TOXOPLASMA GONDI, UN ENEMIGO OCULTO

• DOI: 10.37572/EdArt_3007256042

• Palavras-chave: Toxoplasmosis ; Prevención; zoonosis; Toxoplasma gondii

• Keywords: Toxoplasmosis; Prevention; Zoonosis; Toxoplasma gondii

• Abstract:

  Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite widely distributed across the world. Human transmission occurs mainly through the ingestion of contaminated and undercooked meat, or through the consumption of water or vegetables contaminated with cat feces and poorly washed. Additionally, if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, the parasite can be transmitted to the fetus. In Argentina, more than one-third of the population is infected, and in most cases, this is due to a lack of information. This project aimed to raise awareness and disseminate information about this underrecognized public health issue through preventive and educational actions targeted at girls and adolescents in our city. Various activities were carried out under the umbrella of the framework project "Toxoplasma: the hidden enemy." To achieve this, work groups were organized and informational talks, workshops, and video screenings were conducted with the goal of preventing the disease by dispelling myths and false beliefs. The project followed a structured methodology, divided into four phases. Among the 242 fourth- and fifth-year students surveyed across different schools, it was found that only 25% initially understood what the disease is, 15% knew how it is transmitted, 5% recognized its symptoms, and 75% did not know how to prevent it. By the final phase of the project, 90% of the students were able to identify the disease, 75% knew at least one transmission route, 25% recognized symptoms, and 50% were familiar with at least one method of prevention. The results demonstrate the importance of continuing to create educational opportunities to inform the community about this type of zoonosis, with the aim of preventing the pathologies it can cause.