Researchers from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) gently remind the public to thoroughly wash and cook market-bought fresh vegetables and seafood to prevent parasite-related health issues.
Based on the study's findings, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) emerges as a highly infectious parasite, standing out as one of the most contagious in the world.
Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled cyst-forming protozoan and is often characterized as one of the most successful parasites, primarily attributed to its widespread distribution.
Its impact is pervasive, affecting nearly a third of the global population, with a notable emphasis on vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant individuals and those with compromised immune systems.
Cielo Emar M. Paraoan, Ren Mark D. Villanueva, and Marie Christine M. Obusan, researchers from the UP Diliman College of Science's Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB), led the study.
Their investigation revealed that the said parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, is common in vegetables and oysters obtained from local markets in Central Luzon.
"Among the vegetables tested were lettuce, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, and mung bean sprouts," UPD said in a statement."
"The most sustainable approach for reducing the risk of T. gondii exposure through the consumption of seafood should focus on reducing T. gondii contamination at its source, as well as mitigating the flow of contaminated runoff to water bodies," the authors said in their paper, published in the October 2023 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science.
While most individuals infected with the disease remain asymptomatic, some may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and muscle aches.
In more severe cases, toxoplasmosis can result in inflammation of the brain and blurred vision. For infected parents, the potential consequences extend to their newborn infants, who may experience issues such as excessive fluid in the brain and developmental problems.
Fortunately, this disease related to the parasite is treatable, and there are available treatments for toxoplasmosis, which is considered a leading cause of death attributed to foodborne illness in the United States.
Thus, individuals experiencing symptoms are strongly advised to seek prompt medical attention.
Research findings
Out of the sixty collected vegetable samples, six (10 percent) contained traces of T. gondii, with leafy vegetables exhibiting higher contamination than root vegetables.
Likewise, 9.09 percent, or four out of the 44 samples, were also found to be contaminated in the case of oysters.
"The researchers noted that the T. gondii traces found on vegetables and oysters are of Type I genotype," UPD noted.
"The researchers aim to investigate further the genotypes of T. gondii that will be detected in the country, as Asia is reported to have a high degree of genetic diversity," it added.
The study presents compelling evidence suggesting that T. gondii may be transmitted through vegetables and oysters available in supermarkets and public markets.
However, it's crucial to note that the researchers conducted tests on a relatively small sample size, emphasizing the need for more extensive studies with larger sample sizes.
Currently, they are undertaking an ongoing study aimed at detecting the parasite in environmental samples.
The authors underscored the imperative for improved management of biological pollutants.
Additionally, they highlighted the significance of thorough preparation of fresh produce and seafood, not only to eradicate T. gondii but also to eliminate the presence of other potential parasites.