Dictionary > Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii

Definition
noun
A parasitic protozoon of the taxonomic family Sarcocystidae that causes toxoplasmosis
Supplement
Toxoplasma gondii is the only species in the genus Toxoplasma. It is of science and medical importance because it causes toxoplasmosis in humans and many warm-blooded animals. It is an obligate intracellular parasite. Its definitive host are felids such as domestic cats. Its infective stage is the oocysts containing the pathogen in the faeces of cats, usually by contaminated soil, direct exposure to infected faeces, tissue cysts in infected meat or tachyzoites (proliferating forms) in blood. The species was first found in Ctenodactylus gondi (gundi) and named by Nicolle and Manceaux in 1908. Subsequent discoveries of similar organisms parasitizing other animals were later on regarded as only a single species based on the similarity of structure and nonspecificity for hosts.1 The life cycle of the species may be divided into two phases: sexual and asexual. The sexual phase occurs only in the intestines of felids whereas the asexual phase occurs in warm-blooded animals, such as humans, cats, and birds.
Word origin: Ancient Greek tóxon (“bow”) + plásma (“something molded, bow-shaped form”)
Scientific classification:

  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Phylum: Apicomplexa
  • Class: Conoidasida
  • Order: Eucoccidiorida
  • Family: Sarcocystidae
  • Subfamily: Toxoplasmatinae
  • Genus: Toxoplasma Nicolle & Manceaux, 1909
  • Species: Toxoplasma gondii Nicolle & Manceaux, 1908

See also:

  • toxoplasmosis
  • Protista
  • protozoon
  • Reference(s):

    1 Olsen, O. (1986). Animal parasites: their life cycles and ecology. New York: Dover. p.168.


    You will also like...

    Non-Mendelian Inheritance
    Non-Mendelian Inheritance

    In this tutorial, find out more about certain types of inheritance that does not follow the Mendelian inheritance patter..

    Evolution of Life - Ancient Earth
    Evolution of Life – Ancient Earth

    Autotrophs flourished, absorbing carbon and light. Soon after, primitive life forms that could assimilate oxygen thrived..

    Homeostasis by water regulation
    Homeostasis of Organism Water Regulation

    Osmoregulation is the regulation of water concentrations in the bloodstream, effectively controlling the amount of water..

    Still Water Animals
    Still Water Animals

    Animals living in aquatic habitats have diversified and evolved through time. They eventually occupy ecological niches a..

    kinesin motor proteins transporting molecules across microtubules
    Movement of Molecules Across Cell Membranes

    Molecules move within the cell or from one cell to another through different strategies. Transport may be in the form of..

    Chemical effects on plant growth and development
    Effect of Chemicals on Growth & Development in Organisms

    Plants and animals need elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium for proper growth and developme..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics