Toxoplasma Gondii

This second edition of Toxoplasma gondii reflects the significant advances in the field in the last 5 years including new information on the genomics, epigenomics and proteomics of T. gondii as well as a new understanding of the population biology and genetic diversity of this organism. T gondii remains the best model system for studying the entire Apicomplexa group of protozoans, which includes Malaria, making this new edition essential for a broad group of researchers and scientists.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a one-celled protozoan parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii.. The infection produces a wide range of clinical syndromes in humans, land and sea mammals, and various bird species. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 30% of cats, the primary carriers, have been infected by T. gondii. Approx 1 in 4 (more than 60 million) people in the USA are infected with the parasite, and in the UK between 0.5 and 1% of individuals become infected each year. By the age of 50, 40% of people test positive for the parasite. Most humans contract toxoplasmosis by eating contaminated raw or undercooked meat (particularly pork), vegetables, or milk products, by coming into contact with the T. gondii eggs from cat feaces, or by drinking contaminated water. The parasite damages the ocular and central nervous systems causing behavioral and personality alterations as well as fatal necrotizing encephalitis. It is especially dangerous for the fetus of an infected pregnant woman and for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as HIV infected patients.