Cat parasite infecting third of humans is ‘major cause of vision loss’, scientists warn

Key Points:

• A groundbreaking study warns that up to one-third of the global population could be infected with toxoplasmosis, a parasite from cats that can cause retina-damaging eye infections and permanent vision loss.
• Researchers urge the World Health Organization (WHO) to formally recognize toxoplasmosis as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) to improve prevention, management, and funding for research.
• The parasite is transmitted through undercooked meat, contaminated food or water, and exposure to cat feces, with infection primarily affecting communities lacking access to healthcare, safe food, clean water, and prenatal care.
• Preventing the disease requires integrated veterinary strategies, improved farm safety, stray cat management, and better sanitation, alongside public health measures such as enhanced food safety and antenatal care.
• Formal WHO recognition would enable coordinated global efforts under the One Health agenda, promoting collaboration across human, animal, agricultural, and environmental sectors to reduce the disease's impact.