Toxoplasma gondii is probably the most effective parasite in the world of today. This microscopic creature is capable of infecting any mammal or bird, and people on all continents are infected. Once infected, a person carries Toxoplasma for life. So far, we don’t have a medicine that can eradicate the parasite from the body. And there is no vaccine approved for use in humans.
Worldwide, an estimated 30-50% of people are infected with Toxoplasma – and infections could be on the rise in Australia. A survey of studies conducted in blood banks and pregnancy clinics across the country in the 1970s put the infection rate at 30%. However, a recent community survey from Western Australia found that 66% of people were infected.
the sickness caused by this parasite can scar the fundus. Our new research looked for signs of disease in otherwise healthy people and found that a significant number bore the mark of Toxoplasma.
We don’t just get it from cats
The cat is the main host of Toxoplasma. Cats catch the parasite when they eat infected prey. Then, for a few weeks, they pass on large numbers of parasites in their faeces in a form that can survive for long periods in the environment, even in extreme weather conditions. When faeces are ingested by grazing cattle, the parasites lodge in the muscle and survive there after animals are slaughtered for meat. Humans can become infected by eating this meat, or by eating fresh produce or drinking water contaminated by cats. It is also possible for a woman infected for the first time during pregnancy to transmit the infection to her. unborn child.
Although Toxoplasma infection is extremely common, the most important health statistic is the rate of disease caused by the infection, called toxoplasmosis.
Yes, cats spread Toxoplasma. But they are not solely responsible. (Photo: Unsplash/Daria Shatova)
How it affects the eye
Toxoplasma really loves the retina, the multi-layered nervous tissue that lines the eye and generates vision. Infection can cause recurrent retinal attacks inflammation and permanent retinal scars. This is called ocular toxoplasmosis.
Contrary to much written about ocular toxoplasmosis, medical research shows that this disease usually affects healthy adults. However, in the elderly or people with impaired immune system, or when contracted during pregnancy, it can be more serious. An active attack of inflammation causes “floaters” and blurred vision. When the inflammation progresses to scarring, there may be permanent loss of vision.
In a study of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis seen at a large eye clinic, we measured reduced vision below driving level in more than 50% of eyes, and 25% of eyes were irreversibly blind.
How many eyes?
Ophthalmologists and optometrists are familiar with the management of ocular toxoplasmosis. But the extent of the problem is not widely recognized, even by the medical community. The number of Australians with ocular toxoplasmosis had never been measured until now.
We wanted to study the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in Australia, but knew it would be difficult to secure funding for a large survey of this neglected disease. So we used the collected information for a different purpose: As part of the Busselton Healthy Aging Study, retinal photographs were taken of over 5,000 baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) living in Busselton, Western Australia. The photographs were collected to research other eye diseases, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Looking at these retinal photographs, we estimated the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis to be one in 150 Australians. This may seem surprisingly common, but it’s consistent with how people get Toxoplasma.
In addition to pet cats, Australia has huge populations of feral cats. And Australia is home to plenty of agricultural land, including more than 50% of the world’s organic farming area. More importantly, many Australians like to eat their red meat rare, putting them at real risk.
Toxoplasma is very fond of the retina at the back of the eye and can leave a scar. (Photo: Unsplash/Marc Schulte)
How the condition is treated
To diagnose ocular toxoplasmosis, an examination of the retina is necessary, ideally with the students dilated. The retinal lesion is easy to spot, due to the way Toxoplasma activates retinal cells to produce certain proteins, and an ophthalmologist or optometrist can immediately recognize its appearance. Often a blood test is also done to determine the diagnostic.
If the condition is mild, the doctor may let the body’s immune system control the problem, which takes a few months. However, a combination of anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic drugs is usually prescribed.
Stop the spread
Toxoplasma infection is not curable, but it can be prevented. Meat sold in Australian supermarkets may harbor Toxoplasma. Cooking the meat to an internal temperature of 66 degrees Celsius or freezing it before cooking are ways to kill the parasite.
Fresh fruit and vegetables should be washed before eating and drinking without treatment the water (such as directly from rivers or streams) should be avoided. Wear gloves when changing cat litter and wash your hands afterwards.
the World Health Organization and other international and national organizations health promote an approach called One Health for diseases that cross humans, animals and their environments. This involves different sectors working together to promote healthy. Now that we know how common ocular toxoplasmosis is in Australia, there is real justification for harnessing One Health to control Toxoplasma infections in this country.
? For more lifestyle news, follow us on instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss the latest updates!
#people #infected #Toxoplasma #parasite #clue #eyes