Low Tenacity of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Tachyzoites In Vitro

<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, an obligate intracellular protozoan, poses significant risks to public health due to its widespread distribution and potential for severe congenital and neurological complications. The fast-replicating tachyzoite stage is crucial for acute infection and laborato...

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Main Authors: Thomas Grochow, Mirjam Kalusa, Pauline Tonndorf-Martini, Nicole Röhrmann, Simone A. Fietz, Lea-Christina Murnik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Microorganisms
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/7/1517
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Summary:<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, an obligate intracellular protozoan, poses significant risks to public health due to its widespread distribution and potential for severe congenital and neurological complications. The fast-replicating tachyzoite stage is crucial for acute infection and laboratory studies, yet effective inactivation methods remain inadequately explored. This study evaluates various chemical and physical approaches to inactivate <i>T. gondii</i> tachyzoites in vitro. Using a combination of GFP fluorescence and viability assays, we demonstrated the complete inactivation of tachyzoites with ethanol (≥30%), hydrogen peroxide (≥3%), o-hydroxydiphenyl fatty acid eutectic with peracetic acid (≥1%), and heat treatment at 60 °C for 30 min. Our findings highlight the importance of concentration, solvent choice, and exposure time in disinfection efficacy, providing a framework for improving laboratory safety protocols. These results contribute to the refinement of inactivation strategies, supporting safer handling and research on <i>T. gondii</i> in vitro while reducing reliance on animal models.
ISSN:2076-2607