Evaluation of the effect of drugs on the cyst form of Toxoplasma gondii

Article Abstract:

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis, an infection characterized by mild to severe symptoms, including lymph node enlargement, general discomfort, muscle pain, and rarely fever. Widespread toxoplasmosis is characterized by inflammation of the liver, brain, and lungs. After infection with T. gondii, the microorganisms form cysts, or sac-like structures, where they reside for the life of the patient. However, T. gondii may become active again and cause chronic eye infection in children who were infected at birth or in patients with weakened immune function. The incidence (number of new cases) of toxoplasmosis is increasing among AIDS patients, and new drugs to eliminate the T. gondii cysts are being sought. The effectiveness of these drugs is usually tested in laboratory animals, and is very costly. A method for testing the effects of drugs against the cyst tissue was developed and used to screen several agents. The cysts are removed from mice infected with T. gondii, and exposed to the drugs in a test tube. The cysts are then opened and the viability of the microorganisms is evaluated by staining and examining them under a microscope. The cysts of freed microorganisms can also be injected into mice, and the number of surviving mice can be determined. In the injected mice, the number of cysts in the brain or the presence of antibodies (immune proteins) directed against T. gondii can also be used to assess T. gondii viability. The compounds found to be active against T. gondii included arprinocid-N-oxide, azithromycin, and hydroxynaphthoquinone 566C80. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Drug therapy, Protozoan diseases, Toxoplasma

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Vertical transmission of toxoplasma by human immunodeficiency virus-infected women

Article Abstract:

HIV-infected women may transmit toxoplasmosis to their fetuses only if their immune system is seriously weakened. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease acquired from cats, which can cause brain, eye and liver problems in human fetuses. Researchers studied 138 HIV-infected pregnant women until four years after delivery. Twenty-eight women were infected with Toxoplasma gondii, and one of these transmitted the infection to her child. This woman was one of three with a low CD4 count. Toxoplasmosis may infect the central nervous system and cross the placenta. Other immunocompromised patients may be at risk for toxoplasmosis.

Health aspects, Maternal-fetal exchange, HIV infections, Disease transmission, Pregnancy, Immunosuppression, HIV infection in pregnancy

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Confirmatory serologic testing for acute toxoplasmosis and rate of induced abortions among women reported to have positive Toxoplasma immunoglobulin M antibody titers

Article Abstract:

Confirmation of a positive or negative test for toxoplasmosis in pregnant women by an independent laboratory can reduce the number of abortions. Toxoplasmosis is a serious infection that can kill the fetus, so many women with a positive test have an abortion. However, some tests are not completely accurate and should always be confirmed.

Diagnosis, Prevention, Abortion

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