ABSTRACT
Toxoplasmosis is a member of the phylum Apicomplexa, similar to malaria and cryptosporia. The sexual reproductive cycle occurs in the villi of the cat ileum. The zygote divides into two sporoblasts that form two sporocysts within the larger oocyst. The potential public health implications are concerning. The likelihood of human toxoplasmosis is related to environmental conditions that enhance or reduce oocyst survival, the prevalence of feline toxoplasmosis within that region, and culinary habits of the at-risk population. Higher rates of seropositivity to toxoplasmosis among pregnant women are associated with warm, moist climates: central Africa, 81%; Lisbon Portugal, 64%; Riyadh and Saudi Arabia, 30%; western Scotland, 13%; and Norway, 10%. The tachyzoite form of the parasite is seen in the acute stage of the infection. Tachyzoites result from ingestion of oocysts, that is, food contamination or tissue cysts , that is, infected food source.
