Foodborne Infections and Intoxications: Chapter 23. Toxoplasma gondii (Food Science and Technology) [Kindle-editie] beoordelingen het boek quotes

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite with a worldwide distribution. Felids are the definitive hosts and, upon primary infection, they shed millions of oocysts into the environment. These oocysts are infectious to a wide range of warm-blooded animals, and these intermediate hosts develop tissue cysts. Humans can be infected through oocysts, or by consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing tissue cysts. If a woman is infected for the first time during pregnancy, the parasite can be transmitted transplacentally, which may result in death of the fetus, or a baby born with nervous system abnormalities or chorioretinitis. Moreover, all people infected with T. gondii are at risk of developing ocular toxoplasmosis, and immunocompromised individuals are at risk for disseminated toxoplasmosis. Prevention strategies are usually aimed at pregnant women and are based on health education or early detection and treatment. Insight into the relative attribution of the different sources of infection and the possible intervention measures associated with these sources will aid the development of more effective prevention strategies that also will protect the general population.