Teratogenic parasites: disease mechanisms and emerging study models

Congenital infections are a leading preventable cause of pregnancy complications impacting both mother and fetus. Although advancements have been made in understanding various congenital infections, the mechanisms of parasitic infections during pregnancy remain poorly understood. This review covers the global incidence of three parasites capable of congenital transmission - Trypanosoma cruzi, Plasmodium spp., and Toxoplasma gondii - and the state of research into their transplacental transmission strategies. We highlight technological advancements in placental modeling that offer opportunities to reveal how parasites cause gestational pathology. Additionally, we discuss the likelihood that selective adaptation contributed to the evolution of mechanisms that facilitate placental infection. These insights provide a foundation for understanding the progression and pathology of congenital parasitic diseases and identifying future research directions.