Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
Submission date: 2025-02-26
Final revision date: 2025-03-24
Acceptance date: 2025-03-25
Online publication date: 2025-06-03
Corresponding author
Joanna Korycińska
Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Żołnierska 14C, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland.
Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. While it remains asymptomatic in most cases, a more severe course is seen especially in immunocompromised individuals as well as in neonates and infants with congenital toxoplasmosis.
Aim: The aim of this review article is to present the most important information on the course of the disease, its diagnostics and preventive measures targeted at reducing the risk of infection.
Material and methods: A literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Willey Online Library. The analysis included the papers published between 1948 and 2024. Altogether, 38articles were subjected to analysis.
Results and discussion: The data obtained in the literature survey have been systematized and presented in 3 sections. A wide range of clinical presentations of toxoplasmosis dictates the need to include both clinical examinations and laboratory tests into the diagnostic process.
It is of key importance to diagnose the disease in its early stage and to institute the appropriate treatment.
Conclusions: The main risk factors for T. gondii infection are any practices which represent departures from sanitation and hygiene standards. Moreover, educational campaigns should be given a high priority, particularly those targeted at pregnant women. Screening tests aimed at an early detection of the infection should come into a wider use.
FUNDING
None declared.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None declared.
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