Adaptive host manipulation by Toxoplasma gondii: fact or fiction?

When should a trophically and vertically transmitted parasite manipulate its intermediate host? The case of Toxoplasma gondii.

Parasites with complex life cycles are expected to manipulate the behaviour of their intermediate hosts (IHs), which increase their predation rate and facilitate the transmission to definitive hosts (DHs). This ability, however, is a double-edged sword when the parasite can also be transmitted vertically in the IH. In this situation, as the manipulation of the IH behaviour increases the IH deat...

Rats, cats, people and parasites: the impact of latent toxoplasmosis on behaviour.

The manipulation hypothesis states a parasite may alter host behaviour for its own benefit, often by enhancing its transmission rate through the food chain. This paper reviews studies on the potential impact of one parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, on host behaviour, both on rodents, where altered responses may be proposed to benefit the parasite, and humans, where altered responses may arise as a s...

Host Manipulation by Toxoplasma gondii

Manipulative parasites in the world of veterinary science: implications for epidemiology and pathology.

One of the most complex and least understood transmission strategies displayed by pathogenic parasites is that of manipulation of host behaviour. A wide variety of parasites alter their host's behaviour, including species of medical and veterinary importance, such as Diplostomum spathaceum, Echinococcus spp. and Toxoplasma gondii. The manipulative ability of these parasites has implications for...

Manipulation of IL-10 gene expression by Toxoplasma gondii and its products

Background: This study was designed to evaluate whether or not T. gondii and its derivatives can change the gene expression level of IL-10 in murine leukocytes in vivo.   Methods: Fifty BALB/c mice were divided into 5 groups, four of which received the excretory/secretory product (ESP) from cell culture medium, the ESP from cell free medium, the Toxoplasma lysate product (TLP) and the a...