Toxoplasmosis in Humans and Animals

Dear Colleagues,

Toxoplasma gondii, found on every continent, is one of the world's most ubiquitous pathogens. This intracellular protozoan belongs to the subclass Coccidia and phylum Apicomplexa. Toxoplasma gondii is theoretically capable of infecting all homeotherms (mammals and birds) and is responsible for the zoonotic disease toxoplasmosis. In humans, the primary routes of infection are the consumption of undercooked meat containing parasite cysts of plants or water contaminated with oocysts released by felines into the environment, and congenital transmission. Infection, although generally asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, can cause severe ocular, cerebral and even multivisceral damage in immunocompromised patients, fetuses, and newborns. A growing number of studies suggest that the parasite's genetic diversity plays a role in its pathogenicity, and it appears that tropical zones with low levels of human settlement are more prone to severe forms. In animals, toxoplasmosis has significant veterinary and economic implications, particularly in livestock and companion animals. Given the large reservoir of this parasite, i.e., animals (both definitive and intermediate hosts), human medicine cannot perform without veterinary medicine. The scientific progress needed to control or better understand this zoonosis calls for a multidisciplinary approach.

This Special Issue aims to bring together recent advances in the epidemiology, diagnostics, transmission dynamics, host–pathogen interactions, public health implications, and control strategies for T. gondii. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and case studies that address both human and animal aspects of the disease, with an emphasis on One Health perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches to prevention and surveillance. By highlighting recent developments and challenges, this Special Issue seeks to inform clinical practice, veterinary medicine, and public health policy.

Dr. Coralie L'Ollivier
Dr. Younes Laidoudi
Guest Editors

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