Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
06:33
3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
Published on: December 9, 2014
A review on human toxoplasmosis.
Geita Saadatnia1, Majid Golkar
1Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 27, 2012
Summary
Toxoplasmosis, a widespread parasitic infection affecting a third of the global population, poses risks to fetuses and immunocompromised individuals. Effective diagnosis, including PCR and serologic assays, is crucial for managing this significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent infection caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, affecting at least one-third of the human population.
- Maternal infection can lead to severe fetal complications, including congenital defects and intrauterine death.
- Reactivation in immunocompromised individuals (e.g., AIDS, transplant recipients) can cause fatal toxoplasmic encephalitis and is a leading cause of retinochoroiditis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review general aspects of *Toxoplasma* infection.
- To focus on diagnostic methods for *Toxoplasma* infection in medical laboratories.
- To highlight the importance of timely diagnosis for disease management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on *Toxoplasma* infection.
- Focus on laboratory diagnostic techniques.
- Discussion of PCR and serologic assays.
Main Results:
- Laboratory diagnosis, including PCR and serologic assays, is essential for identifying congenital toxoplasmosis.
- These methods aid in the confirmatory diagnosis of toxoplasmic encephalitis and ocular toxoplasmosis.
- Despite often being asymptomatic, the parasite's burden necessitates robust diagnostic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Effective diagnostic methods are vital for managing *Toxoplasma* infection.
- PCR and serologic assays are key tools in diagnosing congenital, neurological, and ocular forms of toxoplasmosis.
- Continued focus on diagnostic advancements is necessary to combat the global impact of this parasite.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
01:36Types of Toxins
Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
01:23Toxicity Testing in Animals
Toxicity tests in animals are grounded on two main assumptions: first, the effects observed in laboratory animals can be extrapolated to humans, especially when adjusted for body surface area; second, high-dose exposure in animals is essential to identify potential human hazards from lower doses. This is based on the quantal dose-response concept, which faces the challenge of extrapolating results from relatively few test animals to much larger human populations. For example, a 0.01% incidence...
01:26Toxic Reactions: Overview
When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...