Immunopathology of toxoplasmosis

Chronological Development of Cellular Immunity in Human Toxoplasmosis

“…Infection of humans with the obligate intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii evokes a cellular immune response which appears to play a major role in host defense against this parasite (5,8). The present report describes a unique opportunity to study the cellular immune response in a patient both before and after naturally acquired toxoplasmosis.…”

Association of Symptomatic Human Infection with Toxoplasma gondii with Imbalance of Monocytes and Antigen-Specific T Cell Subsets

“…These subjects recover without residual signs of disease; this distinguishes them from those with documented immune deficiency, in whom toxoplasmosis is often severe and even fatal [2]. It has also been noted that evidence of cellular immune response to toxoplasma antigens is delayed in appearance in some patients, compared with the kinetics of response to other antigens [1,3,4]. In an effort to understand better immune responses during acute symptomatic infection, we examined total T cell subsets and toxoplasma antigen-induced T cell subsets during toxoplasmosis.…”

“…In about one of five infected individuals, various degrees of fatigue, malaise, fever, and lymph node enlargement are recorded [1]. These subjects recover without residual signs of disease; this distinguishes them from those with documented immune deficiency, in whom toxoplasmosis is often severe and even fatal [2].…”

Spleen and lymph node cell populations, In vitro cell proliferation and interferon‐y production during the primary immune response to Toxoplasma gondii

“…In none of these studies or others (Jones 1980, McLeod ef al. 1984) is there evidence that the transient immune unresponsiveness is associated with progressive disease.…”

“…Toxoplasma gondii initiates in immune competent humans (Luft et al, 1984, Sklenar et al, 1985 and other mammals (Jones 1980, Krahenbuhl & Remington 1982 a complex series of changes in haemopoietic and lymphatic cells which affect the types of cells in the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes, the function of the immune response network, and the occurrence of transient disease. These changes are ultimately resolved, leaving a mammalian host free of progressive disease, immunologically prepared for successful management of a challenge infection with the same organism, and infected for life with viable T. gondii in tissue (Frenkel 1973).…”