I-C. Protozoology | 29. Toxoplasma

Question 1

I. Toxoplasma
1. What are the features of toxoplasma

Answer 1

• Toxoplasma gondii is causative agent of toxoplasmosis
• Toxoplasma - Diseases caused by non-vector mediated pathogens

Question 2

I. Toxoplasma
2. What is the route of transmission of Toxoplasma gondii?

Answer 2

• oocyst contaminated water, food
• cyst containing meat (not cooked well)
• transfusion
• transplacentary

Question 3

I. Toxoplasma
3. What is pathomechanism of Toxoplasma gondii?

Answer 3

• tachyzoite forms from oocyst, which can infect many
  organs (tissue destruction)
• encystation in tissues (bradyzoite = cyst)

Question 4

I. Toxoplasma
4. What are signs and symptoms of Toxoplasma gondii?

Answer 4

• may stay asymptomatic
• acute infection: fevere, muscle pain, lymphadenitis
• chronic lymphadenitis, myocarditis, encephalomyelitis
• in AIDS patients reactication can occur (sever encephalitis)

Question 5

I. Toxoplasma
5. What is the features of congenital form of Toxoplasma gondii?

Answer 5

1. premature birth
2. severe congenital anomalies
   - microcephaly, hydrocephaly
   - later chorioretinitis

Question 6

I. Toxoplasma
6. What is the diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii?

Answer 6

serology (Ig classes, titer change!)

Question 7

I. Toxoplasma
7. What is the therapy of Toxoplasma gondii?

Answer 7

• in congenital form sulfonamide, pyrimethamine (teratogenic!)
• spiramycine (for pregnant women)
• pyrimethamine + sulfadiazin (for AIDS patients)

Question 8

I. Toxoplasma
9. What are the risk groups of Toxoplasma gondii?

Answer 8

IDS immunocompromised and pregnant women (can cross placenta)
- Cause blindess, retardation, encephalitis, abortions of child → ocngenital toxoplasmosis
mediated pathogens

Question 9

I. Toxoplasma
10. What is the lifecycle of Toxoplasma gondii?

Answer 9

• Develop in cat → infectious cysts in 3-4 days in environment → intaken by humans/other animals