Open AccessToxoplasmosis: A global threat
Author(s) -
João M. Furtado,
Justine R. Smith,
Rubens Belfort,
Devin M. Gattey,
Kevin Winthrop
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of global infectious diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 0974-8245
pISSN - 0974-777X
DOI - 10.4103/0974-777x.83536
Subject(s) - toxoplasmosis , toxoplasma gondii , seroprevalence , disease , immunology , transmission (telecommunications) , medicine , congenital toxoplasmosis , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , pathology , antibody , serology , electrical engineering , engineering
Toxoplasmosis, a disease described worldwide, which is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, commonly involves the retina. The disease has a higher impact in immunocompromised individuals and in congenital infection because of the severity of central nervous system involvement. Although simple prophylactic measures could reduce transmission, T. gondii seroprevalence is still high, especially in South America. Educational campaigns and the development of new drugs to prevent primary infection could potentially reduce the burden of the disease.