Undercooked meat could cause brain cancer, scientists say

Undercooked or raw meat is a major risk factor for parasitic infections such as trichinellosis, salmonella and listeria, but the latest research has revealed an even more sinister link between consumption of contaminated meat and health risks .

A study recently published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that a particular parasite found in undercooked meat and dirty water may be associated with a rare form of brain cancer in humans. (Related: The 7 healthiest foods to eat right now.)

Research by James Hodge of the American Cancer Society and Anna Coghill of the Department of Cancer Epidemiology at the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute in Florida has identified Toxoplasma gondii, or T. gondii, as a parasite that can cause cysts and inflammation in the brain, which in turn can lead to highly fatal gliomas.

The study observed more than 750 people in the United States and Norway and found that there was a positive association between those who tested positive for antibodies against T. gondii, meaning they had recently been infected with the parasite, and the risk of gliomas. In addition, the association was stronger for those who had a higher number of antibodies.

However, that does not mean that all people who have been exposed to the parasite are at equal risk, the study authors said in a statement to CNN.

“This does not mean that T. gondii definitely causes glioma in all situations. Some people with glioma don’t have antibodies against T. gondii, and vice versa, ”Hodge said. “The results suggest that individuals more exposed to the T. gondii parasite are more likely to develop glioma,” Coghill added. “However, it should be noted that the absolute risk of being diagnosed with glioma remains low, and these findings need to be replicated in a larger and more diverse group of individuals.”

So what is T. gondii and how do you get it? It is a common parasite that usually infects people when they ingest raw meat or water from raw meat, but can also occur as a result of exposure to contaminated cat feces and even be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. The resulting infection is called toxoplasmosis, which can cause flu-like symptoms in some, while most never show any signs or symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Exposure to this parasite is quite common. The CDC estimates that about 11% of the U.S. population aged 6 and over had been infected at some point.

To learn more, check out this list of the foods most likely to cause food poisoning and the 7 food safety tips doctors want you to know. do not forget to Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest food safety and health news straight to your inbox.