Publications by authors named "Monica Vargas-Montes"
In silico identification and ex vivo evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii peptides restricted to HLA-A*02, HLA-A*24 and HLA-B*35 alleles in human PBMC from a Colombian population.
Med Microbiol Immunol
December 2024
Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately 30% of the population, and there is currently no approved vaccine. Identifying immunogenic peptides with high affinity to different HLA molecules is a promising vaccine strategy. This study used an in silico approach using artificial neural networks to identify T.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFToxoplasmosis is the most prevalent parasitic zoonosis worldwide, causing ocular and neurological diseases. No vaccine has been approved for human use. We evaluated the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to a novel construct of total antigen in maltodextrin nanoparticles (NP/TE) in individuals with varying infectious statuses (uninfected, chronic asymptomatic, or ocular toxoplasmosis).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The review focuses on toxoplasmosis rates in Panama and Colombia, analyzing data on seroprevalence and risk factors.
- Studies showed seroprevalence in Ciudad de Panamá ranged from 22% to 44%, with higher rates linked to poverty and closeness to water.
- Heat maps and mathematical models were created to pinpoint areas that need targeted healthcare campaigns for congenital toxoplasmosis and infections.
This work analyzed exhaustion markers in CD8+ T-cell subpopulations in 21 samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with ocular toxoplasmosis ( = 9), chronic asymptomatic toxoplasmosis ( = 7), and non-infected people ( = 5) by using RT-qPCR and flow cytometry techniques. The study found that gene expression of PD-1 and CD244, but not LAG-3, was higher in individuals with ocular toxoplasmosis versus individuals with asymptomatic infection or uninfected. Expression of PD1 in CD8+ central memory (CM) cells was higher in nine individuals with toxoplasmosis versus five uninfected individuals ( = .
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The purpose of the review was to develop and assess educational materials aimed at reducing disease burdens from infections in Panama, Colombia, and the USA.
- Recent findings indicate that educational programs in these countries have not yet been evaluated for their effectiveness, despite being implemented for various demographics like high school students and pregnant women.
- The summary highlights that these educational materials have shown short-term benefits in disseminating information, with future goals focusing on conducting long-term studies, updating materials based on new research, and increasing access to these resources for broader public health impact.
Purpose Of Review: Review building of programs to eliminate infections.
Recent Findings: Morbidity and mortality from toxoplasmosis led to programs in USA, Panama, and Colombia to facilitate understanding, treatment, prevention, and regional resources, incorporating student work.
Summary: Studies foundational for building recent, regional approaches/programs are reviewed.
Article Synopsis
- The review discusses international efforts to create a global public health initiative for toxoplasmosis, aiming to enhance maternal and child health by preventing and treating the disease.
- Recent findings indicate that some countries are making progress in eliminating toxoplasmosis but face significant challenges.
- Key issues include the high costs and inaccessibility of diagnostic tests and treatment, especially for marginalized communities, as well as delays in essential medical procedures and insurance processes.
Influence of Two Major Virulence Factors (ROP16 and ROP18) on the Immune Response of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Toxoplasmosis Infection.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol
August 2020
Article Synopsis
- ROP16 and ROP18 proteins are critical virulence factors for a specific parasite, affecting immune responses in different clinical states of infection.
- The study assessed cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-1β) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with varying infection statuses after exposing them to wild-type and knock-out mutant strains of the parasite.
- Results showed that ROP16 significantly influences IFN-γ production during primary infection in previously non-infected individuals, while cytokine responses varied based on host genetic factors, with limited effects noted in those with chronic asymptomatic infections.
Enzyme-Linked Aptamer Assay (ELAA) for Detection of ROP18 Protein in Human Serum.
Front Cell Infect Microbiol
August 2020
engenders the common parasitic disease toxoplasmosis in almost all warm-blooded animals. Being a critical secretory protein, ROP18 is a major virulence factor of . There are no reports about ROP18 detection in human serum samples with different clinical manifestations.
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