Serological evidence of human exposure to foodborne zoonotic parasites in Romanian patients and possible association with food habits and hygiene.

Humans may become accidental dead-end hosts for a series of zoonotic foodborne parasites, of which , spp., spp., and are of major public health interest, due to their potential pathological implications. The aims of the study were to evaluate the exposure to these pathogens in north-western Romania, and to investigate their potential association to risk factors. From June 2022 to January 2024, 554 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in north-western Romania were screened for the presence of IgG antibodies against , spp., , and by ELISA, and potential risks were assessed using a questionnaire. Overall, 225 samples (40.6%) were positive for at least one pathogen. The highest seroprevalence for IgG was found for (33.9%), followed by spp. (9.1%), (2.9%) and (1.1%). For , raw meat consumption was associated with positivity. For increased age, rural environment, contact with cats, consumption of unwashed fruits/vegetables and drinking water from unverified sources were significantly associated to seropositivity. The present study provides new insights into the epidemiological status of zoonotic foodborne parasite in Romania, underlining the need to increase awareness on the importance of water, sanitation and food habits in relation with this neglected pathology.