Toxoplasma Gondii: A Review of Parasitology, Pathology, and Epidemiology
Toxoplasma gondii: A Review of Parasitology, Pathology, and Epidemiology
Toxoplasma gondii: A Review of Parasitology, Pathology, and Epidemiology
Parasites are naturally “clever,” yet insidious organisms. You may have a parasite inside you right now, without even knowing it. An effective parasite lives without being detected because if it is, then measures can be taken to eradicate it. One such parasite is known as Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan first discovered by Nicolle and Manceaux in 1908 (Nguyen, 2006). Since its discovery, T. gondii has been implicated as the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease that may result in a spectrum of consequences. T. gondii continues to be an important disease in the modern world, especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. In order to better understand how T. gondii is able to infect its human hosts, we will explore the parasite’s cellular properties and survival strategies.
Parasitic Characteristics Parasites are amazing organisms because they must develop and survive in unusual and often hostile environments. In the face of such aggressive conditions, parasites have adapted various complex strategies that allow them to survive. Common characteristics of successful parasitic organisms include methods that allow ease of entry into the host, methods to avoid detection by the host immune system, the ability to develop eggs/cysts, the ability to locate a new host, and avoidance of killing the host (Camus & Zalis, 1995). Toxoplasma gondii employs several of these strategies in order to complete its life cycle.
T. gondii is a single-celled eukaryotic protozoan parasite has a characteristic crescent shape.
Toxoplasma gondii: A Review of Parasitology, Pathology, and Epidemiology
Parasites are naturally “clever,” yet insidious organisms. You may have a parasite inside you right now, without even knowing it. An effective parasite lives without being detected because if it is, then measures can be taken to eradicate it. One such parasite is known as Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan first discovered by Nicolle and Manceaux in 1908 (Nguyen, 2006). Since its discovery, T. gondii has been implicated as the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an infectious disease that may result in a spectrum of consequences. T. gondii continues to be an important disease in the modern world, especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. In order to better understand how T. gondii is able to infect its human hosts, we will explore the parasite’s cellular properties and survival strategies.
Parasitic Characteristics Parasites are amazing organisms because they must develop and survive in unusual and often hostile environments. In the face of such aggressive conditions, parasites have adapted various complex strategies that allow them to survive. Common characteristics of successful parasitic organisms include methods that allow ease of entry into the host, methods to avoid detection by the host immune system, the ability to develop eggs/cysts, the ability to locate a new host, and avoidance of killing the host (Camus & Zalis, 1995). Toxoplasma gondii employs several of these strategies in order to complete its life cycle.
T. gondii is a single-celled eukaryotic protozoan parasite has a characteristic crescent shape.
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