<it>Toxoplasma gondii </it>infection in humans in China

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection of humans and animals, caused by the opportunistic protozoan <it>Toxoplasma gondii</it>, a parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. Infection in pregnant women may lead to abortion, stillbirth or other seriou...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: He Shenyi, Zheng Haihong, Li Hai-Long, Chen Zhaoguo, Zhou Peng, Lin Rui-Qing, Zhu Xing-Quan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2011-08-01
Series:Parasites & Vectors
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Online Access:http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/4/1/165
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Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection of humans and animals, caused by the opportunistic protozoan <it>Toxoplasma gondii</it>, a parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. Infection in pregnant women may lead to abortion, stillbirth or other serious consequences in newborns. Infection in immunocompromised patients can be fatal if not treated. On average, one third of people are chronically infected worldwide. Although very limited information from China has been published in the English journals, <it>T. gondii </it>infection is actually a significant human health problem in China. In the present article, we reviewed the clinical features, transmission, prevalence of <it>T. gondii </it>infection in humans in China, and summarized genetic characterizations of reported <it>T. gondii </it>isolates. Educating the public about the risks associated with unhealthy food and life style habits, tracking serological examinations to special populations, and measures to strengthen food and occupational safety are discussed.</p>
ISSN:1756-3305