High frequency detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in human neonatal tissue from Libya

Haq, SZH, Abushahma, MS, Gerwash, O, Hughes, JM, Wright, EA, Elmahaishi, MS, Lun, ZR, Thomasson, D and Hide, G ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3608-0175 2016, 'High frequency detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in human neonatal tissue from Libya' , Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, 110 (9) , pp. 551-557.

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Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that causes significant disease in humans. Toxoplasmosis is normally asymptomatic, unless associated with congenital transmission, or in immunocompromised people. Congenital transmission generally occurs at low frequencies. In this study, we use PCR to investigate possible congenital transmission of T. gondii during pregnancy in a cohort of mothers from Libya. Methods: Two hundred and seventy two pregnant women (producing 276 neonates) were recruited to obtain umbilical cord tissue from their neonates at birth. DNA was extracted from umbilical cord tissue and tested for T. gondii DNA using two specific PCR protocols based on the sag 1 and sag 3 genes. Results: Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in the umbilical cord DNA from 27 of the 276 neonates giving a prevalence of 9.9% (95% CI: 6.8-13.9%). Compared with more commonly reported rates of congenital transmission of 0.1% of live births, this is high. There was no association of infection with unsuccessful pregnancy. Conclusions: This study shows a high frequency presence of T. gondii DNA associated with neonatal tissue at birth in this cohort of 276 neonates from Libya. Although PCR cannot detect living parasites, there is the possibility that this indicates a higher than usual frequency of congenital transmission.

Item Type:	Article
Schools:	Schools > School of Environment and Life Sciences > Biomedical Research Centre Schools > School of Environment and Life Sciences > Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre
Journal or Publication Title:	Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
ISSN:	0035-9203
Related URLs:	Publication Author
Funders:	Libyan Embassy
Depositing User:	Professor Geoff Hide
Date Deposited:	30 Sep 2016 10:25
Last Modified:	29 Apr 2019 13:00
URI:	http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/40220

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