Toxoplasma Flashcards
1
Q
Toxoplasma summary
A
- apicomplexan family
- obligate intracellular protozoan parasite
- affects about 1/3 human population
- warm-blooded animals or birds
- 1908 discovered
2
Q
Asexual stage of toxoplasma - bradyzoite
A
- bradyzoite (slow)
- intermediate hosts
- slow multiplication rates
- forms cysts in neural and muscular tissues
- persist and cause chronic disease
2
Q
sexual stages of toxoplasma
A
- only in cat
- oocysts form in intestinal epithelium, sporulate within 3 week period
- shed in cat faeces
2
Q
Asexual stage of toxoplasma - tachyzoite
A
- tachyzoite (fast), intermediate hosts, rapid intracellular growth and accumulation
- targets any nucleated cell, acute disease
- Tg1 immune response keeps infection in check, toxo secretes a molecule that enhances Th1 response - cyclophilin 18
3
Q
Why does toxoplasma use cats
A
- lineloic acicd requied for sex reproduction
4
Q
A
