Toxoplasmosis-Typical manifestations

Question

What is the parasite which causes toxoplasmosis? How disease transmitted and what are its typical manifestations?

Answer 1

Toxoplasmosis is caused by protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, a sporozoan. Toxoplasmosis is a disease transmitted by the cats that are definitive hosts of the parasite. Cats eliminate toxoplasma oocysts in feces; oocysts are extremely resistant and stay put viable for months in environment. Human beings are infected when ingesting food or water contaminated by the oocysts or when making contact with contaminated objects. Humans can also become infected by the eating meat of animals like cow, pork and sheep, which can be intermediate hosts too. Vertical transmission, from mother to offspring, might also take place. In toxoplasmosis cystic form of parasite invades tissues of body, comprising the brain and the retina. The infestation is potentially fatal. In congenital toxoplasmosis the child might present blindness and mental retardation. The disease is particularly severe when occurring as an opportunistic disease in AIDS patients.