Circular 1389
AbstractToxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii), one of the better known and more widespread zoonotic diseases, originated in wildlife species and is now well established as a human malady. Food- and waterborne zoonoses, such as toxoplasmosis, are receiving increasing attention as components of disease emergence and resurgence. Toxoplasmosis is transmitted to humans via consumption of contaminated food or water, and nearly one-third of humanity has been exposed to this parasite. The role of wildlife in this transmission process is becoming more clearly known and is outlined in this report. This zoonotic disease also causes problems in wildlife species across the globe. Future generations of humans will continue to be jeopardized by toxoplasmosis infections in addition to many of the other zoonotic diseases that have emerged during the past century. Through monitoring toxoplasmosis infection levels in wildlife populations, we will be better able to predict future human infection levels of this important zoonotic disease. |
First posted April 10, 2014 For additional information, contact: Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). For best results viewing and printing PDF documents, it is recommended that you download the documents to your computer and open them with Adobe Reader. PDF documents opened from your browser may not display or print as intended. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge. |
Hill, D.E., and Dubey, J.P., 2014, Toxoplasmosis: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1389, 84 p., 1 appendix, https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/cir1389.
ISSN 1067–084X (print)
ISSN 2330–5703 (online)
Overview
Background
Causative Agent
Geographic Distribution
Species Susceptibility
Obtaining a Diagnosis
Disease Ecology
Points to Ponder
Disease Prevention and Control
Glossary
Appendix 1. Common and Scientific Names for Species Cited