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Tsunami-driven spread of Toxoplasma gondii and other microbial pathogens: Implications for cetacean health and conservation
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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.
The present article provides a brief overview on the putative role of micro-nanoplastics as carriers of Toxoplasma gondii and other microbial pathogens intomarine and oceanic ecosystems. Within such context, extreme meteo-climatological events like tsunamis could behave as significant amplifiers of the aforementionedphenomena, with subsequent exposure of "offshore" susceptible cetacean species and populations to T. gondii as well as to a number of additional, oro-fecally transmitted protozoan and non-protozoan microbial pathogens.
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This letter discusses whether tiny plastic particles in the ocean could carry Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite, to marine mammals like dolphins and whales. The author examines the possibility that micro-nanoplastics might act as vehicles for spreading this parasite through ocean food chains.
Microplastic as a Pathogenic Vector to Cause Diseases in Marine Biota
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Researchers examining microplastics as pathogenic vectors in marine environments found that these particles adsorb and concentrate pollutants and pathogens, facilitating their transfer through food chains and causing ecological harm to marine biota, terrestrial life, and ultimately humans.
Association of Zoonotic Protozoan Parasites With Microplastics in Seawater: Implications for Human and Wildlife Health
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This study found that the human parasites Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia can adsorb to the surface of polyethylene microbeads and polyester microfibers. The discovery that microplastics can carry waterborne pathogens raises a new public health concern — that microplastic pollution in coastal waters may concentrate and transport disease-causing organisms that could infect both wildlife and humans.
Association of zoonotic protozoan parasites with microplastics in seawater and implications for human and wildlife health
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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.
Potential of Plastic Waste in Enhancing the level of Pathogenicity of diverse Pathogens in the Marine Biota
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Researchers reviewed how marine microplastics serve as attachment surfaces for diverse pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, potentially amplifying the spread and virulence of disease-causing microorganisms throughout the marine food web and into human food sources.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.