Experts have issued a warning regarding a prevalent pet parasite that may have infected as many as a third of the global population, putting billions of individuals at risk of severe health issues.
A recent collaborative study involving multiple universities has emphasized the urgent need for worldwide recognition of toxoplasma gondii as a significant threat to millions of people, despite previous beliefs that it had minimal health implications. This parasite, commonly referred to as toxo and transmitted by cats, has been identified as the “leading intraocular infection globally,” affecting billions of individuals, with most being asymptomatic, particularly if they are in good health.
The research team has uncovered that the parasites responsible for causing toxoplasmosis can lead to a damaging eye infection, prompting the call for its classification as a neglected tropical disease (NTD).
Professor Justine Smith, the lead author of the study published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, stated that toxoplasmosis is a major eye infection and a leading cause of vision loss on a global scale. However, she highlighted that it does not receive adequate attention in international health agendas.
While most individuals infected with toxoplasmosis do not exhibit symptoms, those with weakened immune systems may experience flu-like symptoms. These symptoms, similar to those of viral infections or glandular fever, typically resolve on their own. In some instances, the parasite can remain dormant in the body, undetected, and later become active, leading to eye infections in both immunocompromised and healthy individuals.
Ocular toxoplasmosis manifests as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, reduced vision, and the presence of drifting dark spots, known as “floaters.” In severe cases, it can result in retinal inflammation and irreversible blindness.
The study published in PLOS was spearheaded by Associate Professor João Furtado from the University of São Paulo and Professor Smith from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. The collaboration involved experts from various regions worldwide. Professor Smith emphasized the need for greater attention to the vision-damaging effects of toxoplasmosis, which are currently overlooked.
She remarked, “Toxoplasmosis is a significant eye infection and a primary contributor to global vision impairment, yet it is not prioritized in global health initiatives. By securing WHO recognition, we can make substantial advancements in preventing and managing this infection.”
Professor Furtado, the co-author of the study, highlighted that increased recognition and appropriate focus could empower public health specialists to mitigate the potentially extensive impact of toxoplasmosis-related eye infections.
He stated, “Toxoplasmosis is often perceived as unavoidable, but its transmission pathways are well understood, and prevention and control are feasible. Implementing practical public health measures such as enhancing food safety, ensuring clean water, sanitation, and improving access to antenatal care could reduce these impacts significantly.”
Individuals typically contract toxoplasma gondii through consuming undercooked meat, contaminated water or produce, or by coming into contact with cat feces. Cats themselves become infected through consumption of contaminated substances.