RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Raw meat may contain viable Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts and therefore handling of raw meat may represent a risk for T. gondii infection. AIMS: To determine the association of T. gondii infection with occupational exposure to raw meat. METHODS: Case-control seroprevalence study design with enzyme-linked immunoassays for the presence and levels of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. Those occupationally exposed to raw meat consisted of butchers working in two abattoirs and 35 butcher's shops in Durango, Mexico. The control group consisted of individuals from the general population from the same region. Socio-demographic, work, clinical and behavioural characteristics from each butcher were obtained. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-four workers occupationally exposed to raw meat and 248 control subjects were examined. Eight (7%) of the butchers and 22 (9%) of the controls were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies [not statistically significant (NS)]. Anti-T. gondii IgG levels were >150 IU/ml in 7 (6%) butchers and 14 (6%) controls (NS). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in five (4%) of the butchers and four (2%) of the controls (NS). None of the factors examined appeared to predict seropositivity although both butchers who reported consuming dried beef were seropositive compared to 6/122 controls (95% CI 0.60-1.29). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to raw meat was not associated with seropositivity for T. gondii infection. Consumption of dried beef may warrant further investigation.

Asunto(s)

Mataderos , Industria de Procesamiento de Alimentos , Carne/parasitología , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Exposición Profesional/efectos adversos , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Animales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis Multivariante , Prevalencia , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

There is a lack of information about the seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in the general population of Durango City, Mexico. Anti- Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were sought in 974 inhabitants in Durango City, Mexico with the use of enzyme-linked immunoassays. in total, 59 (6.1%) of 974 participants (mean age 37 ± 16.1 yr) had IgG anti- T. gondii antibodies. Twenty (2.1%) of them also had IgM anti- T. gondii antibodies. IgG levels of 13-99, 100-150, and >150 International Units (IU)/ml were found in 14 (23.7%), 3 (5.1%), and 42 (71.2%) anti- T. gondii IgG-positive participants, respectively. Prevalence of infection increased with age (P < 0.05), and was significantly lower in participants born in Durango State than those born in other Mexican states (P < 0.01). Toxoplasma gondii infection was significantly associated with consumption of boar meat (adjusted odds ratio [OR]  =  3.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-6.13), and squirrel meat (adjusted OR  =  2.18; 95% CI: 1.17-4.09). in addition, infection was negatively associated with travel abroad (adjusted OR  =  0.42; 95% CI: 0.23-0.77), and salami consumption (adjusted OR  =  0.57; 95% CI: 0.32-0.99). This is the first report of seroprevalence and contributing factors for T. gondii infection in general population in Durango City, and of an association of the consumption of boar meat with T. gondii infection. This study provides a basis for the design of successful preventive measures against T. gondii infection.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Distribución por Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Animales , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Carne , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Características de la Residencia , Factores de Riesgo , Sciuridae , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Porcinos , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

Water, sewage, and soil are potential sources of infection for Toxoplasma gondii. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated characteristics in 61 plumbers, 203 construction workers, and 168 gardeners in Durango City, Mexico. Participants were tested for T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies with the use of enzyme-linked immunoassays. In addition, sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics from each participant were obtained. IgG T. gondii antibodies were found in 4 (6.6%) plumbers, 17 (8.4%) construction workers, and 10 (6.0%) gardeners; T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in 3 (1.5%) construction workers and 4 (2.4%) gardeners, but in none of the plumbers. In the total population, the prevalence of T. gondii infection was significantly higher in workers living in suburban areas, without education, workers that consumed chorizo, and those who suffered from any disease (P < 0.05). In gardeners, prevalence of infection was significantly higher in those with blood transfusion, and memory impairment (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii infection was positively associated with consumption of unwashed fruits (adjusted odds ratio [OR]  =  2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-5.13), and with raising animals (adjusted OR  =  2.53; 95% CI: 1.00-6.37). This is the first report of contributing factors for T. gondii infection in workers occupationally exposed to water, sewage, and soil in a Mexican city, and results will contribute to the design of optimal preventive measures.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Adulto , Arquitectura y Construcción de Instituciones de Salud , Conducta Alimentaria , Femenino , Jardinería , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/parasitología , Ingeniería Sanitaria , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Aguas del Alcantarillado/parasitología , Suelo/parasitología , Toxoplasmosis/etiología , Viaje , Agua/parasitología

RESUMEN

Toxoplasma gondii infection may cause a variety of symptoms involving virtually all organs. Little is known of the epidemiology of T. gondii infection in different patient groups in Mexico. We sought to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated epidemiological characteristics in 472 patients in Durango, Mexico. Participants were tested for T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies. In addition, sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics from each participant were obtained. Seroprevalences of T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 7 (8.2%) of 85 patients with hearing impairment, 5 (10.0%) of 50 patients with hemodialysis, 28 (12.0%) of 234 patients with visual impairment, and 7 (6.8%) of 103 at risk of immunosuppression. In total, 47 (10%) of 472 subjects had IgG T. gondii antibodies; 6 (1.3%) of them also had IgM anti- T. gondii antibodies. Patients born in Durango State had a significantly lower prevalence of T. gondii infection than patients born in other Mexican states (9.0% vs. 21.4%, respectively; P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii infection was significantly associated with consumption of undercooked meat (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-7.35) or raw cow's milk (adjusted OR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.28-4.96), presence of cats at home (adjusted OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.06-3.78), raising animals (adjusted OR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.06-5.63), or eating away from home (adjusted OR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.03-7.11). In the group of patients with visual impairment, those with reflex impairment had a significantly higher frequency of T. gondii infection than those with normal reflexes (19% vs. 9.4%, respectively: P = 0.04). Results of the present study are the first step in the design of prevention programs to avoid the sequelae of toxoplasmosis.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/complicaciones , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Animales , Gatos , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Trastornos de la Audición/complicaciones , Humanos , Huésped Inmunocomprometido , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias/complicaciones , Diálisis Renal , Insuficiencia Renal/complicaciones , Insuficiencia Renal/terapia , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Toxoplasmosis/inmunología , Trastornos de la Visión/complicaciones , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

There is a lack of information concerning the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Mennonites (an ethnic group of Mexican citizens of German descent living in rural communities). The prevalence of anti- T. gondii immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies was examined in 152 Mennonites in Durango State, Mexico, using enzyme-linked immunoassays. In total, 46 (30.3%) of 152 participants (mean age 38.4 ± 15.5 yr) had IgG T. gondii antibodies; 5 (3.3%) also had IgM T. gondii antibodies. Toxoplasma gondii infection was significantly associated with the presence of cats at home (adjusted OR  =  3.93; 95% CI: 1.40-11.05), raising cattle (adjusted OR  =  3.88; 95% CI: 1.24-12.11), consumption of pigeon meat (adjusted OR  =  3.0; 95% CI: 1.36-6.63), and consumption of untreated water (adjusted OR  =  2.42; 95% CI: 1.09-5.40). This is the first report of seroprevalence and contributing factors for T. gondii infection in Mennonites and of an association of the consumption of pigeon meat with T. gondii infection. Results of this study should be useful in the design of optimal preventive measures against T. gondii infection.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/etnología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Animales , Gatos , Bovinos , Columbidae , Estudios Transversales , Conducta Alimentaria , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , Carne/clasificación , Carne/parasitología , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Protestantismo , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Factores Socioeconómicos , Pavos , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

The epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in rural Mexico is largely unknown. The seroepidemiology of T. gondii infection in 439 pregnant women from 9 communities in rural Durango State, Mexico was investigated. Using commercial enzyme-linked immunoassays, sera were tested for T. gondii IgG, IgM, and avidity antibodies. Prevalences of T. gondii IgG antibodies in the communities varied from 0% to 20%. Overall, 36 (8.2%) of the 439 women had IgG T. gondii antibodies. Ten (2.3%) women had also T. gondii IgM antibodies; IgG avidity was high in all IgM-positive women, suggesting chronic infection. None of the women, however, had delivered a known T. gondii-infected child. The seroprevalence was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in women from low socio-economic conditions (14%) than in those with higher socio-economic status (6.6%). Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii infection was associated with soil floors at home (adjusted OR = 2.89; 95% CI: 1.12-7.49). This is the first epidemiological study of T. gondii infection in pregnant women in rural Mexico.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Complicaciones Parasitarias del Embarazo/epidemiología , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Animales , Afinidad de Anticuerpos , Femenino , Pisos y Cubiertas de Piso , Vivienda , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , México/epidemiología , Embarazo , Factores de Riesgo , Población Rural , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Factores Socioeconómicos , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

There is scarce information concerning the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in people of rural Mexico. Anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies were sought in 462 adult inhabitants from 3 rural communities of Durango, Mexico, using enzyme-linked immunoassays. In total, 110 (23.8%) of 463 persons had IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies. Ten (2.2%) of them also had IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies. Prevalences of T. gondii IgG antibodies in the 3 communities varied from 14.8 to 35.8%. The highest prevalence of infection was observed in participants older than 70 yr and in those with good housing conditions. Toxoplasma gondii infection was significantly associated with consumption of squirrel (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.22; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-16.05) and turkey meat (adjusted OR = 4.58; 95% CI = 1.14-18.44). This is the first epidemiological study of T. gondii prevalence in rural Mexico.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Población Rural/estadística & datos numéricos , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Distribución por Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Animales , Estudios Transversales , Escolaridad , Femenino , Vivienda/normas , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina G/sangre , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Masculino , Carne/clasificación , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Distribución por Sexo

RESUMEN

Municipal waste is a potential source of infection for Toxoplasma gondii as it may contain contaminated meat with parasite tissue cysts and cat excrement with parasite oocysts. Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of T. gondii infection and associated characteristics in two populations exposed to municipal solid waste in Durango, Mexico. Ninety waste pickers and 83 waste workers of Durango City, Mexico were examined for T. gondii infection. They were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassays. In addition, socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics from each participant were obtained. Nineteen (21.1%) of the 90 waste pickers and seven (8.4%) of the 83 waste workers were positive for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. The difference in prevalence among the groups was statistically significant (P =0.03). Waste pickers aged 31-50 years showed a significantly higher prevalence (40.9%) than waste workers of the same age group (2.9%, P < 0.001). Anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies were found in two (2.2%) of the waste pickers but in none of the waste workers. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher in workers of the waste transfer station (25.0%) than in drivers or helpers of waste vehicles (2.5%) (P =0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that T. gondii infection was associated with consuming food found in the garbage [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 4.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-11.8] and with lack of education (adjusted OR = 3.2; 95% CI 1.1-8.8). From this study, we conclude: (i) waste pickers may represent a risk group for T. gondii infection; (ii) lack of education might be a contributing factor for T. gondii infection; (iii) the higher the exposure to garbage, the higher the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection; (iv) Eating food products from the garbage may represent an important route for T. gondii infection.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Higiene , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Toxoplasmosis/epidemiología , Adulto , Animales , Gatos , Escolaridad , Femenino , Contaminación de Alimentos/prevención & control , Parasitología de Alimentos , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedades Profesionales/prevención & control , Exposición Profesional , Factores de Riesgo , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Toxoplasmosis/prevención & control , Zoonosis

RESUMEN

We sought to determine the prevalence and associated characteristics of hepatitis A, B, C and D viruses and HIV infections in a prison in Durango, Mexico. Sera from 181 inmates were analysed for HAV antibody, hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HCV antibody, HDV antibody, HIV antibody and HCV genotypes. Prevalence of HAV antibody, HBcAb, HBsAg, HCV antibody, HDV antibody and HIV antibody were 99.4, 4.4, 0.0, 10.0, 0.0 and 0.6% respectively. HCV genotype 1a predominated in HCV-infected inmates (62.5%), followed by HCV genotype 1b (25%) and HCV genotype 3 (12.5%). An association between HBV infection and age > 30 years was found. HCV infection was associated with being born in Durango City, history of hepatitis, ear piercing, tattooing, drug abuse history, intravenous drug use and lack of condom use. We concluded that the prevalence of HAV, HBV, HDV and HIV infections in inmates in Durango, Mexico were comparable to those of the Mexican general population and blood donors, but lower than those reported in other prisons around the world. However, HCV infection in inmates was higher than that reported in Mexican blood donors but lower than those reported in other prisons of the world. These results have implications for the optimal planning of preventive and therapeutic measures.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/epidemiología , Hepatitis B/epidemiología , Hepatitis C/epidemiología , Hepatitis D/epidemiología , Prisioneros/estadística & datos numéricos , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/diagnóstico , Estudios de Cohortes , Comorbilidad , Intervalos de Confianza , Estudios Transversales , ADN Viral/análisis , Femenino , Anticuerpos Antihepatitis/análisis , Hepatitis B/diagnóstico , Hepatitis C/diagnóstico , Hepatitis D/diagnóstico , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Oportunidad Relativa , Prevalencia , Prisiones , Medición de Riesgo

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To characterize and determine the prevalence of the different types of gender-associated violence in the city of Durango, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: With a transversal design, 384 women residents of the city of Durango, either living with or having lived with someone before, were interviewed. The sample was proportionately distributed in 6 city sectors which were randomly chosen and representative of the high middle and low socioeconomic levels. Sixty-four interviews were conducted in each city sector. The questionnaire consisted of 184 closed and 22 open questions, including identification, sociodemographic and reproductive data, as well as specific questions on physical, emotional and sexual violence. RESULTS: Median age of the studied group was 41.5 years, ranging from 12 to 48 years. Prevalence of domestic violence was: sexual 42%; physical 40%; emotional 39%. CONCLUSIONS: The problem of violence, in its different forms, is a highly prevalent factor which jeopardizes the welfare of the family nucleus. Higher prevalence values of domestic violence were detected in the presence of factors such as violence antecedents, alcoholism and/or drug consumption by some member of the family.

Asunto(s)

Mujeres Maltratadas , Violencia Doméstica , Adolescente , Adulto , Alcoholismo/complicaciones , Niño , Emociones , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , México , Persona de Mediana Edad , Modelos Teóricos , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Conducta Sexual , Factores Socioeconómicos , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/complicaciones , Encuestas y Cuestionarios