Toxoplasma gondii (Toxoplasmosis)
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular, parasitic protozoan that causes the disease toxoplasmosis. Found worldwide, T. gondii is capable of infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals, but felids such as domestic cats are the only known definitive hosts in which the parasite can undergo sexual reproduction. Cleaning cat litter boxes is a potential route of infection. Transmission is by ingesting cysts in undercooked meat. It is part of ToRCHeS infections and if transmission occurs in a pregnant woman, the fetus can acquire congenital toxoplasmosis consisting of the triad of chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, and intracranial calcifications.