Toxoplasma gondii : Biology and Role in Health and Disease

Toxoplasma gondii is a globally spread protozoan parasite responsible for causing toxoplasmosis. Infection by T. gondii shows high seroprevalence in humans, especially in South America. Written by specialists, this book brings important contributions and information on parasite biology, including its life cycle, ultrastructural features of tachyzoite, bradyzoite and their main specific organelles, mechanisms of host cell invasion, parasite replication and epigenetics regulation. Moreover, the book will encompass mechanisms of pathogenesis and host immune response to the infection, including purinergic signalling, and mechanisms of immune evasion by the parasite. Finally, this book also addresses relevant aspects of disease, information about the current chemotherapy of toxoplasmosis and perspectives for a future chronic disease treatment, epidemiology, and methods for visualisation of the parasite by optical and electron microscopy.