Dog of a tapeworm infection is creeping up again Feb 20, 2008
Leads to toxoplasmosis, which can cause body aches, and possible birth defects in humans. send photos, videos ffs to 0424 SMS SMH (+61 424 767 764), or us. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
HIV patients get new drug in battle to keep Aids at bay Jan 28, 2008
Philippe, who works for the Terence Higgins Trust, had a viral load of 500,000 (more than 100,000 is considered high) and was in hospital with toxoplasmosis, ulcers and paralysis. After three months, he started a new regime that was the first to work his viral load is below 50. (Times Online)
Means Of Controlling A Parasite That Kills And Eats Human Cells Identified Jan 21, 2008
(May 12, 2007) Scientists have provided new insight into how the parasite which causes toxoplasmosis invades human cells. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease, primarily carried by cats ... 4, 2008) Researchers in Australia report development of a new type of gold nanoparticle that destroys the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, a potentially serious disease acquired by handling the feces. (Science Daily)
Toxoplasma Infection Increases Risk Of Schizophrenia, Study Suggests Jan 19, 2008
4, 2008) Researchers in Australia report development of a new type of gold nanoparticle that destroys the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, a potentially serious disease acquired by handling the feces ... 12, 2006) Women infected with dormant toxoplasmosis are more likely to give birth to boys than women who are Toxoplasma negative, according to research published in Springer's journal Naturwissenschaften this ... (May 17, 2005) A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests an... (Science Daily)
Can weedkillers whack human parasites? Jan 10, 2008
A paper in Nature shows that herbicides can attack the parasite that causes the tropical disease toxoplasmosis ... Whats toxoplasmosis ... In 1998, opthalmologist Rima McLeod of the University of Chicago Medical Center and her colleagues found that the herbicide glyphosate slowed the growth of the malaria and toxoplasmosis parasites. (Nature News Service)
Sonora's public library closing book on feral cat flap Jan 10, 2008
Diseases, such as toxoplasmosis, can be spread through their feces. The illness causes fever, aches and pains and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women or those with compromised immune systems. (The Union Democrat)
Disrupting common parasites' ability to 'talk' to each other reduces infection Jan 10, 2008
Infection with T. gondii, or toxoplasmosis, is perhaps most familiar to the general public from the recommendation that pregnant women avoid changing cat litter ... Scientists tested one of those herbicides against toxoplasmosis, labeling the test parasites with the firefly luciferase protein ... Sibley plans further studies to learn what other aspects of T. gondii biology are controlled by ABA and whether other inhibitors of ABA might make more potent treatments for toxoplasmosis. (EurekAlert!)
'Golden Bullet' Shows Promise For Killing Common Parasite Jan 4, 2008
4, 2008) Researchers in Australia report development of a new type of gold nanoparticle that destroys the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, a potentially serious disease acquired by handling the feces of infected cats or eating undercooked meat. Their so-called "golden bullet" could provide a safer, more effective alternative for treating the disease than conventional drug therapy, they say. (Science Daily)
New ills of poverty Dec 30, 2007
Toxocariasis, cysticercosis and toxoplasmosis are hardly in the daily lexicon of Americans ... Toxoplasmosis, caused by a microscopic parasite carried commonly by cats, is found most among Latinos and African-Americans. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Opinion)
Report: More Poor Americans Infected With Worms Than Thought Dec 27, 2007
Another parasite, toxoplasmosis, is an important cause of congenital birth defects among Mexican Americans and African Americans. He said a study released in November by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that almost 14 percent of the U.S. population is infected with Toxocara roundworms, which dogs and cats can pass to people. (Fox News)
Poor Americans in the United States suffer hidden burden of parasitic and other neglected diseases Dec 26, 2007
In an article entitled Poverty and Neglected Diseases in the Other America, Professor Peter Hotez (George Washington University and the Sabin Vaccine Institute) says that there is evidence that the parasitic diseases toxocariasis, cysticercosis and toxoplasmosis as well as other neglected infections are very common in the United States, especially among poor and underrepresented minority populations living in inner cities and poor rural areas ... Cysticercosis, caused by the tapeworm Taenia... (EurekAlert!)
Merle Sande, 68, pioneer in treating AIDS Nov 27, 2007
One patient, a young gay man, had contracted a lethal case of toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease sometimes passed from cats to humans but unusual in a patient with a healthy immune system. Dr. Sande and others noted the appearance of pneumocystis - a form of pneumonia more commonly found in malnourished children or patients with weakened immune systems - in gay male patients in Los Angeles. (Boston Globe)
Ex-S.F. General doctor, AIDS treatment pioneer Merle Sande dead Nov 25, 2007
One man died from toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection rarely seen in patients with a healthy immune systems. Within two years of treating the first AIDS cases, Sande successfully lobbied for a ward at San Francisco General dedicated to AIDS patients - the first of its kind in the world - and also helped found an outpatient AIDS clinic at the hospital. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Certain Seizure Patients Need Emergency CT Scan Oct 31, 2007
"Infants under six months old with seizure may have brain abnormalities on their CT scans 50 percent of the time. In addition, evidence shows people with AIDS who are treated in the emergency room for their first seizure have high rates of brain abnormalities. Central nervous system toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease caused by a parasite, is also frequently found in AIDS patients," Harden said. Emergency CT scans should also be considered for adults and children with a first seizure, because... (MEDLINEplus)
Feral cats make home on Big Island's slopes Aug 23, 2007
Many of the wild cats are believed to carry multiple diseases, including toxoplasmosis, which could raise concern if they start blending into feral cat populations nearer to residential areas. Toxoplasmosis, a protozoan parasite, can cause severe illness in fetuses and adults with immune system weaknesses. (MSNBC -- Health)
Raising awareness on cerebral palsy, its treatment Aug 8, 2007
The disease it causes, toxoplasmosis, can have fatal effects on a fetus during pregnancy. The rubella virus causes rubella, or German measles. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Features)
City's cat numbers rapidly expanding, pose disease threat Jul 21, 2007
Cats can carry the toxoplasmosis virus, which if transmitted to humans can cause difficulties in pregnancy and childbirth ... "It would pose a serious disease threat, things like toxoplasmosis and rabies," she said. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
Possum magic is fading away Jul 17, 2007
Cars, cats, dogs, diseases such as toxoplasmosis and lack of appropriate food and shelter are taking their toll. "Close contact with people and pets poses real problems for possums," says Cathy Herbert, a biologist specialising in marsupial management at the University of NSW's school of biological, earth and environmental sciences. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Cats are cute -- but not in the park May 31, 2007
Worse, the institute reports, they "may also transmit new diseases to wild animals. For example, cats have spread the feline leukemia virus to mountain lions, and may have ... infected the endangered Florida panther with feline distemper and an immune deficiency disease. Plus, they can transmit rabies and toxoplasmosis to humans.". Cats can make wonderful pets, and millions of people love them. (Pensacola News Journal)
MSU scientist serving organization that helped his family May 22, 2007
Jay Radke is one of the MSU researchers who recently received widespread attention for their findings on the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and the disease it causes, toxoplasmosis ... Babies with toxoplasmosis can suffer a range of symptoms, including eye infection, an enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice and pneumonia. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Toxoplasmosis Infection Trick Revealed By Scientists May 13, 2007
Scientists have provided new insight into how the parasite which causes toxoplasmosis invades human cells. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease, primarily carried by cats ... It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, whose foetuses can be infected via the placenta, and those with a weakened immune system, such as people infected with HIV. In severe cases, toxoplasmosis can cause damage to the brain and eyes, and even death. (Science Daily)
Killers in your backyard May 1, 2007
Animals that aren't killed outright often succumb later, through toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that many cats carry in their saliva. "People call and say, 'Our cat has carried in a baby possum, but it's OK'," Page says. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Resident has cat concerns Apr 5, 2007
He also noted a Web page of the national Centers for Disease Control which notes that humans can contract rabies, cat scratch fever and toxoplasmosis from feral cats. The owner of the property that Blewett spoke about is familiar to city officials, including the city attorney and the Building g officer. (Pontiac Daily Leader, IL)
Study: cat brain parasite alters human behavior Apr 4, 2007
Although the disease it causes in humans is rarely dangerous, it is the reason pregnant women are sometimes told to avoid cat litter boxes (toxoplasmosis is risky for infants and others with compromised immune systems). Some scientists have suspected it might be linked to mental disorders such as schizophrenia and even neuroticism. (Xinhuanet, China)
Human brain parasite alters fear Apr 3, 2007
Scientists say discovery could shed light "on how fear is generated Most Popular Most Viewed Top Rated Most E-mailed By Charles Q. ChoiUpdated: 6:34 p.m. ET April 2, 2007Rats usually have an innate fear of cat urine. The fear extends to rodents that have never seen a feline and those generations removed from ever meeting a cat. After they get infected with the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii, however, rats... (MSNBC -- Technology)
Put pets at ease with kids Mar 1, 2007
Put pet at ease before bringing home a newborn. Put pet at ease before bringing home a newborn. (AZCentral -- Families)
Major Medical Research Grant Feb 13, 2007
The parasite is the organism that causes Toxoplasmosis -- a sometimes fatal disease affecting the eyes, brain and other organs. It's primarily spread through undercooked meat or cat feces. (WCAX.com, VT)
Mind-Control Microbe Feb 7, 2007
Studies over the past few years have suggested that toxoplasmosis infections in humans, too, may cause behavioral changes from subtle shifts to outright schizophrenia ... U.S. Geological Survey biologist has linked high rates of toxoplasmosis infection in 39 countries with elevated incidences of neuroticism, suggesting the mind-altering organism may be. (Discover Magazine)
Housing Update -- Roaming cats pose hazard to pets, residents Feb 3, 2007
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can cause serious flu-like symptoms, is often transmitted through contact with cat feces. Ringworm can also be transmitted from cats to humans, merely through contact. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
Controlling rose midges a difficult task Feb 3, 2007
But the most important issue is this: handling cat poop may bring you in contact with toxoplasmosis, a potentially extremely dangerous organism. You are particularly vulnerable because you are pregnant, but everyone should handle used cat litter carefully to avoid exposure. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Pet Ohana: Take care to avoid toxoplasmosis Jan 26, 2007
Take care to avoid toxoplasmosis ... Question: I'm pregnant, and my doctor warned me about cleaning my cats' litter box because of toxoplasmosis ... Answer: Toxoplasmosis is a rare and easily avoidable disease that can cause serious birth defects. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Dear Doctor: Toxoplasmosis is dangerous to unborn baby Jan 11, 2007
Q: I am pregnant and I have heard that my cat may have a disease called toxoplasmosis that can harm my unborn child. A: Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii ... There are many ways a woman can get toxoplasmosis while pregnant -- improper care of cats is just one of them. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Coping with HIV| Jan 11, 2007
Aids Wise Here's what you should know about Aids, including the latest news and some inspiration from David's Diary. You are what you eat Healthy eating habits lead to a healthy body. (iAfrica.com)
Rats come close to home as bins are unemptied Jan 6, 2007
Other diseases spread by rats include toxoplasmosis and salmonella. Despite tonnes of poison being laid out annually, more than 70 million brown rats are now estimated to be scurrying around Britain, more than one for every human. (Times Online)
Dangerous Parasite Gains New Attention In Battles Against AIDS, Bioterrorism Dec 27, 2006
Their findings about Toxoplasma gondii and toxoplasmosis were published recently in three major scientific journals ... He added that MSU researchers will have another opportunity to explain the studies when they host an international conference on toxoplasmosis from June 29-July 2 at Chico Hot Springs ... Toxoplasmosis is normally associated with medical advice that pregnant women avoid changing cat litter, but it's gaining new attention because of the AIDS epidemic and bioterrorism, the... (Science Daily)
Protein key to parasite potency Dec 25, 2006
Pregnant women are at particular risk from toxoplasmosis ... But it can cause toxoplasmosis, which can lead to brain damage or even death ... Severe toxoplasmosis may happen when the "wrong" strain, one not suited to infecting humans, tries to invade our cells with the protein either too powerful - overwhelming and destroying them, or ineffective - triggering a massive immune system response. (BBC News)
Single Protein Can Determine Severity Of Toxoplasma Infections Dec 22, 2006
Knowing what determines the extent of the immune response may allow for therapeutic manipulations, perhaps leading to physicians being able to tune down a response that's out of control in some cases of toxoplasmosis ... (January 17, 2003) -- Research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis reveals that a unique combination of genes inherited less than 10,000 years ago allows the parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis to ... (October 12, 2006) -- Women infected with dormant... (Science Daily)
Gene Triggers Toxoplasmosis Dangers Dec 22, 2006
THURSDAY, Dec. 14 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists say a single gene holds the key to the cat-borne toxoplasmosis parasite, which can cause birth defects if caught by pregnant women. The gene, called ROP18, is 90 percent responsible for making Toxoplasma gondii dangerous to humans, says a study in this week's issue of the journal Science. (MEDLINEplus)
How a hound can improve your health Dec 5, 2006
Diseases and parasites also can be contracted from pets, including rabies, roundworms and hookworms, cat scratch disease, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, ringworm, salmonella, E.coli, and toxoplasmosis. Bites are perhaps one of biggest detriments of pet ownership. (Orlando Sentinel -- News)
SUBURBAN MYTH Dec 3, 2006
Your rumor is a new one to me, and my educated guess is that it has come from ill-informed people who may be more worried about the cat-carrying disease, toxoplasmosis, which is more likely to harm a developing fetus than it is to cause infertility. Cats can pick it up from eating raw meat or being outdoors. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Pregnant Women With Placental Infection Have Doubled Risk Of Recurrence Dec 1, 2006
Pregnant women who develop an infection of the placenta or nearby membranes in their first pregnancy have twice the risk of getting it in their second pregnancy, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found. Dr. Vanessa Laibl, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, was lead author of a large-scale study showing that pregnant women who develop an infection of the placenta or nearby membranes in their first pregnancy have twice the risk of getting it in their second... (Science Daily)
ASK DR. MICHAEL FOX Nov 19, 2006
And your cat could contract a disease from infected wildlife that could put you and your husband at risk, notably from toxoplasmosis (infection caused by parasites transmitted to humans from infected cats). Playing ambush and attacking feet and ankles is a popular game for cats. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Women with Toxoplasmosis More Likely to Have Sons Oct 21, 2006
"In light of the high prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in most countries, the impact of toxoplasmosis on the human population might be considerable," the researchers write in the journal Naturwissenschaften. Toxoplasmosis prevalence ranges from 20 percent to 80 percent worldwide, they note ... Kankova and colleagues suggest that toxoplasmosis may influence a woman's immune system in a way that allows more male embryos to survive. (MEDLINEplus)
Age Not Only Factor In Down Syndrome: Number And Age Of Existing Siblings Are Also Influential Oct 17, 2006
(October 12, 2006) -- Women infected with dormant toxoplasmosis are more likely to give birth to boys than women who are Toxoplasma negative, according to research published in Springer's journal Naturwissenschaften this. . (Science Daily)
Women Infected With Toxoplasmosis Are More Likely To Have Boys Than Girls Oct 13, 2006
Women infected with dormant toxoplasmosis are more likely to give birth to boys than women who are Toxoplasma negative, according to research by S. Kankova and colleagues from the Departments of Parasitology, Microbiology and Zoology, Charles University; the Centre of Reproductive Medicine; and GynCentrum, in the Czech Republic ... Kankova and colleagues analysed the effect of latent (or dormant) toxoplasmosis [2] on the probability of the birth of a boy in humans ... Latent toxoplasmosis is... (Science Daily)
States receive health alert over ill pigs Oct 9, 2006
"Testing of some of the swine on the farm and escaped pigs captured just outside the farm were positive for several diseases of human health importance," including trichinosis and toxoplasmosis, officials wrote in a letter dated Sept. 29. The notice was issued to state veterinarians in Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. (FOX59, IN)
Md. Issues Multistate Alert for Missing Pigs Oct 6, 2006
In a letter to state veterinarians in eleven states, officials wrote that testing of some of the swine on the farm were positive for several diseases including trichinosis and toxoplasmosis. Inspectors raided the farm in March and April and found decomposing carcasses, piles of bones, livestock feeding on rotting trash and the decaying bodies of other animals. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Sheep and Goat Disease Treatments, Preventions Outlined Sep 15, 2006
There's no vaccination available in the United States for abortions caused by toxoplasmosis, Schoenian says. There is some evidence, however, that Rumensin and Deccox will partially prevent toxoplasmosis in pregnant ewes. (Agri-View, WI)
Sheep and Goat Diseases Outlined From A to Z Sep 8, 2006
Caused by a protozoan that produces coccidiosis in cats, toxoplasmosis can occur when a ewe ingests feed or water contaminated with infected cat feces. A relatively common cause of abortion, toxoplasma generally causes ewes to abort during the last month of pregnancy or give birth to dead or weak lambs, Schoenian says. (Agri-View, WI)
THE CAT LADY Sep 3, 2006
The fear about cats and pregnant women concerns the parasite toxoplasmosis, which can cause serious birth defects during the first trimester of a woman's pregnancy ... This sounds scary, but the danger cats pose is minimal: The main sources of toxoplasmosis infections in humans - by a wide margin - are from handling raw meat and digging in infected soil ... Even if a cat does get toxoplasmosis, it's only capable of passing it on for seven to 10 days of its entire life, when there's an acute... (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Researchers Identify Gatekeeper Involved In Chronic Inflammatory Diseases Aug 22, 2006
When infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis, the mice developed severe brain inflammation that was caused by helper T cells, a type of white blood cell that activates and directs portions of the immune system. Without the ability of IL-27 to regulate the immune system, however, the response to the infection in the brain goes out of control. (Science Daily)
Discovery Of Metabolic Pathway For Parasite Could Lead To New Controls For Diseases Aug 17, 2006
Toxoplasmosis often remains undiagnosed, and in healthy people, T. gondii causes few noticeable health problems. Its relatively benign status as a disease-carrying parasite, in fact, makes it ideal to study in the laboratory. (Science Daily)
Cat Parasite May Affect Cultural Traits in Human Populations UCSB, Aug. 03 Aug 4, 2006
Pregnant women are tested for antibodies because of the serious risk posed by toxoplasmosis to fetuses, which lack their own immune systems ... Lafferty added, "Toxoplasmosis is one of many factors that may influence personality and culture, which may also include the effects of other infectious diseases, genetics, environment and history. Efforts to control this infectious pathogen could bring about cultural changes.". (University of California Newswire, CA)
Memories of a small-town life Jul 29, 2006
" Hortulana and the children also had another important job. At that time, the mailbag was hung on a post and a steel arm from the train would snatch up the bag. Incoming mail would be tossed from the train toward the depot. Occasionally, the mail wouldn't make it to its destination and would be strewn up and down the tracks. Hortulana and the children would walk back and forth collecting what they could find. Along with the depot job came some perks like free passes to ride the trains.... (Echo Press)
Increase in pademelon deaths alarms conservationists Jul 27, 2006
The Tasmanian Conservation Trust says toxoplasmosis, which sends animals blind, appears to be particularly common in the Huon Valley. The trust's Suzy Madigan says large numbers of blind young pademelons have been killed on roads in the area this year. (ABC News Online, Australia -- Environment)
Sanitation Workers Cry Fowl Over Filth Jul 7, 2006
Workers report that bird droppings became an issue several years ago when a co worker learned from a television program that the droppings, if contaminated by a common parasite, can cause a dangerous lung condition called toxoplasmosis if it becomes airborne and is inhaled in sufficient amounts. It s a horrendous place to work. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
Hypoallergenic cats are nothing to sneeze at Jun 10, 2006
Posted June 09, 2006 @ 3:13PM by toxoplasmosis nothing to do with allergies btw ... Posted June 09, 2006 @ 3:50PM by cadallin: Toxoplasmosis has no clear causal link with schizphrenia ... Spouse went from having to wash his hands every time he touched him to being able to rub the cat against his bare chest without a reaction, or change the cat litter when I was pregnant (although, as I've had cats all my life and never been exposed to toxoplasmosis, I believe my OB who says that it's actually... (Ars Technica)
Two Drugs Help Shield Newborns From Toxoplasmosis Jun 3, 2006
FRIDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- Two anti-parasitic drugs, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, given during the first year of life, can reduce eye and brain damage for children with a dangerous infection called congenital toxoplasmosis, new research shows ... This study of 120 infants with toxoplasmosis found that treatment with the two anti-parasitic drugs during the first year of life resulted in normal longer-term outcomes for all children born with the infection who did not already have severe... (Health-Finder)
More of this story May 23, 2006
One of the tests that will be done during the necropsy will be for toxoplasmosis, Olry said. Dogs and cats are carriers for this disease, Olry explained. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Full year of treatment helps infants and children with toxoplasmosis May 15, 2006
The first long-term study shows that treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (two anti-parasitic drugs) during the first year of life leads to a lasting reduction in brain and eye damage for children with congenital toxoplasmosis ... "We now know that we can improve longer-term outcomes if we treat the acute infection early," said study author Rima McLeod, M.D., professor of infectious diseases and medical director of the Toxoplasmosis Center at the University of Chicago, "but to treat it... (EurekAlert!)
Can Pets Be Protected from Bird Flu? Mar 13, 2006
Examples of these zoonotic diseases include salmonellosis, bartonellosis cat-scratch disease , tapeworm, roundworm, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, toxoplasmosis and rabies. Continued. (ABC News)
Cat parasite a danger to otters - study Feb 19, 2006
Conrad said 38 percent of live sea otters she tested carried antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite that causes toxoplasmosis ... Toxoplasmosis does not usually make people or cats sick, but is a known threat to pregnant women, who are cautioned against handling cat litter or cat droppings. (Reuters UK -- Health)
Marine mammals are on the frontline of failing ocean health Feb 19, 2006
"When otters get toxoplasmosis, they get far more sick than most humans," says Conrad. This allows researchers to more easily detect and trace the disease and calls attention to the flow of pathogens from land to sea that might otherwise go unnoticed. (EurekAlert!)
A New Way Of Looking At Molecular Motors Feb 10, 2006
Soldati and Foth became interested in myosins after they discovered that the molecular motors enabled toxoplasmosis and malaria parasites to force their way into human cells. The researchers say that although their research is theoretical and a long way from clinical applications, the new classification system will help other researchers address important biomedical puzzles more precisely. (Science Daily)
Scientists Find Stronger Evidence For Link Between Cat Faeces And Schizophrenia Jan 26, 2006
(July 18, 2000) -- Eating undercooked, raw or cured meat during pregnancy is the main risk factor for the common parasite infection -- toxoplasmosis -- which can lead to brain damage in the unborn child, according to a ... Dr Joanne Webster from Imperial College London, and lead researcher said: "Although we are certainly not saying that exposure to this parasite does definitely lead to the development of schizophrenia, this and previous studies do show there may be a link in a few individuals,... (Science Daily)
