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International study warns of the risks of toxoplasmosis to vision and pregnancy, highlights high prevalence in vulnerable areas of Brazil, and advocates for more resources for prevention, diagnosis, vaccines, sanitation, and adequate and continuous treatment
Toxoplasmosis can be present in up to 80% of the poorest populations in highly endemic areas of Brazil, according to Gizmodo today (25) in this article. Given the wide circulation of the parasite and the risks to vision, pregnancy, and the neurological system, international researchers advocate for the infection to be formally recognized by the World Health Organization as a neglected tropical disease.
Toxoplasmosis remains in the body throughout life
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasitic protozoan capable of infecting virtually any warm-blooded animal, including humans. It is estimated that approximately one-third of the world’s population has been infected.
In the United States, about 10% of the population lives with the parasite. In more vulnerable regions, however, the presence can be much higher. In Brazil, the infection can affect up to 80% of the poorest populations in highly endemic areas.
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Cats are the primary hosts of T. gondii, but they do not represent the only source of the problem. The parasite can also be transmitted through contaminated fruits, vegetables, and water, undercooked meat, and contact with feces of infected cats.
After infection, T. gondii remains in the body throughout life. Most cases are mild or have no noticeable symptoms, but certain situations can cause severe and permanent consequences.
Infection during pregnancy can cause severe damage
Contamination during pregnancy is among the main concerns presented by researchers.
The parasite can be transmitted to the fetus and cause miscarriage, neurological damage, and permanent visual impairment.
Even outside of pregnancy, T. gondii can migrate to the back of the eyes and cause inflammation of the retina.
This manifestation, called ocular toxoplasmosis, is among the main causes of retinal infections worldwide.
Without early treatment, the inflammation can form permanent scars on the retina and cause vision loss. João Furtado, an ophthalmologist and researcher at the University of São Paulo, highlights that seemingly mild infections do not eliminate the risk of complications.
Studies also investigate possible effects of latent infection on behavior. The parasite is known to make infected rodents bolder and less fearful of cats, increasing the likelihood of being captured.
Research cited by the team suggests that subtle changes could also occur in larger animals and humans.
However, possible associations with personality changes, schizophrenia, or brain cancer are not yet fully proven.
Researchers request WHO recognition
The international team states that toxoplasmosis meets the World Health Organization’s criteria to be included in the list of neglected tropical diseases. The request was presented in an article published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
According to the authors, the disease disproportionately affects people living in poverty, has significant impact in tropical and subtropical regions, can be prevented and treated by public actions, and receives little scientific and political attention.
Justine Smith, an ophthalmologist at Flinders University in Australia, states that toxoplasmosis is being left behind while other neglected tropical diseases receive advancements and investments.
Formal recognition could expand resources for the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and medications.
Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine against toxoplasmosis nor a medication capable of definitively eliminating the parasite from the body.
Existing treatments can control disease outbreaks, but do not offer a cure. More funding could also strengthen basic sanitation, food safety, prenatal care, and programs aimed at rapid diagnosis and care.
Prevention does not depend solely on cat owners
The researchers emphasize that cats should not be blamed or abandoned. Transmission involves different pathways, including contaminated water, poorly sanitized food, raw or undercooked meat, soil, and sandboxes.
Among the recommended individual measures are cooking meat well, washing fruits and vegetables, and sanitizing hands after handling raw meat, soil, or cat litter. Pregnant women should take extra precautions.
Prevention, however, cannot remain solely an individual responsibility. Safe food systems, potable water, basic sanitation, prenatal care, and access to timely diagnosis and treatment are identified as collective responsibilities.
According to the authors, the global dimension of toxoplasmosis and its concentration among vulnerable communities justify a coordinated public health response, with greater attention to prevention, research, and treatment.
This article was prepared based on information from the article published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases and statements by researchers João Furtado and Justine Smith reproduced by Gizmodo, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
