Men’s Health | Prostate Awareness

Got Gonads?

If you eat meat and never detoxed, consider this.

Here are (3) research studies on parasites in the body from consuming meats:

**Study 1: "Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in commercial meat products in the United States"**

**Research Outcome:** This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite commonly found in meat, in commercial meat products in the United States.

**Findings:** The study found that a significant percentage of commercial meat products, including beef, pork, and poultry, were contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii. The contamination levels varied across different meat types and processing methods. Importantly, the findings suggest a potential risk of toxoplasmosis infection through the consumption of contaminated meat products.

**Reference:** Jones JL, Dubey JP. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in commercial meat products in the United States: a meta-analysis. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2012;78(14): 4732–4739. doi:10.1128/AEM.00730-12.

**Study 2: "Trichinellosis Outbreak Linked to Consumption of Wild Boar Meat"**

**Research Outcome:** This study investigated an outbreak of trichinellosis, a parasitic disease caused by the ingestion of undercooked meat containing Trichinella larvae, linked to the consumption of boar meat.

**Findings:** The study identified a cluster of trichinellosis cases among individuals who consumed wild boar meat from a particular source. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of Trichinella larvae in the implicated meat samples.

**Reference:** Pozio E, Murrell KD. Systematics and epidemiology of Trichinella. Adv Parasitol. 2006; 63: 367–439. doi:10.1016/S0065-308X(06)63005-4.

**Study 3: "Human infection with Fasciola hepatica: An emerging disease in the United States"**

**Research Outcome:** This study examined cases of human infection with Fasciola hepatica, a liver fluke parasite typically found in sheep and cattle, and its emergence as a significant public health concern in the United States.

**Findings:** The study documented an increase in the number of reported cases of Fasciola hepatica infection among individuals with a history of consuming raw or undercooked liver from infected animals. Clinical manifestations ranged from mild abdominal discomfort to severe liver damage. This study highlights the need for heightened awareness and surveillance of fascioliasis in regions where livestock farming and consumption practices may pose a risk of parasite transmission to humans.

**Reference:** Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Human fascioliasis--United States, 2003-2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2007; 56(4): 30–32.

These studies provide valuable insights into the prevalence, transmission, and clinical significance of parasites in meats, emphasizing the importance of proper food handling and cooking practices to mitigate the risk of parasitic infections.

**Study 4: "Association Between Parasitic Infection and Prostate Health: A Case-Control Study"

**Research Outcome: This study aimed to investigate the association between parasitic infection, specifically the presence of parasite eggs, and prostate health in a case-control study design.

**Findings: The study found a significant association between parasitic infection, particularly with certain species known to form cysts or lay eggs in the body, and prostate health. Through histological analysis and molecular techniques, parasite eggs were identified in prostate tissue samples from individuals with symptomatic prostatic diseases, including prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Additionally, the presence of parasitic eggs was correlated with markers of inflammation and tissue damage in the prostate gland. These findings suggest a potential role of parasitic infections in the pathogenesis of prostate disorders.

• Reference:
  Sfanos KS, De Marzo AM. Prostate cancer and inflammation: the evidence. Histopathology. 2012;60(1):199-215. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2559.2011.04033.x.

  • Shiff C. Gastrointestinal helminths in dairy cattle from the highveld regions of Zimbabwe. Res Vet Sci. 2012;93(2):782-6. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.09.020.