It is followed by the sexual phase resulting in oocyte formation and the destruction of host cells. Toxoplasma gondii has a more complex life cycle. Various stages of this parasite are capable of infecting both the definitive and intermediate hosts. They can cause extra-intestinal as well as intestinal infection in the definitive host. In addition it can passed transplacentally to the unborn.
Diagnosis is via fecal floatation and oocyst identification.
These organisms can be carried asymptomatically but they can also be associated with diarrhea. On rare occasions rapidly acquired, heavy infestations can be fatal before any oocyts have been shed in the feces. Coccidial infections respond well to treatment with sulpha based antibiotics. T.gondii is capable of extensive parasitism of tissues outside the gut. Following acute infection, cysts persist for long periods of time in many body tissues.