Latest news with #Toxoplasmagondii
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kokua Line: What will city do about mongooses and feral cats at Magic Island?
Question : Lately on my weekly walks at Magic Island, I've noticed many mongooses feeding on cat food left by well-meaning people. The rock jetty along the perimeter of Magic Island houses both mongooses and cats. How will C &C monitor or control this population, which seems to be increasing ? Answer : 'Our park staff are increasing their awareness of these feeding trays and will be removing them appropriately. Ala Moana Regional Park is not an appropriate place to feed animals. Particularly feral cats which have a known parasite in their fecal matter (that causes ) toxoplasmosis, which is detrimental to native marine life and some people, ' Nathan Serota, a spokesperson for Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, said Wednesday in an email. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which many species, including cats, mongooses, pigs and chickens can carry—complaints about these animals proliferating in Oahu neighborhoods frequently cite health concerns. Cats are considered the definitive hosts because the parasite reproduces in their digestive tracts and spreads through their feces, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains at. Not all cats are infected. In Hawaii, spinner dolphins, monk seals and nene (Hawaiian geese ) have died of toxoplasmosis, presumably having ingested the parasite through contaminated water or prey, according to news reports. T. gondii oocysts shed in the feces of infected cats are not immediately infectious, but once they become so, they are hardy and can wash out to sea in storm runoff and infect marine life. This is one reason marine conservationists oppose the feeding of feral cats near shorelines. Humans also can carry the parasite ; more than 40 million people in the U.S. are infected, although those with healthy immune systems generally show no symptoms and don't spread the disease from person to person, according to the CDC. Pregnant women, their infants and immunocompromised people are more susceptible to severe disease, which might cause blindness or brain damage. Read more about preventing infection on the CDC website, at, which says not to undercook meat or eat raw shellfish ; to wash or cook fresh produce ; to wear gloves when touching soil or sand that may be contaminated with cat feces ; to wash hands with soap and water after touching anything that may be contaminated ; and, if you have a cat, to clean its litter box daily. 'Eliminate cat feces on a daily basis ; T. gondii oocysts require one to five days after being passed in the feces to become infectious, ' says the Companion Animal Parasite Council, a nonprofit organization the CDC refers cat owners to for more information about toxoplasmosis. Q : For the past few days I have heard heavy helicopters. They almost sound like military, although not quite that loud. Definitely not tourist, I don't think. I can't see them from my window. I live near Kamiloiki Elementary School. Do you know what this is ? A : Yes. Hawaiian Electric is using a helicopter to replace utility poles and upgrade related equipment in East Oahu, flying above Kamehame Ridge and Kalama Valley, according to the company's social media feeds. Flight paths avoid populated areas while carrying loads, but the noise can reverberate through nearby neighborhoods. The work is expected to continue through today. Mahalo In April, I passed out in the parking lot fronting Kahala Longs. A man and a woman came to my aid instantly. They both stayed with me until my husband arrived to assist me. God was watching over me and sent these wonderful strangers to my side. I'd like to send a great mahalo to them for caring for me and treating me like their ohana.—Aloha, S.T.------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Common parasite can decapitate human sperm − with implications for male fertility
Bloomington: Male fertility rates have been plummeting over the past half-century. An analysis from 1992 noted a steady decrease in sperm counts and quality since the 1940s. A more recent study found that male infertility rates increased nearly 80 per cent from 1990 to 2019. The reasons driving this trend remain a mystery, but frequently cited culprits include obesity, poor diet and environmental toxins. Infectious diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia are often overlooked factors that affect fertility in men. Accumulating evidence suggests that a common single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii may also be a contributor: An April 2025 study showed for the first time that "human sperm lose their heads upon direct contact" with the parasite. I am a microbiologist, and my lab studies Toxoplasma. This new study bolsters emerging findings that underscore the importance of preventing this parasitic infection. The many ways you can get toxoplasmosis Infected cats defecate Toxoplasma eggs into the litter box, garden or other places in the environment where they can be picked up by humans or other animals. Water, shellfish and unwashed fruits and vegetables can also harbour infectious parasite eggs. In addition to eggs, tissue cysts present in the meat of warm-blooded animals can spread toxoplasmosis as well if they are not destroyed by cooking to proper temperature. While most hosts of the parasite can control the initial infection with few if any symptoms, Toxoplasma remains in the body for life as dormant cysts in brain, heart and muscle tissue. These cysts can reactivate and cause additional episodes of severe illness that damage critical organ systems. Between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of the world's population is permanently infected with Toxoplasma due to the many ways the parasite can spread. Toxoplasma can target male reproductive organs Upon infection, Toxoplasma spreads to virtually every organ and skeletal muscle. Evidence that Toxoplasma can also target human male reproductive organs first surfaced during the height of the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, when some patients presented with the parasitic infection in their testes. While immunocompromised patients are most at risk for testicular toxoplasmosis, it can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Imaging studies of infected mice confirm that Toxoplasma parasites quickly travel to the testes in addition to the brain and eyes within days of infection. In 2017, my colleagues and I found that Toxoplasma can also form cysts in mouse prostates. Researchers have also observed these parasites in the ejaculate of many animals, including human semen, raising the possibility of sexual transmission. Knowing that Toxoplasma can reside in male reproductive organs has prompted analyses of fertility in infected men. A small 2021 study in Prague of 163 men infected with Toxoplasma found that over 86% had semen anomalies. A 2002 study in China found that infertile couples are more likely to have a Toxoplasma infection than fertile couples, 34.83 per cent versus 12.11 per cent. A 2005 study in China also found that sterile men are more likely to test positive for Toxoplasma than fertile men. Not all studies, however, produce a link between toxoplasmosis and sperm quality. Toxoplasma can directly damage human sperm Toxoplasmosis in animals mirrors infection in humans, which allows researchers to address questions that are not easy to examine in people. Testicular function and sperm production are sharply diminished in Toxoplasma-infected mice, rats and rams. Infected mice have significantly lower sperm counts and a higher proportion of abnormally shaped sperm. In that April 2025 study, researchers from Germany , Uruguay and Chile observed that Toxoplasma can reach the testes and epididymis, the tube where sperm mature and are stored, two days after infection in mice. This finding prompted the team to test what happens when the parasite comes into direct contact with human sperm in a test tube. After only five minutes of exposure to the parasite, 22.4 per cent of sperm cells were beheaded. The number of decapitated sperm increased the longer they interacted with the parasites. Sperm cells that maintained their head were often twisted and misshapen. Some sperm cells had holes in their head, suggesting the parasites were trying to invade them as it would any other type of cell in the organs it infiltrates. In addition to direct contact, Toxoplasma may also damage sperm because the infection promotes chronic inflammation. Inflammatory conditions in the male reproductive tract are harmful to sperm production and function. The researchers speculate that the harmful effects Toxoplasma may have on sperm could be contributing to large global declines in male fertility over the past decades. Preventing toxoplasmosis The evidence that Toxoplasma can infiltrate male reproductive organs in animals is compelling, but whether this produces health issues in people remains unclear. Testicular toxoplasmosis shows that parasites can invade human testes, but symptomatic disease is very rare. Studies to date that show defects in the sperm of infected men are too small to draw firm conclusions at this time. Additionally, some reports suggest that rates of toxoplasmosis in high-income countries have not been increasing over the past few decades while male infertility was rising, so it's likely to only be one part of the puzzle. Regardless of this parasite's potential effect on fertility, it is wise to avoid Toxoplasma. An infection can cause miscarriage or birth defects if someone acquires it for the first time during pregnancy, and it can be life-threatening for immunocompromised people. Toxoplasma is also the leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States . Taking proper care of your cat, promptly cleaning the litter box and thoroughly washing your hands after can help reduce your exposure to Toxoplasma. You can also protect yourself from this parasite by washing fruits and vegetables, cooking meat to proper temperatures before consuming and avoiding raw shellfish, raw water and raw milk. (The Conversation)
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
New threat to plummeting male fertility rates identified as common but ‘silent' parasite that ‘DECAPITATES sperm'
Find out if you could have toxoplasmosis below OH BABY New threat to plummeting male fertility rates identified as common but 'silent' parasite that 'DECAPITATES sperm' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FERTILITY rates appear to have been declining in both men and women globally - and now scientists have found a common single-celled parasite may be a contributor. Male fertility rates in particular have been plummeting over the past half-century, with an analysis from 1992 showing a steady decrease in sperm counts and quality since the 1940s. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Male fertility rates are shown to have plummeted over the past half-century Credit: Getty 3 Toxoplasma gondii could be a contributor, say scientists Credit: Getty And a more recent study found male infertility rates increased nearly 80 per cent from 1990 to 2019. Declining fertility rates have been attributed to a combination of factors, including rising costs associated with raising children. But now accumulating evidence suggests parasitic infections could also be a threat. A study published in April this year showed for the first time "human sperm lose their heads upon direct contact" with a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis - an often harmless infection but can cause serious problems in individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and newborns. The parasite is found in the faeces of infected cats and in undercooked meat. Writing for The Conversation, Bill Sullivan, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University, said how the "new study bolsters emerging findings that underscore the importance of preventing this parasitic infection". Foodbourne transmission and animal to human transmission are the top ways people can get toxoplasmosis. Eating raw or undercooked meat, particularly lamb, pork, and venison, is a primary source of infection. And eating unwashed fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated with cat faeces or soil can also lead to infection. Major health advice for couples as HSE offers new resources for anyone struggling with fertility Ingesting the parasite through contact with cat faeces (poop) or soil contaminated with cat faeces is a common way to get toxoplasmosis. Cleaning cat litter boxes without proper hygiene can also expose people to the parasite. While toxoplasmosis is generally harmless for most people with healthy immune systems, often causing no symptoms or mild, flu-like symptoms that resolve on their own, Sullivan said toxoplasma remains in the body for life as dormant cysts in brain, heart and muscle tissue. And these cysts can reactive and cause additional episode of severe illness that damage critical organ system. He explains: "Between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of the world's population is permanently infected with toxoplasma due to the many ways the parasite can spread. "Upon infection, toxoplasma spreads to virtually every organ and skeletal muscle. Evidence that toxoplasma can also target human male reproductive organs first surfaced during the height of the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, when some patients presented with the parasitic infection in their testes. 3 In a study published this year, sperm were found to be beheaded after coming into contact with the parasite Credit: Getty "While immunocompromised patients are most at risk for testicular toxoplasmosis, it can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals. "Imaging studies of infected mice confirm that toxoplasma parasites quickly travel to the testes in addition to the brain and eyes within days of infection." Evidence in past studies suggesting toxoplasma can reside in male reproductive organs has prompted analysis of fertility in infected men. In the April 2025 study, researchyers from Germany, Uraguay and Chile observed that toxoplasma can reach the testes and epididymis - the tube where sperm mature and are stored - two days after infection in mice. Looking at what happens when the parasite comes into direct contact with human sperm in a test tube, they observed that after only five minutes, 22.4 per cent of sperm cells were beheaded. The number of decapitated sperm also increased the longer they interacted with the parasites. Sperm cells that maintained their head were often twisted and misshapen, and sperm cells had hole sin their head, suggesting the parasites were trying to invade them as it would any other type of cell. Sullivan added: "The evidence that toxoplasma can infiltrate male reproductive organs in animals is compelling, but whether this produces health issues in people remains unclear. "Testicular toxoplasmosis shows that parasites can invade human testes, but symptomatic disease is very rare. "Studies to date that show defects in the sperm of infected men are too small to draw firm conclusions at this time. "Additionally, some reports suggest that rates of toxoplasmosis in high-income countries have not been increasing over the past few decades while male infertility was rising, so it's likely to only be one part of the puzzle."
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A common parasite can decapitate human sperm − with implications for male fertility
Male fertility rates have been plummeting over the past half-century. An analysis from 1992 noted a steady decrease in sperm counts and quality since the 1940s. A more recent study found that male infertility rates increased nearly 80% from 1990 to 2019. The reasons driving this trend remain a mystery, but frequently cited culprits include obesity, poor diet and environmental toxins. Infectious diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia are often overlooked factors that affect fertility in men. Accumulating evidence suggests that a common single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii may also be a contributor: An April 2025 study showed for the first time that 'human sperm lose their heads upon direct contact' with the parasite. I am a microbiologist, and my lab studies Toxoplasma. This new study bolsters emerging findings that underscore the importance of preventing this parasitic infection. Infected cats defecate Toxoplasma eggs into the litter box, garden or other places in the environment where they can be picked up by humans or other animals. Water, shellfish and unwashed fruits and vegetables can also harbor infectious parasite eggs. In addition to eggs, tissue cysts present in the meat of warm-blooded animals can spread toxoplasmosis as well if they are not destroyed by cooking to proper temperature. While most hosts of the parasite can control the initial infection with few if any symptoms, Toxoplasma remains in the body for life as dormant cysts in brain, heart and muscle tissue. These cysts can reactivate and cause additional episodes of severe illness that damage critical organ systems. Between 30% and 50% of the world's population is permanently infected with Toxoplasma due to the many ways the parasite can spread. Upon infection, Toxoplasma spreads to virtually every organ and skeletal muscle. Evidence that Toxoplasma can also target human male reproductive organs first surfaced during the height of the AIDS pandemic in the 1980s, when some patients presented with the parasitic infection in their testes. While immunocompromised patients are most at risk for testicular toxoplasmosis, it can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Imaging studies of infected mice confirm that Toxoplasma parasites quickly travel to the testes in addition to the brain and eyes within days of infection. In 2017, my colleagues and I found that Toxoplasma can also form cysts in mouse prostates. Researchers have also observed these parasites in the ejaculate of many animals, including human semen, raising the possibility of sexual transmission. Knowing that Toxoplasma can reside in male reproductive organs has prompted analyses of fertility in infected men. A small 2021 study in Prague of 163 men infected with Toxoplasma found that over 86% had semen anomalies. A 2002 study in China found that infertile couples are more likely to have a Toxoplasma infection than fertile couples, 34.83% versus 12.11%. A 2005 study in China also found that sterile men are more likely to test positive for Toxoplasma than fertile men. Not all studies, however, produce a link between toxoplasmosis and sperm quality. Toxoplasmosis in animals mirrors infection in humans, which allows researchers to address questions that are not easy to examine in people. Testicular function and sperm production are sharply diminished in Toxoplasma-infected mice, rats and rams. Infected mice have significantly lower sperm counts and a higher proportion of abnormally shaped sperm. In that April 2025 study, researchers from Germany, Uruguay and Chile observed that Toxoplasma can reach the testes and epididymis, the tube where sperm mature and are stored, two days after infection in mice. This finding prompted the team to test what happens when the parasite comes into direct contact with human sperm in a test tube. After only five minutes of exposure to the parasite, 22.4% of sperm cells were beheaded. The number of decapitated sperm increased the longer they interacted with the parasites. Sperm cells that maintained their head were often twisted and misshapen. Some sperm cells had holes in their head, suggesting the parasites were trying to invade them as it would any other type of cell in the organs it infiltrates. In addition to direct contact, Toxoplasma may also damage sperm because the infection promotes chronic inflammation. Inflammatory conditions in the male reproductive tract are harmful to sperm production and function. The researchers speculate that the harmful effects Toxoplasma may have on sperm could be contributing to large global declines in male fertility over the past decades. The evidence that Toxoplasma can infiltrate male reproductive organs in animals is compelling, but whether this produces health issues in people remains unclear. Testicular toxoplasmosis shows that parasites can invade human testes, but symptomatic disease is very rare. Studies to date that show defects in the sperm of infected men are too small to draw firm conclusions at this time. Additionally, some reports suggest that rates of toxoplasmosis in high-income countries have not been increasing over the past few decades while male infertility was rising, so it's likely to only be one part of the puzzle. Regardless of this parasite's potential effect on fertility, it is wise to avoid Toxoplasma. An infection can cause miscarriage or birth defects if someone acquires it for the first time during pregnancy, and it can be life-threatening for immunocompromised people. Toxoplasma is also the leading cause of death from foodborne illness in the United States. Taking proper care of your cat, promptly cleaning the litter box and thoroughly washing your hands after can help reduce your exposure to Toxoplasma. You can also protect yourself from this parasite by washing fruits and vegetables, cooking meat to proper temperatures before consuming and avoiding raw shellfish, raw water and raw milk. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Bill Sullivan, Indiana University Read more: Toxoplasma is a common parasite that causes birth defects – but the US doesn't screen for it during pregnancy Texas' annual reading test adjusted its difficulty every year, masking whether students are improving How does raw water compare to tap water? A microbiologist explains why the risks outweigh the benefits Bill Sullivan receives funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cat Poop, Parasites, and Lost Vision: The Unseen Epidemic in New Zealand
New Zealand faces a hidden health threat. It is Toxoplasma gondii. Cats carry this parasite. It can cause blindness. Nearly half of New Zealanders may be infected. Research faces funding issues. The parasite can manipulate behavior. People should take precautions. They should wash hands and avoid raw meat. Awareness is crucial. The parasite poses a danger to humans and animals. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Feline Culprit The Eye-Opening Reality Science, Stymied Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Quirky Twist What Can You Do? Drop bears, New Zealand 's real sneaky menace is small, fluffy, and perhaps cuddled up on your sofa. As much as Kiwis adore their cats (with 40 per cent of the population owning one or more, Companion Animals NZ states), not many know that their feline friends are infested by Toxoplasma gondii , a small parasite with a flair for gondii grows in cat guts and is shed out in cat feces in the form of eggs (oocysts). These eggs can then hide in soil, water, or even your hands after getting your hands dirty gardening. Up to 43 per cent of New Zealanders may be harboring the parasite- one of the highest proportions in the world. For most people, it's nothing, no worse than a cold. But for around 40,000 Kiwis, the parasite infects the eye, causing inflammation, scarring, and even permanent blindness. That's 10,000 New Zealanders who may have lost their sight- sometimes overnight. Otago University nurse Danielle Wilson learned the hard way. Her eye grew cloudy and hurt one day. Diagnosis: ocular toxoplasmosis. Treatment: a daily regimen of hourly eye drops, antibiotics, and steroids for 18 months, with a kicker: the parasite can lie low and re-activate whenever it wants, so every twinge is cause for eye doctor Dr. Francesc March de Ribot examines young patients- occasionally even medical students- whose dreams are dashed by sudden loss of sight. "When the inflammation goes, it leaves a scar, and the vision is never going to return," he at this extent of the problem, New Zealand's quest for better treatments is constrained by budgetary challenges. Professor Bruce Russell's team at Otago discovered possible new drugs, but their grant application was rejected. The laboratory closed in 2023, and research has headed offshore. "The developed world has forgotten parasites largely," Russell laments, even as T. gondii continues to wreak havoc- not just among humans, but also native animals and the mind-bending aspect: T. gondii has the ability to control animal behavior. The parasite-infected mice become relaxed in the presence of cats, becoming easy prey. Some researchers even half-jokingly say that our nation's cat mania could be the result of the parasite. Who's ultimately calling the shots?- Immunocompromised or pregnant? Avoid raw meat, unpasteurised milk, and wearing gloves when touching cat litter or soil.- Cat owners: Wash litter every day, cover sandpits, and hand wash after gardening.- Everyone: Be aware of your risks-sometimes the greatest dangers are the most so it's a classic Kiwi story: cats, a hidden danger, and a plea for more science. Just remember-next time your mog fixes you with that enigmatic gaze, it may well be hatching something. or it might be the parasite issuing the orders.
