Recent studies of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from animals in Brazil have revealed high genetic diversity. Many of these isolates are virulent to mice. It is speculated that these isolates may also be virulent to humans. However, there is very limited data regarding T. gondii strains from human infection. Therefore, it is not clear whether there is any association between parasite genotypes and disease phenotypes. In this study, a total of 27 T. gondii strains were isolated from humans with congenital toxoplasmosis in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The genetic variability was assessed by restricted fragment length polymorphism in 11 loci (SAG1, 5' plus 3' SAG2, alternative [alt.] SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico). Genetic analysis of 24 strains revealed 14 different genotypes, including 7 previously identified from animals and 7 new types. The widespread genotype BrII accounted for 29% (7/24) of the isolates and was the dominant genotype involved in this study. This is the first report of genotyping of T. gondii isolates obtained from blood samples from newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis. Genotypic characterization of these isolates suggests high genetic diversity of T. gondii in this human population in Brazil. Future studies are needed to determine the source of contamination of this human population.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.02502-12 | DOI Listing |
Int J Mol Sci
December 2024
Neurofarba Department, Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy.
, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is a protozoan parasite capable of infecting a wide range of hosts, posing significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals and congenital transmission. Current therapeutic options primarily target the active tachyzoite stage but are limited by issues such as toxicity and incomplete efficacy. As a result, there is an urgent need for alternative therapies that can selectively target parasite-specific mechanisms critical for metabolic processes and host-parasite interactions.
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Department of Cardiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Munich, Germany.
Objectives: The occurrence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in competitive athletes has led to a discussion about appropriate preparticipation screening models. The role of an electrocardiogram (ECG) in routine testing remains controversial in current guidelines. Furthermore, data on cardiac findings and the prognostic utility of screening strategies in young female elite ice hockey is scarce.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS Negl Trop Dis
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Inserm U1094, IRD UMR270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases in Tropical Zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges, France.
The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous and highly prevalent parasite that can theoretically infect all warm-blooded vertebrates. In humans, toxoplasmosis causes infections in both immunodeficient and immunocompetent patients, congenital toxoplasmosis, and ocular lesions. These manifestations have different degrees of severity.
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December 2024
SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain.
J Ophthalmol
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Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
To evaluate the two-year fundus examination outcomes of term infants undergoing eye screening. Retrospective review of our data of term infants at a tertiary care center (Ankara Bilkent City Hospital) from October 2021 to October 2023. All screened infants underwent red reflex test and dilated posterior segment examination.
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