Toxoplasma gondii: Laboratory Maintenance and Growth. Issue 1 (6th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khan, Asis; Grigg, Michael E.
• Editors: Coico, Richard; McBride, Alison; Quarles, John M.; Stevenson, Brian; Taylor, Ronald K.
• Is Part Of: Current protocols in microbiology. Volume 44:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 20C.1.1
• Page End: 20C.1.17
• Publication Date: 2017-02-06
• Subjects: D10 -- human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells -- mice infection -- passage and maintenance -- storage -- Toxoplasma gondii; Microbiology -- Laboratory manuals; Microbiology -- Technique -- Periodicals; Microbiological Techniques -- methods; Containment of Biohazards -- methods; Laboratory Infection -- prevention & control; Microbiology; Microbiology -- Technique; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Laboratory Manuals; Reference Materials; Periodicals; Laboratory manuals; 579.028
• DOI: 10.1002/cpmc.26
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1934-8525

Abstract

Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii is a highly successful apicomplexan protozoan capable of infecting any warm‐blooded animal worldwide. In humans, Toxoplasma infections are life‐long, with approximately one‐third of the world's population chronically infected. Although normally controlled by the host immune system, T. gondii infection can lead to a variety of clinical outcomes in individuals with immature or suppressed immune systems. After penetrating the intestine, parasites rapidly disseminate throughout the body and stimulate production of the cytokines interleukin (IL)‐12, IL‐18, and interferon (IFN)‐γ by immune cells. These cytokines play a key role in host resistance to T. gondii by promoting a strong Th1 response. Recent reports show that gut commensal bacteria can act as molecular adjuvants during T. gondii infection. Thus, T. gondii is an excellent model system to study host‐pathogen interactions. This unit outlines the protocols for in vitro and in vivo maintenance and growth of T. gondii . © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.