From the Guidelines
The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the United States is approximately 9% among women of childbearing age, with around 91% of women in this age group being susceptible to Toxoplasma infection. This is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which reported a decline in the age-adjusted seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among women of childbearing age (15–44 years) over time, from 15% in 1988–1994 to 9% in 2009–2010 1. The study also noted that the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) has decreased over the past few decades, with an estimated 0.23 cases per 10,000 live births in the United States between 2006 and 2014.
Some key factors that influence the prevalence of toxoplasmosis include:
- Climate, with higher rates in warm and humid areas
- Cultural dietary practices, such as consumption of raw or undercooked meat
- Cat ownership patterns
- Age, with prevalence increasing as exposure risk accumulates over time
The infection is particularly concerning for:
- Pregnant women, due to the risk of congenital transmission
- Immunocompromised individuals, who are more susceptible to severe disease
Prevention strategies focus on:
- Proper food handling and cooking
- Avoiding cat feces and contaminated soil
- Handwashing and personal hygiene
- Diagnosis typically involves serological testing for Toxoplasma-specific antibodies.
It's worth noting that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis can vary significantly by region, with some European and South American countries reporting rates exceeding 60% 1. However, the study by Maldonado et al. 1 provides the most recent and reliable estimates of toxoplasmosis prevalence in the United States.
From the Research
Prevalence of Toxoplasmosis
- Toxoplasmosis is a significant global health hazard, infecting 30-50% of the world's human population 2.
- The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis varies by country and region, with some studies suggesting a correlation between prevalence and specific disease burden 2.
- In the United States, toxoplasmosis is estimated to infect approximately one-third of persons globally, with a calculated total of 61,700 patients per year 3.
- The disease is more prevalent in certain regions, such as the South in the United States 3.
Global Distribution
- Toxoplasmosis is present in ecosystems around the world, including water, soil, and food 4.
- The parasite can persist for long periods in its hosts, in different geographic regions of the world 4.
- The global distribution of toxoplasmosis highlights the importance of a One Health approach in diagnostic and control of the disease 4.
Demographic Characteristics
- The mean age at diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is 37.5 ± 15.5 years, with 2.4% of patients being children aged 0-2 years, likely congenitally infected 3.
- Forty-one percent of patients are male, and 73% of women are of reproductive age 3.
- Toxoplasmosis is statistically associated with substantial comorbidities, including human immunodeficiency virus, autoimmune diseases, and neurologic diseases 3.
Disease Manifestation
- Toxoplasmosis can cause a range of clinical manifestations, including eye disease, central nervous system damage, and visceral organ damage 3.
- Thirty-eight percent of patients have eye disease, and 12% present with other serious manifestations 3.
- The disease can also lead to development of other human pathologies, such as neurologic diseases and malignancies 2.