Toxoplasmosis Flashcards
Toxoplasmosis is caused by what parasite
What is it?
Toxoplasmosis Gondii
Obligate Intracellular Parasite
What % of UK are infected? What illness does it derive from
80% UK
Food borne Illness
What is the first stage of Toxoplasmosis
Oocytes released into environment
parasites via cat faeces
Once Oocysts are ingested, what happens?
Cysts rupture
Sporozoites released –> Invade gut wall
What do sporozoites turn into after entering gut wall?
Tachyzoites
Tachyzoites go deep into what?
What do they then turn into?
Deep muscle tissue/ organ
Brachyzoites (dormant cyst)
Name 3 routes of human infection
Changing kitty litter
Eating undercooked meat
Contaminated food
In the acute phase, what do trophozoites do?
What does this lead to in terms of immunity?
Trophozoites invade Mesenteric Lymph Nodes = destroy host cells
Immunity developed
In the sub acute phase, whats in conjunction with the parasite?
What does this lead to?
Bacterial / viral infection
Increased damage by trophozites = brain/heart lesions
When the immunity is suppressing the trophozoite production, what occurs? what phase is this?
Bradyzoites form in tissue
No problems + becomes self-limiting
Chronic Phase
If Bradyzoites turn into trophozoites, what is this a sign of? Whos at most risk?
Worsened immunity
IC / Pregnant / Elderly
For Congenital Toxoplasmosis, what diagnostics is done?
PCR - Amplification of parasite DNA in amniotic fluid
CT Scan - Foetus brain
For General Toxoplasmosis, what diagnostics is done
Tissue Biopsy
Serological Testing for Ig
ELISA difficult (sequestered away)
Infection of the uterus in the 1st trimester is called what?
why is the foetus at most risk?
Intrauterine infection of uterus
Foetus doesnt have developed immune system yet
What 4 things arise from 1st Trimester Toxoplasmosis Gondii infection
Intracranial Calcification
Encephalomyelitis
Retinochoroiditis
Hydrocephalus
