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toxoplasmosis

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tox⋅o⋅plas⋅mo⋅sis

[tok-soh-plaz-moh-sis]
–noun Pathology.
infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted to humans by consumption of insufficiently cooked meat containing the parasite or by contact with contaminated cats or their feces: the illness produced is usually mild, but in pregnant women may damage the fetus.

Origin:
1925–30; < NL Toxoplasm(a) (see toxoplasma ) + -osis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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tox·o·plas·mo·sis   (tŏk'sō-plāz-mō'sĭs)   
n.   pl. tox·o·plas·mo·ses (-mō'sēz)
A disease caused by the sporozoan Toxoplasma gondii, especially:
a. A congenital disease characterized by lesions of the central nervous system that can cause blindness and brain damage.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: toxo·plas·mo·sis
Pronunciation: -"plaz-'mO-s&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural toxo·plas·mo·ses /-"sEz/
: infection with or disease caused by a sporozoan of the genus Toxoplasma (T. gondii) that invades the tissuesand may seriously damage the central nervous system especially of infants
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

toxoplasmosis tox·o·plas·mo·sis (tŏk'sō-plāz-mō'sĭs)
n. pl. tox·o·plas·mo·ses (-mō'sēz)
A disease caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii. The congenital form, apparently resulting from parasites in the infected mother being transmitted to the fetus, is characterized by lesions of the central nervous system that can cause blindness and brain damage. The acquired form of the disease is characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and lesions in the liver, heart, lungs, and brain.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
toxoplasmosis   (tŏk'sō-plāz-mō'sĭs)  Pronunciation Key 
An infectious disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii that can be transmitted by infected humans and animals, especially cats, often by contact with feces. Toxoplasmosis can be a mild illness with fever and swollen lymph nodes, or progress to severe damage to the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. Fetuses that become infected during pregnancy may have congenital blindness and brain damage.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Encyclopedia

toxoplasmosis

infection of tissue cells of the central nervous system, spleen, liver, and other organs by a parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Infection occurs in domestic and wild animals, birds, and humans and is worldwide in distribution. It is estimated that 30 to 50 percent of the world's human population carries demonstrable antibodies (indicating previous exposure), but overt symptoms are rare in adults. Swollen glands and fever are the most common findings in those who have any symptoms.

Learn more about toxoplasmosis with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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