TY - JOUR
T1 - Diseases Caused by and Behaviors Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Infection
AU - Akins, Ginger K.H.
AU - Furtado, João M.
AU - Smith, Justine R.
PY - 2024/11
Y1 - 2024/11
N2 - Toxoplasma gondii is an Apicomplexan parasite that is estimated to infect at least one-third of the global human population. T. gondii infection may be transmitted horizontally or vertically. The main risk factors for transmission to humans are related to diet, especially the consumption of undercooked meat, along with soil contact. In immunocompetent persons, the acute infection may go undetected as it typically produces minor, non-specific symptoms that are self-limited. After infection is established, recurrent retinochoroiditis is the most common clinical disease. In contrast, severe systemic or cerebral toxoplasmosis may be life-threatening for immunocompromised individuals. Furthermore, congenital toxoplasmosis acquired in utero may have devastating consequences if not recognized and promptly treated. A growing body of research has identified associations between latent T. gondii infection, and personality traits and risk-taking behaviors. Other studies have documented associations between latent infection and psychiatric conditions that include schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. With no current treatment regimens being curative of T. gondii infection, effective prevention measures at both the public health and individual levels are vitally important.
AB - Toxoplasma gondii is an Apicomplexan parasite that is estimated to infect at least one-third of the global human population. T. gondii infection may be transmitted horizontally or vertically. The main risk factors for transmission to humans are related to diet, especially the consumption of undercooked meat, along with soil contact. In immunocompetent persons, the acute infection may go undetected as it typically produces minor, non-specific symptoms that are self-limited. After infection is established, recurrent retinochoroiditis is the most common clinical disease. In contrast, severe systemic or cerebral toxoplasmosis may be life-threatening for immunocompromised individuals. Furthermore, congenital toxoplasmosis acquired in utero may have devastating consequences if not recognized and promptly treated. A growing body of research has identified associations between latent T. gondii infection, and personality traits and risk-taking behaviors. Other studies have documented associations between latent infection and psychiatric conditions that include schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. With no current treatment regimens being curative of T. gondii infection, effective prevention measures at both the public health and individual levels are vitally important.
KW - bipolar disorder
KW - cerebral toxoplasmosis
KW - congenital toxoplasmosis
KW - ocular toxoplasmosis
KW - personality
KW - risky behavior
KW - schizophrenia
KW - Toxoplasma gondii
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85210165550&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://purl.org/au-research/grants/NHMRC/2025222
U2 - 10.3390/pathogens13110968
DO - 10.3390/pathogens13110968
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85210165550
SN - 2076-0817
VL - 13
JO - Pathogens
JF - Pathogens
IS - 11
M1 - 968
ER -