Birds as a potential source of human infection by Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic zoonosis. It is assumed that one out of three people worldwide will become infected with Toxoplasma gondii during their lifetime.. Infection is the most dangerous for people who are immunosuppressed and for susceptible pregnant women. Domestic and wild animals are the natural reservoir of T. gondii. Birds are also an important reservoir of this parasite. Infections have been noted in poultry, birds living in the wild as well as pet birds.:In birds toxoplasmosis usually takes an asymptomatic course. Experimental studies have shown that birds are congenitally immune to toxoplasmosis, The source of toxoplasmosis for humans may be an edible products of poultry and wild game-birds origin. The most important element in the epidemiological chain: of toxoplasmosis is poultry which is bred in an extensive system. Free living birds are a valid vector in the distribution of, T. gondii and in supporting the natural focal points of toxoplasmosis. Persons professionally contacting birds are the most exposed to the transmission of toxoplasmosis from birds.