Toxoplasmosis

Basics

Toxoplasma gondii – intracellular protozoan parasite:
- 3 forms:
  - Tachyzoite: Asexual invasive form
  - Tissue cyst: Persists in tissues of infected hosts during chronic phase
  - Oocyst: Contains sporozoites and produced during sexual cycle in cat intestine
Transmission:
- Ingesting tissue cysts or oocysts:
  - Ingesting undercooked meat
  - Vegetables contaminated with oocysts
  - Contact with cat feces, through cat or soil
- Transplacental
- Blood product
- Organ transplantation

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