The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Kinshasa organized on February 16, 2023, in the Prof. KINDELE auditorium, a scientific morning "One Health: Toxoplasmosis".
This scientific activity, which saw the participation of students and teachers from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine as well as the One Health Club of UNIKIN students, had the following sub-themes: (1) State of play of animal toxoplasmosis in some African countries and (2) Toxoplasma infection in humans: clinical forms and risk factors, respectively presented by Dr MADIMBA KAPANGA (Parasitology Department/Fac. Veterinary Medicine) and Dr Nadine NSIANGANI (Ophthalmology Department/Fac. Medicine).
Developing the first sub-theme, Dr. MADIMBA first recalled some generalities on the history, classification, biology as well as the modes of parasitic infestation of Toxoplasma gondii, the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis. From his intervention, it should also be noted that animal toxoplasmosis is present in several countries of the continent, with high prevalence in the humid tropical zone and benefits from a vast zoological distribution with several species of domestic and/or wild mammals and host-receptive birds. An abortive disease with serious economic consequences, animal toxoplasmosis remains mainly associated with the following risk factors for infestation: the breeding method, the animal species, age and sex, feeding habits as well as environmental conditions. However, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, very little information is available due to a lack of studies. New studies are therefore necessary to deepen knowledge on this disease with obvious zoonotic potential, he added.

Speaking on behalf of the 2nd sub-theme, Dr Nadine NSIANGANI indicated that nearly a third of the world's human population is affected by toxoplasmosis, the main modes of contamination of which are the ingestion of food contaminated by T. gondii oocysts, the consumption of meat containing parasitic cysts as well as congenital (transplacental) contamination of the fetus.
As for clinical manifestations, it has been clearly stated that toxoplasmosis remains an asymptomatic disease in most cases. However, some signs are observed in the clinical form in immunodeficient individuals, the congenital form in the fetus and newborn, as well as in the ocular form, the latter being the most frequent manifestation that can progress to total blindness.
Risk factors remain mainly dominated by the consumption of unwashed vegetables, the presence of a cat at home, the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, and socio-economic and environmental factors.
After the series of questions and answers and additional information and before completely closing this activity, all participants were encouraged, each in their own way, to raise awareness among those around them and to adopt behavior that tends to minimize the risk of infestation of this zoonotic parasite in our environments, and this, in a One Health approach.