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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57187/4379

Review article

Vol. 156 No. 8 (2026)

Toxoplasmosis in focus – how a small parasite conquers the world

Cite this as:
Swiss Med Wkly. 2026;156:4379
Published
31.08.2026

Summary

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most important parasites globally in both veterinary and human medicine, with significant impacts on livestock. Approximately one-third of the global population is latently infected. In humans, infection is typically asymptomatic or causes mononucleosis-like symptoms, but primary infection during pregnancy and reactivation in immunocompromised individuals are of particular concern. Latent infection may be associated with personality and neuropsychiatric disorders or neurodegenerative diseases. Despite a sound rationale, many congenital toxoplasmosis surveillance programmes have been discontinued due to limited effectiveness. Current One Health research focuses on developing new therapies and vaccines to prevent transmission in humans and animals.

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