TOXOPLASMA-GONDII - PREVENTION IN HUMAN M EDICINE

Present knowledge of the biology and distribution of Toxoplasma gondii allows to provide recommendations for primary prevention of infection with the parasite. The recommendations are chiefly designed for ''ser onegative'' pregnant women without specific serum anti-T-gondii-IgG an d for persons with continuous or temporary immune deficiencies. Preven tion should focus on 3 main sources of infection risk: Meat: meat shou ld only be eaten when well cooked or when it has been frozen prior to preparation; do not prepare raw food in the same place and with the sa me utensils as for raw meat preparation; no mouth-finger-contact while handling raw meat. Environment: fruit and vegetables should be carefu lly washed prior to consumption (also including fruit and vegetables f rom the consumer's own garden or orchard). Cats: household cats should be preferably fed with canned food rather than with raw meat; contact with any utensil which may have been contaminated by cat's feces, as well as with the cat's litter, must be strictly avoided. If cleaning t he cat's toilet is inevitable, plastic gloves must be worn. Disinfect the cat's toilet daily with boiling water. All primary prevention meas ures apply also to the areas of agriculture, veterinary practices, pet shops and gastronomy. Secondary prevention by means of serological mo nitoring of seronegative pregnant women can only be envisaged when ass ociated with precise primary prevention recommendations.