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PAPERS:
A J C Cook, R E Gilbert, W Buffolano, J Zufferey, E Petersen, P A Jenum, W Foulon, A E Semprini, D T Dunn, and Richard Holliman
Sources of toxoplasma infection in pregnant women: European multicentre case-control study • Commentary: Congenital toxoplasmosis---further thought for food
BMJ 2000; 321: 142-147 [Abstract] [Full text]
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Rapid Responses published:

[Read Rapid Response] Maxims
David Carvel   (15 July 2000)
[Read Rapid Response] Toxoplasmosis Related to Serpiginous Chorioditis(Retinitis)?
Mary Lou   (16 July 2000)
[Read Rapid Response] More numbers please
Sarah Ifill   (21 July 2000)

Maxims 15 July 2000
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David Carvel,
General Practitioner
Glasgow G41 3EH

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Re: Maxims

By far the most memorable maxim I heard at medical school was from a microbiologist. He stated that the risk factors for toxoplasmosis were: cats or eating raw meat (or raw cats!). Cook et al disprove the association with cats as their excretion of oocysts is limited to a few weeks.

When one starts losing one's "maxims" one must be getting old.

Toxoplasmosis Related to Serpiginous Chorioditis(Retinitis)? 16 July 2000
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Mary Lou
Home

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Re: Toxoplasmosis Related to Serpiginous Chorioditis(Retinitis)?

Before I was diagnosed with Serpiginous Chorioditis(Retinitous) it was thought that I had Toxoplasmosis.

Since there is no known cause or cure I would be interested to know if any study on pregnant women eating meat that is not properly cooked has been done on the connection to other retina diseases.

More numbers please 21 July 2000
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Sarah Ifill,
midwife
Royal berks Hosp. Reading, England

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Re: More numbers please

Would it be possible to have actual figures for the number of women out of the 1000 in the study who actually contracted Toxoplasmosis. Of those who contracted it from a food source do you know their dietary habits, ie were they regularly eating "risky" FOODS. Of those who contracted the disease how many went on to produce an affected baby? Any answers to any of the questions would be most welcome. I have the task of reassuring many pregnant women who have read your article and now think that Toxoplasmosis is common, when clearly it is not. I would appreciate a response ASAP. Many thaks for your help.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Ifill RGN RM