Toxoplasma gondii Oocyst-specific antibodies and source of infection

Abstract

Infection source can determine cost-effective public health interventions. To quantify risk of acquiring Toxoplas- ma gondii from environmental sources versus from meat, we examined serum from pregnant women in Chile. Because 43% had oocyst-specific antibodies, we conclude that contaminated meat remains the primary source of infection but that environmental sources also pose substantial risk.