AUTHOR=Oz Helieh S. 

TITLE=Maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis, currently available and novel therapies in horizon

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=5

YEAR=2014

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2014.00385

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2014.00385

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Over one billion people worldwide are predicted to harbor <italic>Toxoplasma</italic> infection frequently with unknown lifelong health consequences. Toxoplasmosis is an important cause of foodborne, inflammatory illnesses, as well as congenital abnormalities. Ubiquitous <italic>Toxoplasma</italic> has a unique tropism for central nervous system with a mind-bugging effect and is transmitted sexually through semen. Currently available therapies are ineffective for persistent chronic disease and congenital toxoplasmosis or have severe side effects which may result in life-threatening complications. There is an urgent need for safe and effective therapies to eliminate or treat this cosmopolitan infectious and inflammatory disease. This investigation discusses pathogenesis of maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis, the currently available therapies in practice, and the experimental therapeutic modalities for promising future trials.</p>