What are the characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii?
Symptoms may include headache, disorientation, drowsiness, hemiparesis, reflex changes, and convulsions. Coma and death may ensue. Prenatally acquired T gondii often infects the brain and retina and can cause a wide spectrum of clinical disease.
Why are cats considered the definitive host of T. gondii?
Because T. gondii can sexually reproduce only within cats, cats are therefore the definitive host of T. gondii. All other hosts – in which only asexual reproduction can occur – are intermediate hosts.
Where does Toxoplasma gondii live in humans?
Toxoplasma gondii has been found in the kidneys, bladder and intestine of infected humans. There have been rare cases of organ transplant recipients acquiring toxoplasmosis infection.
What is the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii?
There are three infectious stages in the life cycle of T. gondii, i.e. tachyzoites, bradyzoites contained in tissue cysts, and sporozoites contained in sporulated oocysts (Fig. 1). All three stages are infectious for both intermediate and definitive hosts which may acquire a T.
How do humans get Toxoplasma?
How do people get toxoplasmosis? A Toxoplasma infection occurs by one of the following: Eating undercooked, contaminated meat (especially pork, lamb, and venison) or shellfish (for example, oysters, clams or mussels).
Is cat poop toxic?
That cat poop can pose a health risk to humans no longer surprises us. Some cats carry a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Infected cats shed embryonic T. gondii, called oocysts, in their feces.
Is Toxoplasma a coccidia?
Toxoplasma gondii and Eimeria spp. are widely prevalent Coccidian parasites that undergo sexual reproduction during their life cycle.
Can I clean the litter box while pregnant if I wear a mask?
In this photo, Dr. Katie is demonstrating proper personal protective equipment for litter box cleaning if you are pregnant. Pregnant women who clean the litter box should wear gloves and a mask, and thoroughly wash their hands when finished. Masks and disposable gloves are available at many stores and online.
What is the meaning of heteroxenous?
Definition of heteroxenous. : infesting more than one kind of host especially : requiring at least two kinds of host to complete the life cycle —used of various parasites (as the malaria parasites or the liver flukes)
What is democracy?
Meaning “rule by the people,” democracy is a system of government that not only allows but requires the participation of the people in the political process to function properly. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, in his famed 1863 Gettysburg Address may have best-defined democracy as a “…government of the people, by the people, for the people…”
What is heterogeneous?
composed of parts of different kinds; having widely dissimilar elements or constituents: The party was attended by a heterogeneous group of artists, politicians, and social climbers.
What is a Western democracy?
Western democracies 3 : an organization or situation in which everyone is treated equally and has equal rights The company is not a democracy; decisions are made by a board of directors, not the workers. There is democracy within the company.