Toxoplasmosis: An Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonosis of Global Public Health Concern

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an important emerging and re-emerging zoonotic disease that results from the infection with Toxoplasma gondii, which is one of the most common parasites in the world. The disease usually happens through consuming undercooked contaminated meat, exposure from diseased cat feces, or mother-to-child transmission all through pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis is commonly transmitted via the mouth when Toxoplasma gondii oocysts or tissue cysts are eaten by chance. Congenital transmission from mother to fetus can also arise. Transmission can arise from the stable organ transplant manner or hematogenous stem cellular transplants. The majority of individuals infected with toxoplasmosis, has no signs and symptoms and is not aware of being infected. However, some people show symptoms and signs similar to those of the flu, inclusive of body aches, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, fatigue, confusion, poor coordination, and seizures. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in human beings is made through organic, serological, histological, or molecular techniques, or with the aid of combining these techniques. The treatment is commonly encouraged for humans with serious health issues, inclusive of human beings with HIV.The infection may be prevented by eating of cooked meat, drinking wholesome potable water, pasteurization of milk, cleaning of vegetables, wearing gloves when gardening, periodic examination of pregnant women, and health education to the public about the reservoir of infection, mode of transmission and hazards of consuming raw meat.