Studies on cellular immunity in toxoplasmosis.

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by the pr<?tozoan Toxoplasma gondii that when contracted by a pregnant woman, can cause a serious risk to her unborn baby. Toxoplasmosis is generally mild or subclinical in healthy adults, but it can have serious consequences when contracted during pregnancy, because of the risk of matemo-fetal transmission and congenital toxoplasmosis. The disease is also life threatening in immunocompromised patients especially AIDS patients.

In toxoplasmosis, the .triggered immunity. protects the immunocompetent host against rapid tachyzoite growth and consequent pathologic changes. Also, persistent immunity is elicited to prevent re­ emergence of tachyzoite stage during the chronic phase infection.

One of the most immunologic features of T.gondii infection is the strong and persistent CMI elicited by the parasite, resulting in host protection against rapid tachyzoite growth and consequent pathologic changes.