Toxoplasmosis in public health

Abstract

Infection by Toxoplasma gondii is particularly interesting from the point of view of public health. Attention should be drawn to the risk factors for acquiring this prenatal infection, considering its pathogenesis and sequelae. Women in initial stages of gestation may undergo miscarriage, premature birth, neonatal death and even the classical Sabin's Triad, characterized by retinochoroiditis, cerebral calcifications, hydrocephaly or microcephaly. The risk of acquiring this disease is higher in the postnatal life, when severe behavioral changes such as attention deficit and schizophrenia may occur, reducing the life quality of individuals. There is strong association of reactivation of this disease in cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - AIDS, commonly leading to secondary infection of the central nervous system in immunocompromised people and severe encephalitis. The aim of this chapter wil be discuss educational programs directed at reducing environmental contamination by T. gondii would eventually decrease the cost of treating humans with clinical toxoplasmosis. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.