Toxoplasma gondii (Apicomplexa Phylum)

What is the geographic distribution of Toxoplasma gondii?

WORLDWIDE

What is the DEFINITIVE host for toxoplasma gondii?

House cat

What are the INTERMEDIATE hosts for toxoplasma gondii?

HUMANS

Birds & rodents

How is Toxoplasma gondii transmitted?

Inhalation or ingestion of the OOCYST stage

undercooked MEAT or CAT FECES

What are the two infective stages for Toxoplasma gondii and where are they found?

• OOCYSTS in cat feces

• Cyst WITH BRADYOZOITES in undercooked meat

What disease does Toxoplasma gondii cause?

Toxoplasmosis

Who is most at risk for Toxoplasmosis?

PREGNANT WOMEN and Immunocompromised individuals

WHY are pregnant women at high risk for Toxoplasmosis?

NEONATAL transfer

The baby can get infected, causing defects

In Adults, what kind of infection does Toxoplasma gondii cause?

MIMIC mononucleosis

What are the symptoms of Infections from Toxoplasma gondii?

Headache, low fever, malaise, myalgia, and lymphadenopathy

What CONGENITAL effects does Toxoplasma gondii infections have (babies)

Early - MICROCEPHALY, mental retardation

Later - OCULAR problems

Which specimen is used to diagnose for Toxoplasma gondii?

SEROLOGICAL TEST

• antibodies

Which stages of Toxoplasma gondii is used for diagnosis?

Tachyzoites or bradyzoites (inside of tissue cysts)

How are the congenital infections of Toxoplasma gondii diagnosed?

PCR of amniotic fluid

What are the characteristics of the Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii?

• ACTIVE (think tachycardia, high heart rate)

• CRESCENT SHAPED

• 4-6um w a prominent nucleus

What are the characteristics of Bradyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii?

DORMANT phase (brady just sounds round and sleepy)

Bradyzoites are FOUND INSIDE OF CYSTS