Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which probably is the most successful parasite in the world. According to a paper in the National Library of Medicine, around 30% to 50% of the world population has toxoplasmosis and most of them are unaware of it. However, the eyes could hold the clues to this parasitic infection because the disease caused by T. gondii can scar the back area of the eye, according to scientists. They also learned that a significant number of healthy people have marks of toxoplasmosis.
The researchers detailed the results in their study titled "Prevalence of Toxoplasmic Retinochoroiditis in an Australian Adult Population: a Community-Based Study," published in the journal Ophthalmology Retina.
Eyes Could Hold the Clue of Toxoplasma in Humans: Here's How This Parasitic Infection is Detected
How Does T. gondii Affect the Eyes?
According to Justine R. Smith, a Professor of Eye & Vision Health at Flinders University, the parasite can cause recurring infection to the retina and cause inflammation and permanent scarring known as ocular toxoplasmosis. Research shows that this condition often affects healthy adults and can be more severe in people with weakened immune system and pregnant women.
The retinal inflammation from T. gondii could cause floaters, blurred vision, and scarring as the condition progresses, leading to permanent loss of vision.
A 2021 study revealed that ocular toxoplasmosis could result in reduced vision to below driving level in more than 50% of eyes, and 25% have irreversible cases.
Ophthalmologists and optometrists are familiar with ocular toxoplasmosis. However, its extent of damage is not widely recognized by the medical community.
In Australia, Smith and his team collected information on the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in the country by taking retinal photographs from 5,000 baby boomers born between 1946-1964. They screened them for eye diseases and estimated the prevalence at one in every 150 Australians.
The team also noted that the results fit with the way Australians catch T. gondii, given the huge populations of feral cats in the country. More so, Australia is home to a lot of farmland that encompasses 50% of the global organic farming area. Researchers also pointed out that Australians love to eat their red meat rare, which increases their risk of contracting the parasites.
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Preventing Toxoplasmosis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are several steps to reduce the chances of being infected with T. gondii. Here are some of the preventive measures to take to avoid getting toxoplasmosis:
- Cook food at a temperature high enough to kill harmful pathogens
- Whole cut meat- 145° F (63° C)
- Ground meat- 160° F (71° C)
- Poultry- 165° F (74° C)
- Practice safe food handling
- Freeze meat for several days at sub-zero (0° F) temperatures before cooking
- Wash and peel fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
- Do not eat raw oysters, mussels, or clams
- Avoid drinking unpasteurized goat's milk
- Wash dishes, utensils, cutting boards, and hands with soap and water
- Other health practices
- Ensure the cat litter box is always changed
- Regularly wash hands with soap and water
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