Toxoplasma
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans.[1][2]
| Toxoplasma gondii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| T. gondii tachyzoites | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Subclass: | |
| Order: | Eucoccidiorida |
| Family: | Sarcocystidae |
| Genus: | Toxoplasma |
| Binomial name | |
| Toxoplasma gondii | |
In humans, it is one of the most common parasites.[3] Blood test show that up to a third of the world population has been or is infected with T. gondii. Infection rates differ greatly from country to country.[4]
Although mild, flu-like symptoms occasionally occur during the first few weeks, infection with T. gondii generally produces no symptoms in healthy human adults.[5] But in infants, HIV/AIDS patients, and others with weakened immunity, infection can cause serious and occasionally fatal illness (toxoplasmosis).[2][5]p77
Infection in humans and other warm-blooded animals can occur
- by eating raw or undercooked meat containing T. gondii tissue cysts.[6][7]
- by drinking water or eating anything contaminated with oocysts.[8] in the faeces of an infected animal.[7]
- from a blood transfusion or organ transplant
- or by transmission from mother to foetus across the placenta.[7]
The parasite can only sexually reproduce in the intestines of members of the cat family (felids).[9] Felids are therefore the definitive hosts of T. gondii, with all other hosts defined as 'intermediate hosts'.
