A new global paper led by Associate Professor João Furtado from the University of São Paulo and Professor Justine Smith from Flinders University calls for toxoplasmosis to be formally recognised as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the World Health Organization (WHO).1
One third of the world’s population is infected with the Toxoplasma parasite and although it is often seen as an unavoidable part of everyday human–animal interaction, it is preventable and controllable.
Prof Smith said the impact of toxoplasmosis on eyesight is significant but widely overlooked. “Toxoplasmosis is a leading eye infection and a major cause of vision loss worldwide, yet it receives limited attention in global health agendas,” she said. “With WHO’s recognition, we can make substantial progress in prevention and management of this infection.”2
People can become infected with the Toxoplasma parasite by eating undercooked meat, contaminated produce or water, or exposure to cat faeces.
The researchers said formal recognition as an NTD would unlock funding for research, prevention, and treatment.
In pregnancy, infection can be passed to the unborn baby, leading to miscarriage or permanent damage to the brain and eye. Many affected children develop vision problems that worsen over time.
Assoc Prof Furtado said the disease “is often seen as inevitable, but it has well characterised transmission pathways and can be prevented and controlled”. He said the most severe outcomes, including blindness, occur in communities with limited access to healthcare, safe food, clean water and prenatal care. “These impacts could be reduced through practical public health measures such as improved food safety, clean water, sanitation, and better access to antenatal care,” he said
The researchers said formal recognition as an NTD would unlock funding for research, prevention, and treatment. Additionally, it would place the disease within the global One Health agenda, encouraging coordinated action across human, animal, agricultural, and environmental sectors.
References
- Furtado JM, Belfort R Jr, Strang AG, et al. T Toxoplasmosis meets the World Health Organization criteria for a neglected tropical disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2026;20(6):e0014425. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0014425.
- Flinders University. Global push to recognise threat of toxoplasmosis [Internet]. Adelaide (AU): Flinders University; 2026 Jun 26 [cited 2026 Jul 12]. Available at: news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2026/06/26/global-push-to-recognise-threat-of-toxoplasmosis/
