Uncovering Biomarkers for Chronic Toxoplasmosis Detection Highlights Alternative Pathways Shaping Parasite Dormancy

ABSTRACT: Toxoplasma gondii, a neurotropic protozoan, causes toxoplasmosis, a prevalent zoonotic and food-borne infection, posing significant risks to immunocompromised individuals and congenital cases. The chronic phase, characterized by dormant, cyst-forming bradyzoites, is central to disease progression but is poorly understood due to the lack of serological tests to detect bradyzoite-specific antigens. This study identifies the bradyzoite serological marker (BSM) and cyst-associated BCLA as effective biomarkers for chronic toxoplasmosis. These markers showed high sensitivity and specificity in detecting cyst-bearing mice and had a positivity rate of 30% in humans with prior immunity. Bradyzoite serology helps to discriminate between recent and past infections, with BCLA improving the accuracy of

SUBMITTER: Marie, G Robert 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-10_1038-S44321-025-00252-0 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other