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Obtaining Highly Purified Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts by a Discontinuous Cesium Chloride Gradient
Published on: November 3, 2009
Waterborne toxoplasmosis, northeastern Brazil
Jorg Heukelbach1, Vanessa Meyer-Cirkel, Rômulo César Sabóia Moura
1Federal University of Ceará School of Medicine, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. heukelbach@web.de
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|May 8, 2007
Summary
Pregnant women in Brazil may contract toxoplasmosis from contaminated water, particularly through homemade ice. This study highlights a significant risk factor for infection in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Toxoplasmosis is a significant public health concern, especially for pregnant women due to potential fetal transmission.
- Recent waterborne outbreaks in Brazil underscore the need to investigate transmission routes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in northeastern Brazil.
- To identify potential sources of waterborne toxoplasmosis in the region.
Main Methods:
- A community-based study was conducted among pregnant women.
- Serological testing was used to determine Toxoplasma gondii infection status.
- Statistical analysis, including adjusted odds ratios, was performed to identify associated variables.
Main Results:
- Consumption of homemade ice was significantly associated with seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii (aOR=3.1).
- This finding suggests a link between homemade ice consumption and infection risk.
- No other variables were found to be significantly associated with seropositivity in this study.
Conclusions:
- Homemade ice, likely prepared with contaminated water, represents a significant risk factor for Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women.
- Water is a probable source of Toxoplasma gondii infection in this Brazilian community.
- Public health interventions should focus on safe water practices and food preparation, especially concerning homemade frozen products.
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