A Cross-Sectional Study on the Association Between Risk Factors of Toxoplasmosis and One Health Knowledge in Pakistan

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan that infects warm-blooded animals and humans. Approximately one third of the global population is infected by T. gondii. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the risk factors and One Health knowledge of toxoplasmosis in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. From July through December 2020, we collected data using questionnaires. The results showed that 60% of participants had heard or read about the disease, 23.3% of participants had no knowledge about the disease, and 16.8% participants were not sure about the disease. More than half of the participants (53.3%) reported that toxoplasmosis was caused by toxins, 5.3% reported that toxoplasmosis was an animal disease, 13.8% reported that toxoplasmosis was a human disease, 65.8% reported that it was both an animal and human disease, and 15.3% reported that it was neither an animal nor a human disease. Approximately 80.5% of participants reported that individuals acquired toxoplasmosis by changing cat litter. Our study findings revealed a low level of knowledge and awareness about toxoplasmosis among males. Therefore, there should be awareness programs to educate individuals about the risks of this deadly disease and to provide information on the major routes of transmission.

Detection and Characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 in Eastern Province of Zambia: A Retrospective Genomic Surveillance Study

“…The Omicron variant was remarkably genetically distinct, exhibiting over 40 amino acid residue changes in the spike protein [ 21 ]. The mutations were reported to increase transmissibility, high viral binding affinity and high potential for immune escape [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The increased viral fitness of the Omicron VOC was responsible for the fourth global wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic [ 25 , 26 ].…”

Knowledge and practices of toxoplasmosis among healthcare workers at two large referral hospitals in Zambia: Implications on the One Health Approach

“…Because the transmission of T. gondii is zoonotic and environmental in nature, a One Health Approach is imperative [ 19 ]. This must be driven by evidence-based measures augmented by robust scientific data and a strong knowledge base among caregivers and the general population as their close interation with pateints also facilitates knowledge transfer regarding prevention and control [ 20 ].…”