Toxoplasma gondii in the Food Supply

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Infections are usually either asymptomatic or develop mild symptoms that are self-limited, but infections in immunosuppressed persons can be severe. Infections in pregnant women can cause serious health problems in the child such as mental retardation and blindness. Infection with T. gondii in immunocompetent adults can lead to impaired eyesight. Toxoplasmosis has ranked very highly in two studies of death and disability attributable to foodborne pathogens. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat containing T. gondii tissue cysts and the consumption of raw vegetables or water contaminated with T. gondii oocysts from cat feces is most frequently associated with human illness. The risk of acquiring a Toxoplasma infection via food varies with cultural and eating habits in different human populations.

Retracted: Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in different types of raw milk and traditional dairy product samples

“…Contrariwise, the only established definitive hosts of N. caninum are dogs, gray wolfs, coyotes, and dingoes that causes a serious disease particularly in ruminants (Belluco et al, 2017;Boas et al, 2015;Donahoe et al, 2015;Dubey, 2003;Hussain et al, 2017;Jones & Dubey, 2012;Klauck et al, 2016;McCann et al, 2008;Oshiro et al, 2015). Recorded data showed that intermediate hosts of T. gondii and N. caninum become infected in two ways of vertical (transplacental) and horizontal (ingestion of oocysts shed in milk and meat) (Belluco et al, 2017;Boas et al, 2015;Donahoe et al, 2015;Dubey, 2003;Hussain et al, 2017;Jones & Dubey, 2012;Klauck et al, 2016;McCann et al, 2008;Oshiro et al, 2015). Thus, contaminated milk and dairy products (particularly traditional dairy products) play an imperative role in the distribution of T. gondii and N. caninum infections to human (Ayinmode, Akinseye, Schares, & Cadmus, 2017;Gos et al, 2017).…”

Legal aspects associated with the lack of possibilities of preventing the spread of toxocarosis and toxoplasmosis in Poland

“…30 state the constant risk of human contact with factors causing both diseases. 1,3,4,8,14,18,30,31,38,53 Despite difficulties in diagnosing toxoplasmosis and toxocarosis in humans sanitary services, without keeping records of these diseases and without knowing local threats, cannot take preventive action. 43,58,80-84. Authors of scientific publications advocate conducting a broad education of the population on risks of these diseases.…”

“…43,58,80-84. Authors of scientific publications advocate conducting a broad education of the population on risks of these diseases. 4,8,11,19,31,43,48,[85][86][87][88] Failure of such programs cannot be the basis for their abandonment, rather, the cause for their ineffectiveness should be considered,31.89 as it is known that such programs do bring results. 19,88 In Poland, the authorities and state institutions do not provide any such educational programs.…”

“…Dogs and cats are a source of infections and diseases of other animals, including those that are a source of food for people. [8][9][10]12,54,60,107 This aspect of threats should also be taken into account in the creation and application of laws regulating protection of public health. It is also worth paying attention to other issues; Factors causing toxoplasmosis and toxoplasmosis can be transferred to humans through blood transfusions and transplants.45,108.109 Related illnesses and infections pose a serious public health problem, and the treatment of these diseases is expensive.…”

“…Source of zoonosis are the sick and infected animals that have direct contact with humans as well as animals which constitute a source of food for people [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. The development of civilization does not always limit incidents of contagion with a disease, which could not be eliminated even in developed countries [14,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20].…”