A parasite that is extremely widespread globally, infecting about one in three people, is causing concern among researchers. They warn that it can lead to serious eye conditions and even loss of vision.
Scientists draw attention to Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, an infection that, although in most cases is asymptomatic in healthy people, can have severe consequences in certain situations. An estimated one-third of the world’s population is infected, according to sciencealert.
Specialists point out that ocular toxoplasmosis is the most common intraocular infection globally and one of the main causes of vision loss of infectious origin.
“Toxoplasmosis is a major cause of eye infection and an important cause of vision loss worldwide, but receives limited attention in global health agendas”said Dr. Justine Smith, ophthalmologist and vision researcher at Flinders University (Australia).
She added that recognition of the disease at the level of the World Health Organization could significantly change the way it is approached:
“With WHO’s recognition, we can make substantial progress in preventing and managing this infection,” Justine Smith said.
How the infection is transmitted
The infection is transmitted mainly through the consumption of undercooked meat contaminated with the parasite, but also through the accidental ingestion of eggs eliminated in cat feces, for example during litter cleaning or from the contaminated environment. Another important route of transmission is from mother to fetus, through the placenta, during pregnancy. In these cases, the infection can cause miscarriage or severe birth defects.
“Toxoplasmosis is often considered unavoidable, but it has well-known routes of transmission and can be prevented and controlled,” explained Dr. João Furtado, from the University of São Paulo (Brazil).
Widespread but understudied disease
To be classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), a condition must meet four criteria: be concentrated in poor areas, be widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, be preventable and controllable, and be underfunded and researched.
Researchers claim that toxoplasmosis meets all of these conditions. The disease is especially common in South America and in regions with limited resources, and the level of funding for research is far below that of other similar diseases.
The specialists also point out that the lack of a vaccine and a standard treatment protocol indicates an underestimation of the global impact. An estimated 190,000 children are born with congenital toxoplasmosis each year, and the worst effects occur in vulnerable communities with limited access to medical services and poor sanitation.
The researchers argue that the impact of the disease could be reduced by simple public health measures such as improving food safety, access to clean water, improving sanitation and expanding prenatal care.
“These effects could be reduced through practical public health measures such as improved food safety, clean water, sanitation and better access to antenatal care“, explained Dr. João Furtado.
