Toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, contracted from cat feces, consumption of unfiltered water, or undercooked meat. Infection can also be acquired via vertical transmission and via receipt of an organ transplanted from an infected donor. Up to a third of the world's population is infected, but only a very small percentage manifest symptomatically. Ocular toxoplasmosis is the number one cause of infectious posterior uveitis in the world. While retinochoroiditis is common in all hosts, systemic disease is exceedingly rare in immunocompetent hosts. There are various therapeutic regimens, which often comprise of one or more antimicrobial agents. Those with vision-threatening inflammation, pregnant women, and immunocompromised hosts need to be treated appropriately to prevent loss of sight and life.