Should We Rethink Toxoplasmosis?

Historically, acute infections by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) were not considered problematic in children and adults. Congenital infections caused concern due to effects on the developing foetus. Unless severe, symptoms such as chorioretinitis often only appeared later with periodic reactivation of chronic infection. Current thinking about the role of T. gondii has changed substantially. Researchers now believe that acute infections in children and adults, and their periodic reactivation once the condition is chronic, may be responsible for a much larger percentage of eye disease than was previously thought, and may play a role in other systemic illnesses. Added to this, congenital T. gondii infection has recently been implicated in schizophrenia, which makes it timely for a reappraisal of this condition, its prevention and the implications for Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructors.