘Background:Toxoplasma gondii infection is mainly caused by ingestion of water or food that is contaminated with oocysts excreted by cats,or by eating raw meat containing T.gondii tissue cysts.However,oral transmission does not explain the common occurrence of toxoplasmosis in a variety of hosts,such as herbivorous animals,birds,and wild rodents.Little information exists on the maintenance of T.gondii parasites in nature and routes of transmission to domestic and wild animal hosts.Therefore,this study evaluated the role of Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis.Methods:The real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)technique was used to detect the presence of T.gondii DNA in ticks collected from the field.To observe the amount of dynamic changes of T.gondii in the tick’s body and its infectivity,microinjection of green fluorescence parasites was performed.Under laboratory conditions,we evaluated if H.longicornis ticks were infected with T.gondii and their potential to transmit the infection to other hosts using traditional parasitological methods coupled with molecular detection techniques.Results:The infection rates of T.gondii parasites among field-collected adult and nymph H.longicornis ticks were 11.26%and 5.95%,respectively.T.gondii can survive and remain infective in a tick’s body for at least 15 days.We found that blood feeding of infected ticks did not transmit T.gondii to hosts,however,ingestion of infected ticks may be a transmission route between ticks and other common hosts.Conclusion:The T.gondii infection in ticks could serve as a reservoir for toxoplasmosis transmission.
文摘Objective:To document Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) antibody status in patients with liver disease,blood samples were taken from 180 hepatic patients and 180 healthy controls.Methods:Toxoplasma IgG antibody was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and histopathological assessment of liver biopsy METAVIR score was applied.Results:Anti-T.gondii IgG antibodies were found in 32.8%of patients and in 22.2%of controls(P=0.02).Toxoplasma seropositivity was significantly associated with lymphadenopathy,history of blood transfusion and reflex impairment in patients.Chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV)and chronic HCV-related cirrhosis groups compared to chronic HBV and chronic HBV-related cirrhosis groups expressed significantly higher prevalence of T.gondii seropositivity(odds ratio(OR) =4;95%confidence interval(CI):1.3-12.6;P=0.013,OR=4.8;95%CI:1.5-14.9;P=0.006,respectively).Within the chronic HCV group,T.gondii seropositivity significantly associated disease evolution as regards to METAVIR histopathological system for fibrosis and inflammation(OR=19.4;95%CI:2.3-165.2;P=0.0008,OR=0.29;95%CI:0.1-0.8;P=0.01,respectively).Albumin,international normalized ratio(INR) and platelets count were the laboratory parameters significantly altered in Toxoplasma-positrvc chronic HCV patients(P=0.00 l,0.03,0.04,respectively).Child-Pugh scoring for cirrhosis in chronic HCV group placed the majority of seropositive patient in class C with significant statistical difference compared to Child A reference group(OR= 0.08;95%67:0.01-0.5;P=0.003).Conclusions:Toxoplasma seropositivity was high in patients with cirrhosis and associated higher grades of inflammation and necrosis signifying disease evolution,suggesting that cirrhotic patients may thus form a risk group for toxoplasmosis.
基金financial support from Deputy of Research Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences,Sari.Iran.(Grant number:92-463)
文摘Objective:To analyze and review the overall seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) infection in cattle from Iran.Methods:In the current study,data collection(published and unpublished papers,abstracts of national scientific congresses and dissertations) using particular terms was carried out systematically on the following electronic databases like PubMed,Google Scholar,Ebsco,Science Direct,Scopus,Magiran,Irandoc,IranMedex and SID(Scientific Information Database).Results:A total of 22 studies since 1983 to 2012 reporting the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in cattle from different regions of Iran met our eligibility criteria.The pooled proportion of toxoplasmosis,using random effect model,among cattle in Iran from over the 30-year period was estimated 18.1%(95%CI:9.9%to 28.2%).Conclusions:This study firstly establishes a crude seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma infection in cattle which can lead us to understand the condition of eattle toxoplasmosis,which have to take into accounted fur an appropriate and effective prevention and controls.Secondly,it compares and discusses elaborately the role of risk factors including sex,age and breed in the epidemiology of the disease.Thus,it determines gaps and drawbacks in the prior studies which are greatly useful to design more accurate investigations in the future.
基金supported by the Science Foundation of the Health Bureau of Zhejiang Province, China (Nos. 2003QN003 and 2005A001)the Science Foundation of the Science and Technology Department of Zhejiang Province, China (No. 2006C13022)
文摘The dense granule protein 4 （GRA4） is a granular protein from Toxoplasma gondii, and is a candidate for vaccination against this parasite. In this study, the plasmid pcDNA3, 1-GRA4 （pGRA4）, encoding for the GRA4 antigen, was incorporated by the dehydration-rehydration method into liposomes composed of 16 mmol/L egg phosphatidylcholine （PC）, 8 mmol/L dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine （DOPE）, and 4 mmol/L 1,2-diodeoyl-3-（trimethylammonium） propane （DOTAP）. C57BL/6 mice and BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly three times with liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 to determine whether DNA immunization could elicit a protective immune response to T. gondii. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） of sera from immunized mice showed that liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 generated high levels of IgG antibodies to GRA4. Production of primary interferon （IFN）-7 and interleukin （IL）-2 in GRA4-stimulated splenocytes from vaccinated mice suggested a modulated Th 1-type response. 72.7% of C57BL/6 mice immunized with liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 survived the challenge with 80 tissue cysts of ME49 strain, whereas C57BL/6 mice immunized with pGRA4 had only a survival rate of 54.5%. When immunized BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally challenged with 103 tachyzoites of the highly virulent RH strain, the survival time of mice immunized with liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 was markedly longer than that of other groups. Our observations show that liposome-encapsulated pGRA4 enhanced the protective effect against infection of T. gondii.
