Building Programs to Eradicate Toxoplasmosis Part II: Education

Abstract

Purpose of Review Review work to create and evaluate educational materials that could serve as a primary prevention strategy to help both providers and patients in Panama, Colombia, and the USA reduce disease burden of Toxoplasma infections. Recent Findings Educational programs had not been evaluated for efficacy in Panama, USA, or Colombia. Summary Educational programs for high school students, pregnant women, medical students and professionals, scientists, and lay personnel were created. In most settings, short-term effects were evaluated. In Panama, Colombia, and USA, all materials showed short-term utility in transmitting information to learners. These educational materials can serve as a component of larger public health programs to lower disease burden from congenital toxoplasmosis. Future priorities include conducting robust longitudinal studies of whether education correlates with reduced adverse disease outcomes, modifying educational materials as new information regarding region-specific risk factors is discovered, and ensuring materials are widely accessible.

Novel paradigm enables accurate monthly gestational screening to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis and more

“…It should be emphasized again that POC tests for anti- Toxoplasma IgG and IgM, such as the ICT, are merely a first step toward diagnosis, given that IgM antibodies can persist for up to several years after acute infection. For any woman who receives a false positive IgM test result, the next step of an evaluation with other tests can involve weeks of waiting for a blood sample to be tested using technology that runs at much higher costs than the point of care test [ 1 , 2 , 6 , 7 , 27 , 33 , 35 ]. Persistence of IgM in subacute or chronic infection, results just above the cut off or more, and true seroconversion all cause positive IgM results.…”

“…Patients not infrequently attended their obstetrical visit with their partners. They were provided an educational pamphlet [ 33 ] and were able to ask any questions. Patients then were offered an opportunity to participate in the monthly screening study and if they wished to do so to sign an informed consent.…”

Knowledge Gaps and Educational Opportunities in Congenital Toxoplasmosis: A Narrative Review of Brazilian and Global Perspectives

“…These efforts are built on extensive research and practical health strategies developed over time. A notable example is the study by Felín et al (2022) [ 13 ], which focuses on health education about toxoplasmosis aimed at preventing its congenital form. This article evaluates and develops educational strategies specifically designed for pregnant women, considering the unique risk factors for parasite transmission in countries such as Colombia, Panama, and the United States of America (USA).…”