TOXOPLASMOSIS OVERVIEW

Abstract

Introduction Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite of mammals, is transmitted when oocytes excreted by cats or present in undercooked meat are ingested. Invasive forms enter the bloodstream to reach the brain, heart and lungs, where they form cystic aggregates that remain latent, but are subject to reactivation throughout the life of the host. In many communities most people have been infected by early childhood, but otherwise healthy persons do not develop clinically evident disease. In HIV-infected patients, however, toxoplasmosis holds serious implications