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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #164576
Title: TOXOPLASMA GONDII

Author
item Hill, Dolores
item SREEKUMAR, C - USDA,ARS,BELTSVILLE MD
item JONES, J - USDA,ARS,BELTSVILLE MD
item Dubey, Jitender

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/13/2006
Publication Date: 2/1/2007
Citation: Hill, D.E., Sreekumar, C., Jones, J., Dubey, J.P. 2007. Toxoplasma gondii. In 'Foodborne Diseases'. S. Simjee, Ed. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J. Book Chapter. pp. 337-353.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasitic infections of man and other warm-blooded animals (Dubey and Beattie, 1988). It has been found worldwide from Alaska to Australia. Nearly one-third of humanity has been exposed to this parasite (Dubey and Beattie, 1988 ). In most adults it does not cause serious illness, but it can cause blindness and mental retardation in congenitally infected children, blindness in persons infected after birth, and devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Consumption of raw or undercooked meat products and food or drink contaminated with oocysts are major risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection.