Toxoplasmosis: Underestimated risk
BfR leaflet on protection against infections
Infection with toxoplasmins (toxoplasmosis) is one of the most frequent parasitic infections in the world. However, in most cases it goes undetected. The pathogen Toxoplasma gondii can attack all warm-blooded animals, including birds. Once the pathogen has reached the host organism, it normally remains throughout its host’s lifetime in the tissue of muscles and the nervous system. Hence, toxoplasmins may be found in raw foods of animal origin like minced meat and raw sausage products. Infectious pathogen stages (oocysts) are also excreted in the faeces of infected cats. They can be widely distributed by rain and surface water and survive for a long time in the environment. This is how these oocysts can also reach fruit, vegetables and drinking water.
Heating, i.e. boiling, roasting, frying or pasteurising, reliably kills all development stages of the parasite. By contrast, it can survive for several weeks at fridge temperatures. Toxoplasmins may still even be infectious under certain circumstances at deep-frozen temperatures.
Roughly half of the population in Germany has antibodies to these parasites. Acute toxoplasmosis only occurs rarely and generally manifests flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain and swollen glands particularly in the neck area. However, individuals with a weakened immune system may experience severe courses of the disease involving various organs, for instance the lungs and the brain. If a pregnant woman is not immune to toxoplasmins, an infection during pregnancy can lead, in some cases, to severe deformations like hydrocephalus, mental handicap or blindness in the unborn child. Miscarriages and stillbirths may occur, too. The acute phase of toxoplasmosis can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, medication has little impact on the permanent stages in tissue.
Most read news
Other news from the department science
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.