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Establishmnet and validation of molecular methods for detection of Toxoplasma gondii in food

Project

Food and consumer protection

This project contributes to the research aim 'Food and consumer protection'. Which funding institutions are active for this aim? What are the sub-aims? Take a look:
Food and consumer protection


Project code: BfR-BIOS-08-1322-672
Contract period: 01.01.2017 - 31.12.2017
Purpose of research: Applied research

Introduction and state of scientific research: Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic zoonosis worldwide with approximately 30 % of the human population infected with the parasite. In Germany, 55 % of the adult population is seropositive, whereby the annual incidence of horizontally acquired infections was estimated at 1.099 per 100.000 adult inhabitants (1). A high disease burden was determined based on Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), ranking T. gondii among the two most harmful foodborne pathogens in the USA and the Netherlands. Although most postnatally acquired infections remain asymptomatic or result in mild flu-like symptoms, ocular toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent people seems to manifest more often than previously thought (2). Severe clinical manifestations and also reactivation of latent infections can occur under immunocompromising conditions resulting in life-threatening diseases (2). Primary infections during pregnancy are most relevant for public health as the parasites is vertically transmitted to the unborn child, which may result in abortion, stillbirth, or physical deformity and neurological disabilities (1). Toxoplasmosis can be acquired horizontally by ingestion of different infectious parasite stages, either through consumption of contaminated food (raw or undercooked meat, vegetables, fruits, and water), or by smear infection after gardening or direct contact to cat faeces. It was estimated that 50 % of T. gondii infections in the United States are foodborne. Several studies have identified the consumption of raw or undercooked meat as the most important risk factor for pregnant women in Europe (2). Worldwide studies assessing the seroprevalence and presence of tissue cysts in meat showed that T. gondii infections are widespread among livestock worldwide (swine, poultry, cattle, and especially sheep and goat) (2). Generally, higher infection rates are observed in free-ranging livestock compared to conventional production systems (2). Additionally, eating of unwashed raw fruits or vegetables has been identified as risk factor in several studies in the EU and China. Detection of T. gondii oocysts in leafy greens and vegetables in the USA and Poland indicates that plant-based foods may indeed be a source of infection. However, the epidemiological significance of different transmission routes and the relative importance of different food as a source of human toxoplasmosis are largely unknown(2). In Germany, studies focusing on the detection of Toxoplasma tissue cysts in food of animal origin are rare and so far, no information is available about the occurrence of oocysts in plant based foods. Objective of this project: Data on the occurrence of T. gondii in different foods in Germany and their relevance for the consumer are scarce. As a result, questions on the importance of meat and raw meat products as well as plant based foods as possible source of human toxoplasmosis frequently arise. In order to estimate the health risks associated with the consumption of different foodstuffs in Germany, further studies assessing the load of T. gondii are strongly needed. Therefore, in the future, research activities within the parasitological section of Unit 45 should be extended to Toxoplasma diagnostics of animal and plant based foods to identify possible risk factors for the consumer. To assess meaningful and representative data on the occurrence of T. gondii in different foodstuffs, reliable and sensitive methods for molecular detection are essential and need to be established at the BfR. Several molecular methods for the direct detection of T. gondii in food are described in the literature. However, standardized procedures for the isolation and detection of T. gondii in food are not available and methods used at the parasitological reference laboratories of different EU-member states differ considerably. Therefore, in this project, different molecular methods for detection of T. gondii in food will be established, optimized, compared and finally standardized and validated. 1. Wilking H et al., Sci Rep 2016; 6: 22551. 2. Tenter AM et al., 2000; 30: 1217-58.

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Subjects

Framework programme

BMEL Frameworkprogramme 2008

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