Top 5 Takeaways

1. Variability in Case Definitions: The report highlights the significant variation in toxoplasmosis case definitions across six states, affecting disease estimates and comparisons.
2. Challenges in Surveillance: Identifying newly acquired cases is difficult due to asymptomatic acute cases in immunocompetent individuals, reactivations in immunocompromised persons, and late manifestations of congenital infections.
3. Importance of Standardized Case Definitions: A standardized case definition for toxoplasmosis would ensure consistent case counting and improve surveillance data use for disease characterization.
4. Underdiagnosis and Public Health Implications: Toxoplasmosis is likely underdiagnosed, with implications for public health awareness, diagnosis, and control strategies.
5. Surveillance and Public Health Action: Enhancing toxoplasmosis surveillance could increase disease awareness among health professionals and identify prevention and control opportunities.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Anne Straily, astraily@cdc.gov.

Suggested Citation

McCall J, Rothfeldt L, Giesbrecht K, et al. Public Health Surveillance and Reporting for Human Toxoplasmosis — Six States, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:889–893. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7128a1.

Summary

The article provides insights into the state-level surveillance for human toxoplasmosis in six states, emphasizing the lack of a standardized case definition, which results in considerable variability in how cases are identified, reported, and managed across states.

Methods

The investigation included semistructured interviews with health officials in six states where toxoplasmosis is reportable. It explored the surveillance mechanisms, case definitions, and challenges in identifying and reporting cases.

Discussion

The diversity in case definitions and surveillance practices complicates the consistent identification and reporting of toxoplasmosis cases. Implementing a standardized case definition could significantly enhance surveillance quality and data comparability across states.

Conclusion

The report underscores the need for a standardized toxoplasmosis case definition to improve public health surveillance, awareness, and response to this disease. Such standardization would facilitate more accurate disease tracking and contribute to better public health outcomes.

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