Quantitative Risk Assessment of Oocyst Versus Bradyzoite Foodborne Transmission of Toxoplasma gondii in Brazil

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally distributed zoonotic protozoan parasite. Infection with T. can cause congenital toxoplasmosis in developing fetuses and acute outbreaks the general population, disease burden especially high South America. Prior studies found that environmental stage of gondii, oocysts, an important source infection Brazil; however, no have quantified this risk relative to other parasite stages. We developed Bayesian quantitative assessment (QRA) estimate attribution two primary stages (bradyzoite oocyst) be transmitted foods people Brazil. Oocyst contamination fruits greens contributed significantly more overall estimated infections than bradyzoite-contaminated (beef, pork, poultry). In sensitivity analysis, treatment, i.e., cooking temperature for meat washing efficiency produce, most strongly affected incidence rate. Due lack regional food prevalence data level uncertainty many model parameters, analysis provides initial importance products. Important knowledge gaps oocyst-borne were identified drive future improve assessments effective policy actions reduce human