Toxoplasma gondii
Quick Summary
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, an infection affecting the central nervous system, spleen, liver, and other organs in animals, birds, and humans worldwide. While an estimated 30-50% of the human population carries antibodies indicating past exposure, overt symptoms are rare in adults, with swollen glands and fever being the most common.1
T. gondii reproduces by fission or internal budding and moves via a gliding motion. It can persist in a host by forming dormant tissue cysts. Transmission occurs through congenital transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus, consumption of undercooked contaminated meat, accidental ingestion of oocysts from contaminated soil or cat litter, and rarely through blood transfusions or organ transplants. Toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health issues in infants, including jaundice, encephalitis, mental defects, and eye disease.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
