The life-cycle of Toxoplasma gondii reviewed using animations

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an infection with high prevalence worldwide. Most of the infected individuals are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, but T. gondii can cause severe neurologic damage and even death of the fetus when acqui...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Parasites & vectors 2020-11, Vol.13 (1), p.1-588, Article 588
Main Authors: Attias, Márcia, Teixeira, Dirceu E, Benchimol, Marlene, Vommaro, Rossiane C, Crepaldi, Paulo Henrique, De Souza, Wanderley
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biology
Birds
Chagas disease
Computer animation
Cysts
Educational aspects
Feces
Fetuses
Foetus
Host-parasite relationships
Immunodeficiency
Infections
Life cycles (Biology)
Morphology
Parasites
Physiological aspects
Pregnancy
Proteins
Protozoa
Review
Students
Symptoms
Teachers
Toxoplasma
Toxoplasma gondii
Toxoplasmosis
Transmission electron microscopy
Tropical diseases
Video
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Summary:Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, an infection with high prevalence worldwide. Most of the infected individuals are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, but T. gondii can cause severe neurologic damage and even death of the fetus when acquired during pregnancy. It is also a serious condition in immunodeficient patients. The life-cycle of T. gondii is complex, with more than one infective form and several transmission pathways. In two animated videos, we describe the main aspects of this cycle, raising questions about poorly or unknown issues of T. gondii biology. Original plates, based on electron microscope observations, are also available for teachers, students and researchers. The main goal of this review is to provide a source of learning on the fundamental aspects of T. gondii biology to students and teachers contributing for better knowledge and control on this important parasite, and unique cell model. In addition, drawings and videos point to still unclear aspects of T. gondii lytic cycle that may stimulate further studies.
ISSN:1756-3305
1756-3305
DOI:10.1186/s13071-020-04445-z