Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
09:56
Toxoplasma gondii Cyst Wall Formation in Activated Bone Marrow-derived Macrophages and Bradyzoite Conditions
Published on: August 12, 2010
16.2K
Modeling Toxoplasma gondii-gut early interactions using a human microphysiological system
Carlos J Ramírez-Flores1,2, Nicole D Hryckowian1, Andrew N Gale1
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|February 4, 2025
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii parasite infection dynamics were studied in mice and human intestinal models. Researchers observed parasite migration and replication in the jejunum, advancing understanding of enteric parasitic infections and potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enteric parasitic infections are common, with oral transmission via contaminated food/water.
- No effective vaccines exist for any enteric parasitic infections.
- Limited knowledge exists on parasite cyst stage conversion and intestinal interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the infection dynamics of Toxoplasma gondii cyst-stage in the murine jejunum and human intestinal microphysiological systems.
- To understand parasite ingress, replication, and stage conversion within the intestinal tract.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for enteric parasitic infections.
Main Methods:
- In vivo bioluminescent imaging of mice infected with T. gondii cysts.
- Immunostaining of infected murine intestinal tissues (jejunum and ileum).
- Recapitulation of bradyzoite infection in human intestinal microphysiological systems.
Main Results:
- Bioluminescent imaging revealed infection spots throughout the jejunum and ileum in mice.
- Immunostaining indicated parasite migration and replication primarily in the stroma, with minimal enterocyte involvement.
- Human intestinal microphysiological systems demonstrated stage conversion and migration through collagen.
Conclusions:
- This study elucidates complex host-parasite interactions during T. gondii intestinal infection.
- Microphysiological systems are valuable tools for advancing understanding of enteric parasitic infections.
- The findings highlight potential avenues for developing novel therapeutics against parasitic infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbial Interactions: Parasitism
Parasitism is a form of microbial interaction in which parasitic microbes exploit a host organism for nutrients and shelter, often at the host's expense. Unlike mutualistic relationships, where both organisms benefit, parasitism benefits only the parasite and harms the host.Classification of ParasitesMicrobial parasites are broadly classified based on their location relative to the host.Ectoparasites remain on the host’s surface, such as the skin or outer tissues, drawing nutrients...
01:28Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...