Submitted to: Journal of Parasitology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: February 3, 1998
Publication Date: N/A
Interpretive Summary: Infections by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii are widely prevalent in humans and livestock throughout the world. In general, T. gondii infections are more prevalent in mild temperature climates than in a hot and dry environment. Some of these epidemiological differences are related to the survival of the resistant stage of the parasite (oocysts) in the environment.
Technical Abstract:
A scientist at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center has determined survival of T. gondii oocysts under defined conditions. Oocysts survived at room temperature (20-22 C) for more than 4 years, 32 days at 35 C, 40 C for 9 days, 45 C for 1 day, at 50 C for 1 hour but were killed at 60 C in 1 minute. These results will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists and public health workers.
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