Epidemiological study of toxoplasmosis outbreaks in Brazil

In Brazil, notification of toxoplasmosis outbreaks and epidemiological investigation is a mandatory activity of health surveillance. We investigated the risk factors for toxoplasmosis during outbreaks, notifications of outbreaks by the health secretary and reports in the literature. Other factors related to the municipalities were determined through the Institute of Geography and Statistics portal. We found that fruits and vegetables were the most described transmission routes in outbreaks, and oocysts were the most common parasitic form; in recent years; there has been an increase in outbreak notifications. We also found that municipalities with high municipal human development index have a higher number of toxoplasmosis infections during outbreaks. There is a need to raise awareness among the population and producers regarding good water management and quality practices and to facilitate the acquisition of complex data to improve preventive strategies.

Automated summary

The study investigated risk factors for toxoplasmosis during outbreaks in Brazil, finding that fruits and vegetables were the most common transmission routes and municipalities with a high human development index had more infections. Outbreak notifications have increased in recent years, highlighting the need for improved preventive strategies.