We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Toxoplasma gondii in Marine Life of Italian Coasts, What Do We Know So Far?
Summary
This paper is not about microplastics; it reviews the presence of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in marine mammals, fish, and mollusks along Italian coasts, finding the pathogen in all animal groups tested and calling for routine food-market screening to prevent human outbreaks.
Coastal areas of Italy experience high anthropogenic pressure, with a population density estimated to be 360 people per km2. This is correlated with the production of sewage or surface runoff of water contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts and other pathogens that can in turn enter the food chain and become a public health concern. Therefore, in the present study, we want to review the current knowledge on the presence of T. gondii in Italian coastal areas. The majority of research in Italy has been carried out on marine mammals, while fishes and mollusks have less often been screened. So far, T. gondii has been found in all sea animals tested, with genotypes II and III as well as atypical genotypes being the most commonly found when screened. However, more information is needed. We encourage routine screening of mollusks and fish that are sold in different food markets throughout the country in order to add information on the distribution of T. gondii and other parasites, preventing possible future outbreaks.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
First report of detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in oysters (Crassostrea sp.) in the state of Maranhão
This study detected Toxoplasma gondii DNA in oysters from a Brazilian coastal state for the first time. Shellfish are already known to accumulate microplastics; this finding illustrates that filter feeders also concentrate other environmental pathogens, compounding the food safety concerns associated with coastal pollution.
Tsunami-driven spread of Toxoplasma gondii and other microbial pathogens: Implications for cetacean health and conservation
This review discusses how micro- and nanoplastics can serve as vectors for Toxoplasma gondii and other fecally transmitted pathogens in marine ecosystems, and argues that tsunamis and other extreme weather events may significantly amplify the offshore spread of these pathogens to cetacean populations.
Tsunami-Driven Spread of Toxoplasma gondii and Other Microbial Pathogens: Implications for Cetacean Health and Conservation
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may act as carriers for Toxoplasma gondii and other microbial pathogens in marine ecosystems, arguing that extreme weather events like tsunamis could amplify the spread of these pathogens and increase disease risk for cetaceans.
The role of species ecology in predicting Toxoplasma gondii prevalence in wild and domesticated mammals globally
This large-scale study analyzed Toxoplasma gondii infection rates across 533 wild mammal species worldwide, finding that infection risk increases with body size, lifespan, and meat-eating behavior. While not about microplastics, the research methods for tracking how environmental pathogens move through ecosystems are relevant, since microplastics can transport parasites and pathogens through similar ecological pathways. Understanding these infection routes helps explain how environmental contamination, including from microplastics, can affect wildlife and ultimately human health.
Association of zoonotic protozoan parasites with microplastics in seawater and implications for human and wildlife health
Researchers found that zoonotic protozoan parasites, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia, can associate with microplastics in seawater, suggesting that microplastics may serve as vectors for these pathogens. The study raises concerns that ingestion of parasite-laden microplastics by marine animals, including those consumed by humans, could pose risks to both wildlife and human health.