Toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread infectious disease caused by the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. The disease can be associated with encephalitis and other severe symptoms in immunocompromised people. In immunocompetent children and adults acute infection with T. gondii is usually asymptomatic. Primary infection of the mother during pregnancy can result in infection of the fetus and severe damage to the embryo and newborn. Late damage in children who are primarily inconspicuous is also possible. Pyrimethamine, sulfonamides, clindamycin and spiramycin are primarily used for toxoplasmosis therapy. Preventing infection with T. gondii is a major challenge because of the multiple sources of infection, the extreme frequency and high environmental resistance of the pathogen.