Risk factors for acute toxoplasmosis in England and Wales.
Over 300 cases of acute toxoplasmosis are confirmed by reference testing in England and Wales annually. We conducted a case-control study to identify risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection to inform prevention strategies. Twenty-eight cases and 27 seronegative controls participated. We compared their food history and environmental exposures using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals in a model controlling for age and sex. Univariable analysis showed that the odds of eating beef (OR 10·7, P < 0·001), poultry (OR 6·4, P = 0·01) or lamb/mutton (OR 4·9, P = 0·01) was higher for cases than controls. After adjustment for potential confounders a strong association between beef and infection remained (OR 5·6, P = 0·01). The small sample size was a significant limitation and larger studies are needed to fully investigate potential risk factors. The study findings emphasize the need to ensure food is thoroughly cooked and handled hygienically, especially for those in vulnerable groups.
Emerging Infections and Zoonoses Section,National Infections Service,Public Health England,UK.
B
B
Said
Emerging Infections and Zoonoses Section,National Infections Service,Public Health England,UK.
K D
KD
Halsby
Emerging Infections and Zoonoses Section,National Infections Service,Public Health England,UK.
C M
CM
O'Connor
Toxoplasma Reference Unit,Public Health Wales,UK.
J
J
Francis
London Deanery,UK.
K
K
Hewitt
Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department,National Infections Service,Public Health England,UK.
N Q
NQ
Verlander
Toxoplasma Reference Unit,Public Health Wales,UK.
E
E
Guy
Emerging Infections and Zoonoses Section,National Infections Service,Public Health England,UK.
D
D
Morgan
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology
Epidemiology; toxoplasmosis
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