Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of both animals and man extremely common throughout the world. It causes abortion, mental retardation and retinochoroiditis in congenitally infected children and fatal encephalitis in immunodepressed patients. Clinical toxoplasmosis is also responsible for fetal losses in sheep, goats and pigs. Parasite transmission occurs through ingestion of food or water contaminated by sporulated oocysts, ingestion of raw milk, raw or undercooked meat,or transplacentally from mother to fetus/es. Knowledge of basic prophylactic measures is of fundamental importance in order to prevent infection of human beings and animals, especially in countries, such as Italy, where no specific governmental control plan is implemented and where every year approximately 1600 infants are born with congenital toxoplasmosis. This paper reviews current knowledge on this zoonosis, focusing on the key role of the Veterinarian as a public health officer.
Prevenzione della toxoplasmosi umana e animale: il ruolo del Veterinario
PEDONESE, FRANCESCA;MANCIANTI, FRANCESCA;
1999-01-01
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite of both animals and man extremely common throughout the world. It causes abortion, mental retardation and retinochoroiditis in congenitally infected children and fatal encephalitis in immunodepressed patients. Clinical toxoplasmosis is also responsible for fetal losses in sheep, goats and pigs. Parasite transmission occurs through ingestion of food or water contaminated by sporulated oocysts, ingestion of raw milk, raw or undercooked meat,or transplacentally from mother to fetus/es. Knowledge of basic prophylactic measures is of fundamental importance in order to prevent infection of human beings and animals, especially in countries, such as Italy, where no specific governmental control plan is implemented and where every year approximately 1600 infants are born with congenital toxoplasmosis. This paper reviews current knowledge on this zoonosis, focusing on the key role of the Veterinarian as a public health officer.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
