Toxoplasma gondii infection, congenital toxoplasmosis, toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis and neurotoxoplasmosis: an overview

Abstract

Introduction: The toxoplasmosis disease resulting from Toxoplasma gondii infection can manifest itself in many ways, however, congenital, ocular and cerebral forms require greater care. The infection by this protozoan is directly related to environmental and economic factors of the region. Objective: The present study, through a review in the literature, aimed to reinforce the knowledge about the infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii and its main clinical manifestations. Methods: This is a literature overview from academic books and scientific articles available in the Scientific Electronic Library Online, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health and Google Scholar databases. To search the publications, the following descriptors were used: Toxoplasma gondii, toxoplasmosis, congenital toxoplasmosis, ocular toxoplasmosis and cerebral toxoplasmosis. The most relevant articles corresponding to the period from 2000 to 2017 were selected. Development: Toxoplasmosis may be of congenital or acquired origin after birth. The congenital form occurs during the embryonic/fetal life and through the passage of Toxoplasma gondii through the transplacental route. Ocular disease is common in both congenital and acquired infections and is closely associated with the presence of neurotoxoplasmosis in AIDS patients. Conclusion: Thus, immunocompromised patients and immunosuppressed patients are considered to be risk groups for Toxoplasma gondii infection.