Toxoplasmosis. A Ubiquitous Zoonosis-From Discovery to Modern Management

Toxoplasmosis, caused by the obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, represents one of the most successful and widespread zoonotic parasitic diseases globally, infecting approximately one-third of the human population. While typically asymptomatic in immunocompetent hosts, this infection poses significant morbidity and mortality risks in congenitally exposed fetuses and immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplants. This comprehensive review explores the full spectrum of toxoplasmosis, beginning with its historical discovery in ۱۹۰۸ and progressing through detailed parasite morphology, complex life cycle involving felids as definitive hosts, and diverse transmission pathways including foodborne, zoonotic, and congenital routes. The article provides an in-depth analysis of clinical manifestations across different patient populations, from acute acquired toxoplasmosis to devastating congenital syndrome and life-threatening encephalitis. Advanced diagnostic approaches are discussed, including serological profiling with avidity testing, molecular techniques such as quantitative PCR and the novel LAMP DNA chromatography method, and neuroimaging correlates. Current treatment protocols, prevention strategies based on the One Health concept, and recent advances in understanding host-parasite immune interactions are also presented.

کلیدواژه ها:

Toxoplasma gondii ، toxoplasmosis ، zoonosis ، congenital infection