Here is what the page “Beyond Toxoplasmosis: Cat Roundworm Infects Humans More Than Thought, Study Finds” contains. A large-scale meta-analysis has revealed that Toxocara cati, a parasitic roundworm found in cats, infects humans far more often than previously estimated. Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna analyzed 27 studies across 13 countries and found that nearly 1 in 5 people worldwide—around 19%—have antibodies against the parasite, indicating past or current infection. The study, published in the journal Parasites & Vectors, is the first to quantify the global seroprevalence of Toxocara cati specifically, distinguishing it from the better-known Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis.
While most infections are asymptomatic, the parasite can cause ocular toxocariasis, leading to vision loss, and visceral larva migrans, which damages organs. Children are at higher risk due to contact with contaminated soil or sandboxes. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.