Pr�valenz und Public-Health-Aspekte der Toxoplasmose

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infectious diseases of man, which usually is not dangerous. Infection results from ingestion of cyst-containing meat products or by contact with oocyst-contaminated soil. Clinically relevant are (1) reactivation of latent infection in immunocompromised individuals or (2) primary infection during pregnancy with subsequent prenatal toxoplasmosis of the fetus. In Germany, law requires the prenatal infection to be reported to the Robert Koch-Institute. Since most Toxoplasma-infected children are asymptomatic at birth and later develop sequelae (retinochoroiditis) up to the age of 20 years, no valid epidemiological data are currently available for Germany. However, some studies indicate that seroprevalence correlates with age and that 26-54% of women of childbearing age have antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii; incidence rates during pregnancy have been calculated to be between 0.5 and 0.6%. Knowing the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii will help to maintain preventive measures for seronegative pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised individuals.

The impact of socioeconomic factors on the efficiency of voluntary toxoplasmosis screening during pregnancy: a population-based study

“…But only 11 cases of active congenital toxoplasmosis were reported in 2008, [3] modelled calculations based on our study data yielded much higher rates, in agreement with other published calculations [8]. Furthermore, congenital toxoplasmosis often goes unreported; cases may not be detected until patients experience manifestations as adults [25]. …”

“…Each screening is subject to a fee that is paid by the individual [25]. Therefor, the current screening strategy (screening as a private service) may be one reason for the insufficient number of toxoplasmosis screenings.…”

“…Therefor, the current screening strategy (screening as a private service) may be one reason for the insufficient number of toxoplasmosis screenings. Although one screening during pregnancy is sufficient for women with positive immune status, cases that lack immunity require three examinations to identify gestational infections in adequate time to initiate materno-fetal therapy [25]. We contrast this situation against rubella screening, a standard service covered by state health insurance.…”

Toxoplasmose und Schwangerschaft

“…2; [13] zu erwartenden Fällen entsprechen. Diese Studien weisen darauf hin, dass 26-54% der schwangeren Frauen hierzulande und in Mitteleuropa seropositiv sind [6,7]. In Deutschland beträgt die Inzidenz der während der Schwangerschaft erworbenen Erstinfektion 0,5-0,6%; die Seroprävalenz nimmt um etwa 1% pro Lebensjahr zu [19].…”

Nachweis von Toxoplasma gondii in Mukelgewebe von experimentell infizierten Hühnern und Schweinen

“…Oozysten aus und fast alle Katzen nach der Aufnahme von Gewebezysten. Nach Erstinfektion kann die Katze nach 3-10 Tagen mehr als 10 Millionen Oozysten ausscheiden, während bei einer erneuten Infektion der Katze eine Oozystenausscheidung selten ist (Groß 2004).…”