Tag

Toxoplasmosis

All articles tagged with #toxoplasmosis

science21 days ago•47 min saved

Study warns cat-borne parasite could infect up to a third of people, risking sight

A new study warns that as much as one-third of the world’s population could be infected with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite linked to cats and surrounding sources that is a leading cause of eye infections and potential permanent vision loss. The researchers urge WHO to recognize toxoplasmosis as a neglected tropical disease to unlock funding for research, prevention, and treatment, and call for improved food safety, clean water, sanitation, antenatal care, and a One Health approach that includes managing stray cats.

via Yahoo|

#cat-parasite #neglected-tropical-disease #science

science22 days ago•47 min saved

Global Parasite May Be Shaping Human Cognition

Toxoplasma gondii infects roughly one-third of people worldwide through cat feces, undercooked meat, contaminated water, and from mother to fetus. While often mild, the parasite can alter brain chemistry and behavior and has been linked to cognitive changes and an increased risk of schizophrenia. There is no vaccine or cure, and researchers argue for recognizing toxoplasmosis as a neglected tropical disease to mobilize resources, address its significant health and economic burden, and target especially vulnerable populations in poorer regions.

via Yahoo|

#cognition #neglected-tropical-disease #schizophrenia-risk

science23 days ago•3 min saved

Widespread Parasite Linked to Cognition Changes Sparks Call for Policy Action

A parasite called toxoplasma gondii, commonly spread via cat feces, undercooked meat, and contaminated water, infects roughly one-third of humans and can cause eye, brain, and possibly cognitive changes; there is no cure or vaccine. Researchers urge recognizing toxoplasmosis as a neglected tropical disease to mobilize resources for research and public health efforts, a move that could alleviate a disproportionate burden on poorer populations.

via Futurism|

#cognition #neglected-tropical-diseases #public-health

health25 days ago•4 min saved

Toxoplasmosis Could Be Classified as an NTD to Unlock Global Health Funding

A new viewpoint argues that toxoplasmosis meets the WHO criteria to be classified as a neglected tropical disease, which would unlock funding and accelerate prevention, screening, and treatment efforts. About one-third of the global population is infected, though most are asymptomatic; ocular toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of eye infection and vision loss, and congenital infections affect roughly 190,000 babies annually. There is no vaccine or standard treatment, highlighting gaps in knowledge and care. Recognizing it as an NTD could enable integrated public health actions—improving food safety, sanitation, maternal and child health—across multiple sectors to reduce infection and health burden.

via ScienceAlert|

#congenital-toxoplasmosis #health #neglected-tropical-disease

health26 days ago•4 min saved

Toxoplasma gondii: The widespread cat parasite begging for neglected-disease status

An international team urges the WHO to designate Toxoplasma gondii infection as a neglected tropical disease, arguing it infects about 10% of Americans and can cause congenital problems and sight‑threatening eye disease; labeling it a NTD could boost funding for vaccines, diagnostics, and prevention through safer food systems, clean water, and prenatal care.

via Gizmodo|

#health #neglected-tropical-diseases #ocular-toxoplasmosis

science5 months ago•4 min saved

Brain T Cells Sacrifice Themselves to Halt Parasite Spread, Study Finds

Researchers in mice found that CD8+ T cells infected by the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii can trigger caspase-8–mediated self-destruction, killing the parasite-containing cells and preventing spread in the brain; absence of caspase-8 in these T cells leads to more brain infection, revealing a surprising protective role for T cell death and suggesting new avenues for toxoplasmosis treatment.

via ScienceAlert|

#casapase-8 #cd8-tcells #immunology

science5 months ago•5 min saved

Brain Cysts Reveal Hidden Diversity in Toxoplasma’s Life Cycle

Using single-cell RNA sequencing on cysts from mice, researchers found that brain cysts of Toxoplasma gondii contain multiple bradyzoite subtypes rather than a single dormant form. These subtypes support survival, spread, or reactivation, explaining why current drugs can’t eradicate cysts and suggesting new therapy targets; the finding reshapes the parasite’s life cycle and underscores congenital toxoplasmosis risk worldwide.

via SciTechDaily|

#brain-cysts #parasite-subtypes #science

health1 year ago•3 min saved

Common Cat Parasite May Significantly Disrupt Brain Function

A study reveals that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can significantly disrupt brain function by impairing neuronal communication and altering glial cell activity, which may contribute to neurological and behavioral issues, especially in vulnerable populations. The research highlights the importance of understanding the parasite's impact on brain health and suggests potential avenues for protective strategies.

via ScienceAlert|

#brain-disruption #health #neuronal-communication

health1 year ago•5 min saved

Common Parasite May Significantly Reduce Male Fertility by Destroying Sperm

A recent study suggests that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can directly damage human sperm by causing decapitation and deformities, potentially contributing to global male infertility trends. The parasite can infect male reproductive organs, and exposure may be linked to reduced sperm quality, although more research is needed to confirm this connection. Preventative measures include proper hygiene, cooking meat thoroughly, and avoiding raw foods.

via Gizmodo|

#health #male-fertility #parasite-infection

health1 year ago•5 min saved

Parasite Infecting 50% of People May Decapitate Human Sperm

A recent study suggests that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can directly damage human sperm by causing decapitation and deformities, potentially contributing to declining male fertility rates worldwide. The parasite infects many people globally and can target reproductive organs, raising concerns about its impact on human fertility, although more research is needed. Preventative measures include proper food handling and hygiene practices.

via ScienceAlert|

#health #male-fertility #parasitic-infection

health1 year ago•5 min saved

Parasite in Cat Poop Can Quickly Destroy Human Sperm

A recent study shows that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can directly damage human sperm, potentially contributing to declining male fertility rates, by decapitating sperm cells within five minutes of contact. The parasite infects various organs, including reproductive organs, and is widespread globally, emphasizing the importance of prevention measures such as proper food handling and hygiene.

via ZME Science|

#health #male-fertility #parasite

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"US Fails to Screen for Common Pregnancy Parasite"

The US does not include Toxoplasma gondii testing in prenatal screenings, despite the parasite's potential to cause severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. Other countries have successfully implemented such testing, reducing the incidence and severity of congenital toxoplasmosis. Experts argue that routine testing in the US could prevent many cases of birth abnormalities and save significant healthcare costs. Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid potential sources of infection, such as cat litter and undercooked meat.

via ScienceAlert|

#health #parasite #pregnancy

heartwarming-animal-story2 years ago•4 min saved

"Mama Cat Surprises Everyone by Adopting a Mouse"

A mama cat recently welcomed a tiny mouse into her litter of kittens, sharing food and warmth with the little rodent. The heartwarming bond was captured in a series of videos posted on TikTok, garnering over 16 million views. While the unusual friendship between the cat and mouse is adorable, some commenters raised concerns about the mouse's behavior possibly being caused by toxoplasmosis, a dangerous disease transmitted through cat feces. Despite the bittersweet ending where another cat in the household ate the mouse, the heartwarming bond between the unlikely friends serves as a reminder for humans to learn from and appreciate the beauty of different relationships.

via Bored Panda|

#heartwarming-animal-story #mamacat #mouse

health2 years ago•1 min saved

"Study Finds Link Between Cat Ownership and Mental Health Risks"

A recent study suggests a potential link between cat ownership, toxoplasmosis, and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and related mental health conditions. The research indicates that individuals who owned cats during their youth are twice as likely to develop such disorders, possibly due to the presence of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite commonly found in cat feces. While cat ownership and T. gondii infection are not direct causes of schizophrenia, the findings underscore the importance of public awareness and preventive measures, such as practicing good hand hygiene and keeping cats indoors to reduce the risk of transmission.

via Yahoo Life|

#cat-ownership #health #mental-health

health-food-safety2 years ago•1 min saved

"Health Alert: Parasitic Exposure Linked to American Legion Post Game Dinners in Westchester County"

The Westchester County Health Department is investigating two cases of toxoplasmosis, a rare foodborne illness, possibly linked to undercooked venison served at wild game dinners at the Moses Taylor Junior American Legion Post 136 in Mount Kisco. The illness can be deadly for immunocompromised individuals and cause birth defects or miscarriages in pregnant women. The health department urges anyone who attended these dinners and ate the food to contact their doctor immediately, and advises pregnant or immunocompromised individuals with symptoms to call the department.

via WABC-TV|

#american-legion #foodborne-illness #health-department