Submitted to: American Waterworks Association Research Foundation
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: May 5, 2005
Publication Date: June 2, 2006
Citation: Dubey, J.P. 2006. Toxoplasma gondii. In: Waterborne pathogens, manual of water supply practices. (Anonymous, eds.), 2nd Ed., American Waterworks Association Research Foundation. Denver, Colorado. p.239-241 . Interpretive Summary: Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite of all warm-blooded hosts worldwide. It causes mental retardation and loss of vision in children, and abortion in livestock. Cats are the main reservoir of T. gondii because they are the only hosts that can excrete the resistant stage (oocyst) of the parasite in the feces. Humans become infected by eating undercooked meat from infected animals and food and water contaminated with oocysts.A scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center reviews information on waterborne toxoplasmosis.The results will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, and veterinarians.
Technical Abstract: This paper reviews information on Toxoplasma oocyst and describes methods to detect oocysts in water samples, J.P.