It is estimated that in the United States, domestically acquired foodborne Toxoplasma gondii causes over 86,000 illnesses; 4,400 hospitalizations and 320 deaths. Of the 31 major pathogens, T. gondii is the fourth (8%) leading cause of hospitalizations and second (24%) leading cause of deaths (Scallan, 2011). The University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute reported T. gondii is the second most burdensome foodborne pathogen (Batz, 2011). Batz (2011) calculated the combined “burdensome-rank” using quality adjusted life-year loss, cost of illness, and the illness/hospitalizations/deaths by Scallan (2011). Given these facts doesn’t it seem strange that so many people don’t really know about this protozoan parasite or the ways in which the disease may manifest? Scientists from The Netherlands, Brazil and the United States will review the prevalence of, and detection methods for, Toxoplasma in livestock (and meat products) in their respective countries/continents. An industry representative will discuss the efforts in the United States to reduce Toxoplasma in swine. One public health scientist will review the classic symptoms of T. gondii infections: congenital toxoplasmosis, ocular disease and disease in immunocompromised patients. Additionally this symposium will review the research showing that latent infections of T. gondii are linked to a wide range of diseases/syndromes/symptoms: human psychoses (including schizophrenia); delayed reaction time; and, traffic accidents.

Presentations