Question

Toxoplasma gondi, an intracellular protozoan that lives in wild and domestic mammals, can infect the CNS of a human producing what type of infection?

1) Encephalitis
2) Meningitis
3) Peripheral neuropathy
4) Severe dementia

Answer 1

Toxoplasma gondii can cause neurotoxoplasmosis in humans, particularly in the immunocompromised, leading to encephalitis - a serious CNS infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan parasite, commonly infects domestic and wild mammals, including humans. When infecting humans, particularly those who are immunocompromised, such as patients with AIDS, the parasite can cause a serious infection in the central nervous system (CNS). This infection is known as neurotoxoplasmosis, which can lead to the formation of brain abscesses and the clinical manifestation of encephalitis. While the majority of toxoplasma infections are asymptomatic, in those with weakened immune systems, such as due to AIDS, organ transplantation, or cancer therapy, the reactivation of dormant cysts can have severe consequences including encephalitis, retinitis, pneumonitis, cognitive disorders, and seizures, potentially resulting in fatality.