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Scientists identify deadliest Toxoplasma strains
Story Date: 4/17/2012
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Source: Michael Fielding, MEATINGPLACE, 4/16/12
Using a new blood test developed by scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, researchers have identified which strains of Toxoplasma gondii are most often associated with premature births and birth defects.
Researchers studied blood samples collected over nearly 30 years from 193 congenitally infected infants and their mothers as part of the National Collaborative Chicago-based Congenital Toxoplasmosis Study.
Recent reports have suggested that consumption of ground beef is a risk factor for infection with Toxoplasma. However, the potential for cross contamination of ground beef with meat from other species more likely to carry the parasite cannot be ruled out since meat grinding and mixing equipment may not be cleaned sufficiently between commodities.
Infection can be acquired from mother to fetus or by accidental ingestion of the environmentally resistant stage of the parasite. This stage, known as the oocyst, is released into the environment in cat feces, and is likely the cause of most infections in the U.S.
Results of the study were published recently in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.
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