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Questions and Answers
What type of organism is Toxoplasma gondii?
Which animals are the known definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii?
What is the suspected reason for Toxoplasma gondii's manipulation of rodent behavior?
What is the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on general anxiety in mice?
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What is the mechanism behind Toxoplasma gondii-induced behavioral changes in rodents?
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What is the typical symptom of T.gondii infection in healthy human adults?
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What is the estimated percentage of the global population that has been exposed to T.gondii?
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What is the primary location where T.gondii sexually reproduces?
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What is the highest reported IgG seroprevalence of T.gondii infection?
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What is the role of infected cats in the life cycle of T.gondii?
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Study Notes
Toxoplasma Gondii Overview
- Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasitic protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis and is found worldwide.
- It can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals, but felids (cats) are the only known definitive hosts where the parasite can undergo sexual reproduction.
Host-Parasite Interactions
- In rodents, T. gondii alters behavior, increasing the chances of being preyed upon by felids.
- Infected rodents have a decreased aversion to cat urine, and infection in mice lowers general anxiety and increases explorative behaviors.
Mechanisms of Behavioral Changes
- T. gondii-induced behavioral changes in rodents occur through epigenetic remodeling in neurons that govern relevant behaviors.
- Hypomethylation of arginine vasopressin-related genes in the medial amygdala decreases predator aversion.
Human Infection and Impact
- In humans, particularly infants and those with weakened immunity, T. gondii infection can cause a serious case of toxoplasmosis.
- Otherwise, healthy human adults are asymptomatic, but may experience mild, flu-like symptoms in the first few weeks following exposure.
- Asymptomatic infection is associated with subtle behavioral, psychiatric, and personality alterations in humans.
Behavioral Changes in Humans
- Infected humans may exhibit decreased aversion to cat urine (with divergent trajectories by gender).
- There is an increased risk of schizophrenia, but the evidence is debated and newer studies have found these associations to be weak.
Epidemiology and Prevalence
- T. gondii is one of the most common parasites in developed countries.
- Up to 50% of the global population has been exposed to, and may be chronically infected with, T. gondii.
- Infection rates differ significantly from country to country, with Ethiopia having the highest IgG seroprevalence at 64.2% as of 2018.
Life Cycle
- The life cycle of T. gondii consists of a sexual component within cats (felids) and an asexual component in virtually all warm-blooded animals.
- Cats are the definitive hosts, and all other hosts are intermediate hosts where only asexual reproduction occurs.
Structure and Organelles
- T. gondii contains organelles called rhoptries and micronemes, as well as other organelles.
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Description
Learn about the parasitic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, its hosts, and its effects on animal behavior. Discover how it infects warm-blooded animals and its role in toxoplasmosis. Test your knowledge of this fascinating parasite!
