A review on toxoplasmosis in humans and animals from Egypt

Abstract

AbstractThe present paper summarizes prevalence, epidemiology and clinical disease of naturalToxoplasma gondiiinfections in humans and animals from Egypt. The current situation of toxoplasmosis in Egypt is confusing. There is no central laboratory or group of researchers actively investigating toxoplasmosis in humans or animals, and no reports on the national level are available. Based on various serological tests and convenience samples,T. gondiiinfections appear highly prevalent in humans and animals from Egypt. Living circumstances in Egypt favour the transmission ofT. gondii. Up to 95% of domestic cats, the key host ofT. gondii, are infected withT. gondii; they are abundant in rural and suburban areas, spreadingT. gondiioocysts. Many women have been tested in maternity clinics, most with no definitive diagnosis.Toxoplasma gondiiDNA and IgM antibodies have been found in blood samples of blood donors. Clinical toxoplasmosis in humans from Egypt needs further investigations using definitive procedures. Reports on congenital toxoplasmosis are conflicting and some reports are alarming. Although there are many serological surveys forT. gondiiin animals, data on clinical infections are lacking. Here, we critically review the status of toxoplasmosis in Egypt, which should be useful to biologist, public health workers, veterinarians and physicians.