Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an infectious parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a disease that can be dangerous, or even deadly, for the weak immune system. They can transition to chronically stage disease and effectively block themselves inside the host cells. Now, researchers have identified a gene called Bradyzoite-Formation Deficient 1 (BFD1) which is sufficient and essential to prevent the transition from tachyzoite to bradyzoite stages of T. gondii infection. The research would help treat toxoplasmosis, since preventing the parasites from assuming their chronic form keeps them responsive to both treatment and removal by the immune system.
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