In: Biology
What parasite causes toxoplasmosis? How is the disease transmitted and what are its typical manifestations?
Toxoplasmosis is due to the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii, a sporozoa.Toxoplasmosis is a ailment transmitted by cats, which are the definitive hosts of the parasite. Cats cast off toxoplasma oocysts in feces; the oocysts are extraordinarily resistant and remain feasible for months within the environment. people are infected when eating water or food infected by means of oocysts or whilst they arrive into touch with infected gadgets. human beings can also end up infected through ingesting the meat of animals inclusive of pigs, cows and sheep, which also can be intermediate hosts. Vertical transmission, from mom to offspring, can also occur.In toxoplasmosis, the cystic shape of the parasite invades tissues of the body, together with the brain and the retina. The infestation is potentially deadly. In congenital toxoplasmosis, the children may additionally present blindness and intellectual retardation. The disorder is in particular extreme while it happens as an opportunistic sickness in AIDS individuals.