What type of infection does Toxoplasma gondii cause?

Toxoplasma gondii is known to cause a parasitic infection. This single-celled organism typically resides within hosts such as cats, which are the primary reservoir. Infection in humans can occur through several routes, including ingestion of oocysts found in contaminated food or water, through contact with cat feces, or by consuming undercooked meat containing cysts.

When a person becomes infected, it can lead to a condition known as toxoplasmosis, which may be asymptomatic in healthy individuals but can cause severe complications in immunocompromised individuals or pregnant women, affecting the fetus.

Understanding that Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite clarifies why the correct classification is parasitic infection. Other options like bacterial, viral, or fungal infections do not apply, as they are caused by entirely different microorganisms and have different characteristics and treatment protocols.