Toxoplasmosis and Its Current Status in Iran: A Narrative Review

Toxoplasmosis is one of the significant zoonoses, and about one-third of the world population possess anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody titers. From veterinary and public health perspective, the disease causes abortion in small ruminants and pregnant women, as well as brain complications in immunocompromised subjects. Although, a century has passed since the discovery of this interesting opportunistic protozoa, its pathogenic mechanisms and genotypes are still being explored. Current review deals with this opportunistic infection at a glance. There exists special interest in Toxoplasma infection researches in last two decades, with especial emphasis on the seroepidemiology in at-risk populations, genotyping in various samples, anti-Toxoplasma drug discovery, as well as vaccination approaches against toxoplasmosis. Current review highlights different aspects of Toxoplasma infection and implies the potential gaps and research fields for further exploration.