What are key characteristics of Toxoplasma gondii?

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread protozoan parasite with several significant characteristics. One key feature is its potential to cause congenital infection; when a mother is infected during pregnancy, the parasite can be transmitted to her unborn child, leading to serious health issues for the infant. Ingestion of oocysts, which are the infective stage found in cat feces, is a primary mode of transmission to humans.

Additionally, Toxoplasma gondii has a cosmopolitan distribution, meaning it can be found worldwide in various environments. This widespread presence also leads to challenges in diagnosing the infection, notably in the interpretation of serological results. Many people may have been exposed to the parasite, resulting in a positive test that does not necessarily indicate an active infection or disease, complicating clinical management.

This composition of characteristics highlights why both aspects presented in the options—congenital infection and ingestion of oocysts, as well as the cosmopolitan nature of the parasite and the potential difficulties in serology—are important for understanding Toxoplasma gondii. Hence, selecting the response that encompasses both A and B captures the complexity of this organism effectively.