Changing climate-changing pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii in North-Western Europe.
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.
Wageningen University and Research Centre, The Netherlands. Bastiaan.Meerburg@wur.nl
Bastiaan G
BG
Meerburg
Aize
A
Kijlstra
D000818:Animals; D002980:Climate; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000453:epidemiology*