toxoplasma
Feline-borne microorganism
Toxoplasma is a genus of parasitic microorganisms, most notably *Toxoplasma gondii*, which causes toxoplasmosis.
The parasite reproduces in cats but can infect most warm-blooded animals, including humans.
Infection typically comes from contaminated food or cat feces and is usually harmless, though dangerous during pregnancy or for those with weakened immune systems.
The parasite has gained cultural attention for research suggesting it may subtly alter host behavior.
Unicellular eukaryotic life form
- apicomplexaParasitic protozoan phylum
- intracellularWithin cell membranes
- life cycleOrganism's full developmental sequence
- replicationAct of duplicating precisely
Existing from birth
- immunocompromisedReduced ability to fight infection
- AIDSImmune deficiency syndrome
- transplantMove tissue between bodies
- reactivationRestoring to function
encephalitis · fever · flu-like · latent · asymptomatic · antibodies · serology · diagnosis
Small furry housepet
- kittenJuvenile domestic feline
- litter boxIndoor pet waste receptacle
- fecesSolid digestive waste
- sheddingLosing outer covering
domestic cat · stray · feral · outdoor cat · sandpit · contamination · grooming
Insufficiently heated protein
unwashed produce · contaminated water · soil · gardening · litter box · organ transplant · blood transfusion
Of or like mothers
- fetalOf the unborn
- trimesterThirteen-week span
- placentaFetal nourishment organ
- amniocentesisPrenatal diagnostic fluid extraction
ultrasound · hydrocephalus · miscarriage · stillbirth · birth defects · prenatal screening · prevention · avoidance
protozoan
Unicellular eukaryotic life form
- apicomplexaParasitic protozoan phylum
- intracellularWithin cell membranes
- life cycleOrganism's full developmental sequence
replication · invasion · host cell · zoonotic · pathogen · obligate
congenital
Existing from birth
- immunocompromisedReduced ability to fight infection
- AIDSImmune deficiency syndrome
- transplantMove tissue between bodies
reactivation · encephalitis · fever · flu-like · latent · asymptomatic · antibodies · serology · diagnosis · clindamycin
cat
Small furry housepet
- kittenJuvenile domestic feline
- litter boxIndoor pet waste receptacle
- fecesSolid digestive waste
shedding · domestic cat · stray · feral · outdoor cat · sandpit · contamination · grooming
undercooked meat
Insufficiently heated protein
venison · unwashed produce · contaminated water · soil · gardening · litter box · organ transplant · blood transfusion
maternal
Of or like mothers
amniocentesis · ultrasound · hydrocephalus · miscarriage · stillbirth · birth defects · prenatal screening · prevention · avoidance
toxoplasmabacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
virus · bacterium · prion · fungus · influenza virus
toxoplasmasymbiont
Organism sharing mutual benefit
probiotic · mutualist · gut flora · Lactobacillus · microbiome
- Toxoplasma gondiiCat-borne parasitic protozoan