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Published on: December 9, 2014
Risk Factors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases from Western Romania
Angela Dragomir1,2,3, Maria Alina Lupu1,2,3,4, Cosmin Gheorghe Maciuceanu1,2
1Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
Insights
Toxoplasma gondii infection is common in Romanian cardiovascular patients, affecting over half. Risk factors include where patients live, gender, education, and pet ownership, highlighting the need for greater toxoplasmosis awareness.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on Toxoplasma gondii epidemiology in cardiovascular patients.
- Assessing seroprevalence and risk factors for T. gondii in this population is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection among cardiovascular patients in Romania.
- To identify associated risk factors for T. gondii seropositivity in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Serologic testing for T. gondii antibodies in 1205 cardiovascular patients.
- Avidity testing for recent infections and questionnaires for risk factor assessment.
- Multiple logistic regression analysis to identify significant risk factors.
Main Results:
- Overall T. gondii seroprevalence was 52.1%, highest in dilated cardiomyopathy (66.66%) and lowest in myopericarditis (30.0%).
- Recent infections (IgM/IgG positive) showed high avidity.
- Area of residence, gender, education, pet ownership, and toxoplasmosis awareness were significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- This study offers new insights into T. gondii seroprevalence and risk factors in Romanian cardiovascular patients.
- Findings emphasize the importance of toxoplasmosis awareness and health education for prevention.
- Further research can inform targeted public health interventions.
Background:
Limited data are available in the existing literature regarding the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection among cardiovascular patients. We aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated risk factors among Romanian cardiovascular patients.
Methods:
Serologic testing was conducted in 1205 patients with cardiovascular diseases to demonstrate the presence of T. gondii antibodies. An avidity test was performed in patients with detectable IgG and IgM antibodies. A structured questionnaire was designed to identify the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii. Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 52.1%, with the highest value observed in patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy (66.66%) and the lowest in patients with myopericarditis (30.0%). The 11 patients found with detectable IgM and IgG antibodies had a high avidity test result. A patient's area of residence, gender, educational level, owning dogs, owning any pet, and toxoplasmosis awareness were significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity in multiple logistic regression analyses.
Conclusions:
This study provides novel and valuable insights into the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii among Romanian cardiovascular patients. Our findings reiterate the importance of toxoplasmosis awareness and health education for better control and prevention of infection with T. gondii.
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