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Toxoplasma antibodies and retinochoroiditis in the Marshall Islands and their association with exposure to radioactive fallout

Journal Article · · Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6585541

Nearly universal serologic evidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection was found to have occurred by adulthood in 517 Marshallese tested in 1981-1982. The prevalence and incidence of retinal lesions compatible with toxoplasmosis were 3.9% and 273 cases/year/100,000 seropositive persons, respectively, thus indicating a significant public health problem. Seronegativity was significantly more common in a subgroup of Marshallese that had received 110-190 rads of total-body gamma radiation as a consequence of accidental exposure to radioactive fallout in 1954. Despite this finding there was no evidence of an increase in clinically significant lesions in exposed persons.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY
OSTI ID:
6585541
Journal Information:
Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg.; (United States) Vol. 2; ISSN AJTHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English