A group of international experts urged on June 25 that ocular toxoplasmosis be formally recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization. Ocular toxoplasmosis, caused by infection with the Toxoplasma parasite, can damage the retina and lead to permanent vision loss. The parasite infects about one third of the world's population.
The new global paper is led by Associate Professor João Furtado from the University of São Paulo and Professor Justine Smith from Flinders University. It brings together experts from multiple continents and highlights that while toxoplasmosis is often seen as an unavoidable part of human–animal interaction, it is both preventable and controllable.
Professor Justine Smith said, "Toxoplasmosis is a leading eye infection and a major cause of vision loss worldwide, yet it receives limited attention in global health agendas." She added, "With WHO's recognition, we can make substantial progress in prevention and management of this infection."
People can contract the disease through eating undercooked meat, contaminated produce or water, or exposure to cat feces. Infections during pregnancy may result in miscarriage or permanent brain and eye damage to unborn babies. Many affected children develop worsening vision problems over time.
Associate Professor João Furtado said, "Toxoplasmosis is often seen as inevitable, but it has well characterized transmission pathways and can be prevented and controlled." He also said severe outcomes such as blindness occur more frequently in communities lacking access to healthcare, safe food, clean water and prenatal care: "These impacts could be reduced through practical public health measures such as improved food safety, clean water, sanitation and better access to antenatal care."
The researchers stated that despite its global burden, toxoplasmosis receives less research funding and policy attention than other diseases with similar or lower impacts. They say formal recognition would unlock funding for research as well as support integration into maternal health programs: "It would support countries to integrate toxoplasmosis prevention into maternal and child health programs, food safety systems and primary care," Smith said.
Recognition would also encourage coordinated action across human health sectors within the One Health agenda framework. The team noted that other diseases have made rapid gains after being classified as neglected tropical diseases.
"At a time when the WHO NTD framework emphasises equity, integration and multisectoral action, toxoplasmosis represents a clear and actionable gap that warrants corrective action," Smith said. The paper outlines recommendations including better screening during pregnancy along with improved food safety measures.
