Toxoplasma gondii is a coccidian, ubiquitous, and an obligate intracellular parasite
where felids are the definitive hosts with complex life cycles. There are three
infective stages of T. gondii which exist in the environment. Tachyzoites, crescent
to oval shape, are seen in acute infection and are transmitted through the placenta
from mother to fetus, blood transfusion, or organs transplantation. Tissue cysts,
containing thousands of bradyzoites, are transmitted by consumption of infected
raw/undercooked meats. Tissue cyst is associated with latent (chronic) infection
and is reactivated in persons who lose their immunity.