Aim
In spite of the importance of toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis among the high‐risk groups, such as pregnant women, the infections are categorized as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. infections can cause systemic and ocular diseases in infants during pregnancy. In this study, we investigated seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis, toxocariasis and their co‐infection in pregnant women and non‐pregnant women referred to the healthcare facilities of Ilam province, west of Iran.
Methods
A total of 378 sera samples (189 pregnant women and 189 non‐pregnant women) was investigated for the presence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii and Toxocara spp. by Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The samples of all pregnant women with abortion (56 cases) were also evaluated for IgM anti‐toxoplasmosis antibody by ELISA method. Moreover, associated factors were obtained from the participant's questionnaires. Data analysis for this study was performed using the spss software version 20.
Results
Seroprevalence of T. gondii, Toxocara spp., and their co‐infection in pregnant women was 39.7%, 21.2% and 9.5%, respectively. Regarding the risk factors, the contact with a cat (P = 0.04) and dog (P = 0.00) were significantly associated with T. gondii and Toxocara spp., respectively.
Conclusion
This study highlighted the importance of serological diagnosis before pregnancy. Moreover, we believe that more epidemiological studies are needed for a better understanding of overlaps between T. gondii and Toxocara spp. in pregnant women.
Diabetic patients are more susceptible to cutaneous fungal infections. Cutaneous lesions and Foot infections are a frequent complication of patients with diabetes mellitus, accounting for up to 20% of diabetes-related hospital admissions. Foot ulcers and other foot problems are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people with Diabetes mellitus. The higher blood sugar levels cause increasing the cutaneous fungal infections in these patients. More than 75% of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are at risk for diabetic ulcers. About 15% of foot ulcers in diabetic patients lead to amputations. Although every 30 seconds one leg is amputated in the world due to DM, 80% of these cases are preventable. Poor controlled had significantly higher fungal infection in diabetic foot ulcers and require careful attention and management. The findings of various studies indicate that the prevalence of fungal infections in patients with diabetic foot ulcers is increasing and there are many drug resistance issues reported in this area, therefore more attention is important in diabetic centers about this neglected issue.
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