Human Toxoplasmosis in the Americas: Estimation of its Impact on the Latin American Migrant Population in Spain
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4321/s2173-92772026000300007Keywords:
Toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasmosis, Ocular, Toxoplasmosis, Congenital, Prevalence, Emigrants, Migrants, Latin America, Spain, EpidemiologyAbstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection has complex and highly variable epidemiological behavior throughout the Americas. The high pathogenicity of the virulent strains from South America is highlighted.
Objective: To describe and structure the prevalence and morbidity and mortality of toxoplasmosis in the Americas, including the general population, pregnant women, congenital transmission and ocular complications, as well as its extrapolation to the migratory impact in Spain
Methodology: A narrative review was structured through the analysis of indexed literature and epidemiological projections, stratifying the results into dimensions of clinical and health impact.
Main findings/Results: The burden of the disease is strongly concentrated in Latin America (with prevalences above 45-58%). Despite the decline documented in North America, gestational primary infection and severe ocular toxoplasmosis maintain a critical incidence in tropical hyperendemic areas, which in turn is reflected in the migrant population served in Europe. South American strains carry virulence genes that lead to severe clinical outcomes. It is estimated that between 1,479 and 14,414 active episodes of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis occur each year in the Colombian migrant population in Spain.
Conclusions: In the case of South American toxoplasmosis, a differentiated approach is required
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