Toxoplasmosis in Animals and Humans: Epidemiology, Transmission Dynamics, and One Health Control Strategies
Keywords:
Toxoplasmosis. Zoonotic Disease. congenital infection. Toxoplasma gondii epidemiology and transmission.Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide distributed zoonotic infection brought about by the protozoan infection Toxoplasma gondii in which a broad array of warm-blooded creatures, including people, is influenced. Although it is highly prevalent, the disease has not been well recognized in the public health and veterinary systems. The purpose of this review is to discuss epidemiology, transmission, clinical implications, and control measures of toxoplasmosis in a One Health context.
A literature review in the form of a narrative analysis was done based on the information presented in peer-reviewed articles and reports by leading health organizations, such as WHO and CDC databases. It was analyzed in terms of global prevalence patterns, key transmission pathways, risk factors, clinical outcomes, and economic impacts on human and animal populations.
The results show that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis depends on the geographical area and host species, with warm and humid environment showing higher rates. Transmission mostly relates to ingesting contaminated food or water, eating undercooked meat and contact with oocysts of cat feces that is infected. Most infections do not exhibit symptoms, but in immunocompromised persons, and in pregnant women, severe complication results in neurological disorders and birth defects. Moreover, the disease has significant economic impacts, especially with regard to livestock production because of reproductive losses.
The review notes that toxoplasmosis is a complex disease which depends on environmental factors, host behavior and immune status. One of the solutions to effective control is the combination of strategies with the One Health approach that involve better food safety, environmental control, and community education and cooperation between veterinary and human health spheres. Enhancing surveillance and promoting the development of diagnostic and preventive strategies are crucial to minimize effects of toxoplasmosis in the world.
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