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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 12/7/2007 Publication Date: 12/30/2007 Citation: Dubey, J.P. 2008. Toxoplasmosis. In: Thomas, N.J., Atkins, C.T., Hunter, D.B., editors. Parasitic Diseases of Wild Birds. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publishing. p. 204-222. . Book Chapter. Interpretive Summary: Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite of all warm-blooded hosts worldwide. It causes mental retardation and loss of vision in children, and abortion in livestock. Cats are the main reservoir of T. gondii because they are the only hosts that can excrete the resistant stage (oocyst) of the parasite in the feces. Humans become infected by eating undercooked meat from infected animals and food and water contaminated with oocysts. Chickens are important in the epidemiology of this parasite because infected feral chickens serve as source of infection for cats. A scientist at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center summarizes information on T. gondii infection in wild birds. This paper will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, and veterinarians. Technical Abstract: This paper reviews information on biology, clinical signs, diagnosis and control of Toxoplasma gondii infections in wild birds. |
