Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite *Toxoplasma gondii* Acquired primarily through the ingestion of undercooked cyst-containing meat or food and water contaminated with feline oocysts, the infection is typically asymptomatic or presents as a mild, self-limited flu-like illness with lymphadenopathy in immunocompetent individuals However, the parasite establishes lifelong latency in tissue cysts, posing significant risks of reactivation in...

Acquired primarily through the ingestion of undercooked cyst-containing meat or food and water contaminated with feline oocysts, the infection is typically asymptomatic or presents as a mild, self-limited flu-like illness with lymphadenopathy in immunocompetent individuals

However, the parasite establishes lifelong latency in tissue cysts, posing significant risks of reactivation in immunocompromised hosts—such as individuals with advanced HIV disease or organ transplant recipients—often resulting in necrotizing toxoplasmic encephalitis, chorioretinitis, pneumonitis, or disseminated disease

Additionally, primary maternal infection during pregnancy can lead to congenital toxoplasmosis via vertical transmission, frequently causing severe fetal central nervous system damage, ocular defects, or intrauterine demise