Source: Gizmodo
Researchers are urging the World Health Organization to classify toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, as a neglected tropical disease to increase research funding and public health efforts. The parasite infects an estimated one third of the global population and about 10 percent of Americans, typically spreading through contaminated cat feces, undercooked meat, unsafe water, or unwashed produce.
Although many infections cause few or no symptoms, toxoplasmosis can lead to serious complications, including miscarriage, neurological damage, vision loss, and ocular disease, particularly when infection occurs during pregnancy. Scientists also continue to investigate possible links between chronic infection and behavioral or neurological changes. Researchers argue that the disease disproportionately affects impoverished populations and remains underfunded despite its global impact. They emphasize that prevention includes proper food handling, handwashing, safe water, and careful hygiene when handling cat litter, especially during pregnancy. They also stress that improving sanitation, diagnostics, treatment, and public health infrastructure is essential to reducing the disease’s worldwide burden.