Raising Awareness About Toxoplasmosis

You might not be aware of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, but scientists are sounding the alarm about its risks. It’s estimated that about a third of the world’s population is infected with toxoplasmosis. Most healthy people won’t notice symptoms, but the infection can lead to significant eye issues, including possible vision loss.

Ocular toxoplasmosis is actually the most prevalent eye infection globally. Recently, researchers published a viewpoint paper arguing that the disease should be recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Such recognition could lead to increased funding and health initiatives aimed at tackling it.

“Despite being a major cause of vision loss, toxoplasmosis is often overlooked,” says Justine Smith, an ophthalmologist and vision scientist at Flinders University in Australia. “If we receive WHO recognition, it could enable significant progress in preventing and managing this infection.”

Humans typically contract the parasite by consuming undercooked meat that contains it or by ingesting parasitic eggs from cat feces. This could happen through handling litter or even from soil. Additionally, pregnant women can pass it to their unborn children via the placenta, leading to severe health risks, including miscarriages.

“People often think of toxoplasmosis as unavoidable, but it has clear pathways of transmission and can be controlled,” notes João Furtado, an ophthalmologist at the University of São Paulo in Brazil.

To qualify as an NTD, a disease must meet four specific criteria, all of which toxoplasmosis satisfies. It predominantly affects low-income areas, is widespread in tropical regions, can be prevented and controlled—supported by evidence from the researchers—and unfortunately, it’s not receiving the attention it deserves in health policies or research, evidenced by the low funding it gets compared to similar diseases.

The researchers also highlight gaps in our understanding of the infection, pointing out that there’s no vaccine or standard treatment protocol available. As it stands, the global health impact of T. gondii remains unclear, and without more research investment, this won’t change. Currently, about 190,000 babies are estimated to be born with toxoplasmosis each year.

The data further reveals that the most severe consequences are typically seen in communities lacking adequate healthcare and sanitation. Furtado mentions, “These impacts could be mitigated with effective public health measures like improved food safety, access to clean water, and better antenatal care.”

The researchers also outline a strategic plan for moving forward, closely following the WHO’s approach to other NTDs. This would require various agencies collaborating across different sectors. They emphasize the need to enhance screening, diagnosis, and treatment for congenital infections and ocular toxoplasmosis while pushing for advancements in medication and rehabilitation services.

Improving infection prevention is crucial—better food safety policies and community education are essential. Plus, healthcare providers, including vets and ophthalmologists, should be better equipped to address this issue.

If toxoplasmosis gains recognition as an NTD, it could open up funding for all these areas, ultimately helping to reduce its health threats. Smith adds, “This recognition would enable countries to incorporate toxoplasmosis prevention into maternal and child health programs and food safety systems.”

“At a time when the WHO is focusing on equity and integrated action, we see toxoplasmosis as a significant, actionable issue that needs to be addressed. Our statement serves as a call to finally tackle this unacceptable global health burden,” the researchers concluded. The commentary was published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.