Aline Benitez

Dr. Aline Benitez


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 October 2024 in Microorganisms
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
TLTatiani da Silva Palhota Lozano
Tatiani da Silva Palhota Lozano
ABAline Benitez
Aline Benitez
JSJoice Cristina dos Santos
Joice Cristina dos Santos
INItalmar Teodorico Navarro
Italmar Teodorico Navarro
WNWalter Bertequini Nagata
Walter Bertequini Nagata
KBKatia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
This study assessed the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and risk factors among 428 pregnant women attending Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil. The seroprevalence was 55.14%, indicating high exposure to the parasite in this population. Using a multi-level logistic regression model, this study analyzed these predictors to determine their association with a higher seropositivity rate, with BHUs included as a random factor. Predictors associated with higher seropositivity included older age (36–45 years), with a 71.64% prevalence in this group, and multiparity (61.65%). Women with lower educational levels were also more likely to be infected, with 59.46% seropositivity recorded among those who had only completed elementary school. Despite identifying several risk factors, no significant correlation was found between undercooked meat consumption or contact with soil and infection. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions, particularly for educating high-risk groups about toxoplasmosis prevention, such as safe food handling and avoiding raw dairy products. Additionally, BHUs play a critical role in early detection and prevention. These units are important for providing healthcare access and preventive education for vulnerable populations. Given the high seroprevalence, this study underscores the urgency of implementing prenatal screening and educational programs to reduce the risks of congenital toxoplasmosis in this region.

6 September 2024 in Microorganisms
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SFSabrina Santos Firmino
Sabrina Santos Firmino
TSThaís Rabelo Santos-Doni
Thaís Rabelo Santos-Doni
VSVitória Maria Farias Silva
Vitória Maria Farias Silva
AMAressa Cassemiro Micheleto
Aressa Cassemiro Micheleto
MSMa Scalise De Souza
Ma Scalise De Souza
KBKatia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani
This study examined the seropositivity of T. gondii and coinfections with other TORCH pathogens among pregnant women attending 17 Basic Health Units (UBS) in Araçatuba, SP, Brazil. Of the 711 pregnant women seen at these UBS, only 297 were tested for T. gondii. Of the women tested for T. gondii (n = 297), 26.9% had IgG antibodies, 6.7% had IgM, and 32.0% tested positive for either or both. Only 1.4% showed both IgG and IgM antibodies, while 67.7% were non-reactive. The seropositivity was 17.1% for syphilis, 63.2% for rubella, 0.9% for hepatitis C, 0.9% for dengue, 17.9% for COVID-19, and 0.9% for herpes simplex (types 1/2). Coinfections with syphilis, rubella, and herpes simplex were also noted. Higher education levels appeared to protect against T. gondii seropositivity. The findings highlight a significant prevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women, with variation across UBSs, pointing to socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental factors as influential. We also observed co-occurrence with other infections, such as syphilis, rubella, and herpes simplex. The study underscores the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce the risks of congenital infections.