"Toxoplasma" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples
"Toxoplasma" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
"Toxoplasma" Meaning
Toxoplasma refers to a genus of single-celled parasites that belong to the phylum Apicomplexa. One of the most well-known species of Toxoplasma is Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause the parasitic infection toxoplasmosis in humans and other warm-blooded animals.
Toxoplasma gondii is often transmitted through the ingestion of oocysts from contaminated food, water, or soil. Once inside the host, the parasite can infect a wide range of tissues, but it has a preference for neural cells in the brain.
The effects of Toxoplasma gondii are often benign, but they can cause serious disease in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive medications.
Interestingly, a significant body of research has suggested that Toxoplasma gondii may also have an impact on the behavior of its hosts, particularly in mice and humans. Studies have suggested that the parasite may influence the host's behavior in ways that benefit the parasite's survival and transmission, such as increasing the host's risk-taking behavior, such as when the host is a rodent that wanders closer to the cat's zone, increasing the likelihood of being eaten by the cat.
However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the potential for Toxoplasma gondii to influence human behavior, and to understand the full implications of this research for human health and behavior.
"Toxoplasma" Examples
Adjective
1. Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic disease, causes fatalities if it affects the developing fetus in pregnant women, who are infected by the parasite.
2. The study aims to find out if it's possible to genetically modify the Toxoplasma parasite to make it harmless.
3. Cats are natural carriers of Toxoplasma and can easily infect it through contact with infected birds.
4. Neuroscientists have found a link between Toxoplasma infections and schizophrenia.
5. Toxoplasma can infect cells and skews immune responses, potentially complicating tuberculosis diagnosis in co-infected patients.
"Toxoplasma" Similar Words
Toxodon
Toxodonta
Toxodonta is a suborder of even-toed ungulates that originated in South America during the Eocene epoch. The name "Toxodonta" comes from the Greek words "toxon," meaning "bow," and "odous," meaning "tooth," in reference to the distinctive bow-like row of tusks found in the male members of this suborder.
Toxodontia
Toxoglossa
Toxoglossa is a genus of venomous snakes in the family Colubridae. The name Toxoglossa is derived from the Greek words 'toks' meaning 'poison', 'glossa' meaning 'tongue' and the Latin suffix '-ana' which forms an adjective. It refers to the snake's toxic saliva.
Toxoid
Toxoid is a vaccine that is made from a toxin that has been rendered ineffective, or non-toxic. It is created by inactivating a toxin through chemical treatment, heat, or other methods, so it can no longer cause disease, but still stimulates the body's immune response to produce antibodies against it. Toxoids are often used to immunize against diseases caused by certain bacteria, such as diphtheria and tetanus.
Toxoids
Toxoids are vaccines made from inactivated microorganisms or their products, but with the toxins still present in an altered form. They are used to prevent diseases caused by bacterial toxins, such as tetanus and diphtheria.
Toxology
Toxophilite
An archaic term for a person who has a liking or tendency for arrows or archery. This term is often used in a humorous or whimsical way to describe someone with an unusual affection for archery.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxorhynchites
Toxorhynchitinae
Toxotes
Toy
Toyed
Toys with or manipulates something, often in a playful or casual manner.<br><br>Example: "She toyed with the idea of quitting her job."
Toymaker