by Denice Moffat | Parasitology Section
One wonders why we don’t pick up Toxoplasma more often—especially for those of us who own cats. Could it be that we build up immunity to this organism if our immune system is functioning? It would seem to make sense as serologic surveys show that 7-94% of various populations are infected with the organism and are usually symptomatic. The disease occurs worldwide. If an infection is found, there are antibiotics which can be taken, so early diagnosis is especially urgent for those pregnant or immunocompromised. Children as well are at risk.
by Denice Moffat | Parasitology Section
In 1996, a large outbreak of Cyclospora infection in the United States and Canada was caused by Guatemala-imported raspberries. It is not clear how the fruit became contaminated, but it might have happened when fruit touched the ground or when contaminated water was sprayed over fruit fields by sprinkling systems. People infected with C. cayetanensis excrete oocysts that are not infectious. This is an important clue in diagnosis because other parasitic diseases can be very infectious so more than one person (or pet) in the family will have symptoms at the same time. Cyclospora needs days or weeks after being passed in a bowel movement to become infectious. People most likely get Cyclospora infection by ingesting food or water that was contaminated with stool from an infected person. It is unknown if animals can be infected and pass infection to people.
