Toxoplasma gondii

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Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii (pronunciation: /tɒksoʊˈplæzmə ˈɡɒndiaɪ/) is a parasite that causes the disease toxoplasmosis.

Etymology

The name Toxoplasma gondii derives from the Greek words toxon, meaning bow, and plasma, meaning form. The species name gondii is in honor of the Brazilian physician and researcher Alfonso Splendore, who first isolated the parasite in the gundi (a type of rodent) in North Africa.

Description

Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled protozoan parasite that can infect most animals and birds, but its primary host is the felid (cat) family. In humans, it can cause a disease known as toxoplasmosis, which can be particularly severe in individuals with weakened immune systems and in pregnant women.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii involves sexual reproduction in the feline host, followed by asexual reproduction in the intermediate host. The parasite is transmitted to humans through ingestion of contaminated food or water, contact with cat feces, or vertical transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy.

Related Terms

  • Toxoplasmosis: A disease caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii.
  • Oocyst: A form of the parasite that is excreted by cats and can survive in the environment for long periods.
  • Tachyzoite: A rapidly multiplying stage of the parasite that can cause acute infection.
  • Bradyzoite: A slowly multiplying stage of the parasite that can form tissue cysts and cause chronic infection.

External links

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