Toxoplasma Infection

Toxoplasmosis is the result of infection by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite in the phylum Apicomplexa. The major forms of the parasite are: Oocysts (containing sporozoites), which are shed in the feces. Tachyzoites, rapidly multiplying organisms found in the tissues. Bradyzoites, slowly multiplying organisms found in the tissues. Tissue cysts: walled structures, often found in the muscles and central nervous system (CNS), containing dormant T. gondii bradyzoites. Geographic Distribution Toxoplasmosis is found worldwide. Infections are particularly common in warm, humid climates and at lower altitudes. Transmission and life cycle Transmission Carnivores and omnivores, including humans, can become infected when they eat raw or undercooked tissues containing tissue cysts or, occasionally, tachyzoites. Bot