Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

A Genetic Screen to Isolate Toxoplasma gondii Host-cell Egress Mutants
Published on: February 8, 2012
Speculation on possible life cycles for the clonal lineages in the genus toxoplasma
1Molecular Parasitology Unit, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Technology. Sydney, Westbourne Street, Gore Hill, NSW 2065, Australia. allan.johnson@uts.edu.au
Abstract:
Recent evidence suggests that the strains currently classified in the genus Toxoplasma, ie. within the species Toxoplasma gondii, may actually comprise at least two clonal lineages correlated with their virulence in mice. Here, Alan Johnson reviews these data in the context of evolution and speciation within the genus, and raises hypotheses on how the virulent lineage may undergo an asexual life cycle in nature, similar to that found for the very closely related coccidian, Neospora camnum. The putative vertical transmission life cycle of this mouse virulent lineage of T. gondii could involve passage to the foetus late in pregnancy, or transmission in milk to the neonate after birth.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Toxoplasmosis
Diversity of Protists IV
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Diversity of Protists I
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
Diversity of Protists II

