Changing climate-changing pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii in North-Western Europe

B.G. Meerburg; A. Kijlstra

doi:10.1007/s00436-009-1447-4

Changing climate-changing pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii in North-Western Europe

B.G. Meerburg, A. Kijlstra

Wageningen Livestock Research

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

89 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this review, we describe the effects of global climate change for one specific pathogen: the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is postulated that an increase of T. gondii prevalence in humans can occur in some regions of North-Western Europe as a result of changing environmental conditions. Such a change can be predicted by using Global Climate Change models. We have elaborated such a prediction for one scenario (SRES A1) by using one specific model (CCSR/NRIES) as an example. Next to environmental factors, also anthropogenic factors may contribute to increased prevalence of T. gondii in this region. In order to counter the potential severe consequences of a potential increase resulting from the combination of climatic and anthropogenic factors, there is an urgent need for the development of a human vaccine. Until a vaccine that offers complete protection is developed, the emphasis should be on treatment optimization and prevention.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	17-24
Journal	Parasitology Research
Volume	105
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-009-1447-4
Publication status	Published - 2009

Keywords

united-states
experimental transmission
congenital toxoplasmosis
production systems
transport hosts
drinking-water
costa-rica
infection
cats
oocysts

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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Cite this

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abstract = "In this review, we describe the effects of global climate change for one specific pathogen: the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is postulated that an increase of T. gondii prevalence in humans can occur in some regions of North-Western Europe as a result of changing environmental conditions. Such a change can be predicted by using Global Climate Change models. We have elaborated such a prediction for one scenario (SRES A1) by using one specific model (CCSR/NRIES) as an example. Next to environmental factors, also anthropogenic factors may contribute to increased prevalence of T. gondii in this region. In order to counter the potential severe consequences of a potential increase resulting from the combination of climatic and anthropogenic factors, there is an urgent need for the development of a human vaccine. Until a vaccine that offers complete protection is developed, the emphasis should be on treatment optimization and prevention.",

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KW - experimental transmission

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KW - transport hosts

KW - drinking-water

KW - costa-rica

KW - infection

KW - cats

KW - oocysts

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DO - 10.1007/s00436-009-1447-4

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Changing climate-changing pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii in North-Western Europe

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

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