Developing an Integrated Medical-Veterinary Data Framework for Investigating Human Toxoplasmosis: A One Health Perspective.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is an insidious globally distributed zoonosis accounting for approximately one-fifth of all foodborne illnesses in humans in Europe. It stands as a classic example of a disease transmitted through the close interconnection between humans, animals, and the environment. Accordingly, mitigation strategies and health management protocols demand cross-sectoral involvement from medical, veterinary, environmental, and political actors, rendering the adoption of a 'One Health' perspective essential. Despite longstanding advocacy for One Health by the WHO, WOAH, and FAO, national health authorities have yet to establish the necessary operational infrastructure. Specifically, there is a lack of tools to enable information sharing among professionals, which is essential for the synergistic management of major health issues. A four-part epidemiological data collection tool specifically developed for human toxoplasmosis is proposed here to aid in the identification of risk factors and potential sources of infection. The proposed framework comprises four sequential sections intended to be completed through contribution from the patient, the attending physician, the involved veterinarian, and the national reference laboratory for toxoplasmosis. This questionnaire serves as a conceptual, non-validated tool designed to support a One Health-oriented epidemiological investigation process. Its practical performance, feasibility, and potential usefulness in routine surveillance or prevention strategies have not yet been assessed and will require validation in future studies. Nonetheless, the framework may serve as a model for the development of similar integrative tools applicable to other zoonotic diseases.