Structural organization of the tachyzoite of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> <b>[Abstract in English]</b>

Abstract

AIMS: To review basic aspects on the ultrastructure of the tachyzoite of Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. SOURCE OF DATA: The data presented are based on recent publications by the most distinguished research groups in the area dedicated to the study of Toxoplasma gondii, including studies from the present authors. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS: The tachyzoites are responsible for the acute phase of the infection by actively penetrating, through the parasites' apical complex, the host cells where they multiply. Both ultrastructural and molecular particularities of the pellicle, the cytoskeleton, secretory (rhoptries, micronemas and dense granules) and non secretory (apicoplast) organelles, specific to Apicomplexa phylum, besides peculiar features of the nucleus, mitochondrion, acidocalcisomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex of these intracellular parasites. CONCLUSIONS: These characteristics confirm that the success in the process of adhesion, invasion and multiplication of Toxoplasma gondii is clearly correlated to its morphology.