Toxoplasma gondii: A Probable Cause of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that belongs to the Apicomplexa phylum. It is known for causing a disease called toxoplasmosis in both humans and a variety of mammals. In its acute phase, the parasite exhibits a striking ability to invade multiple internal organs including the brain, and eventually forming long-lasting cysts in the infected organs. These cysts are associated with an increased risk of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimers disease. The researches have shown that central nervous system (CNS) toxoplasmosis is capable of disrupting the normal neural processes via mechanisms like inflammation, immune response dysregulation, and neuronal damage. These disruptions may not only accelerate neurodegenerative conditions but they can also lead to expedite existing vulnerabilities in brain function. The relationship between T. gondii infection and Alzheimers has not been fully understood, however, multiple studies have supported the role of CNS toxoplasmosis on various neurological pathologies.