An eye disease caused by the world’s most common parasite is being studied, and researchers warn that cases may be on the rise.
According to new Flinders University research, one in every 149 Australians is affected by the illness caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which was discovered more than a century ago.
People eating raw or undercooked meat from infected livestock may be contributing to this increase. Cats are also frequently associated with the parasite.
“Studies all over the world show that 30% to 50% of the global population is infected with toxoplasma, but we didn’t know how common the related eye disease was,” said Flinders University study author Professor Justine Smith.
According to Smith, the retina — the part of the eye that generates vision — is the most vulnerable to the disease.
“While there is no cure or vaccine, the symptoms of toxoplasmosis vary depending on the infected individual’s age, health, and genetics,” she explained.
The WA study was the first to assess the retinas of over 5000 people to determine the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis in Australia.
The parasite is most commonly associated with cats, but many other animals, including Australian cows, are infected through contaminated environments.
“Given Australia’s large population of infected feral cats, as well as high levels of farming and meat-rich diets, it’s critical that we understand the disease’s prevalence across the country,” Smith said.
Researchers from Finders University have issued an alert, urging people to be aware of the dangers of eating raw meat.
“We need people to be aware that this disease exists so that they can make informed decisions about how they prepare and consume their meat,” Smith explained.
“The parasite is easily killed by cooking the meat to an internal temperature of 66 degrees Celsius or freezing it before cooking.”
