Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite capable of infecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. In healthy people, initial infection results in mild symptoms but chronic infection is potentially associated with disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. For a mother infected with Toxoplasma for the first time during pregnancy, her baby may be born with eye and brain diseases. This thesis has identified host processes which are disrupted during Toxoplasma infection including the brain-related dopamine and amyloid pathways and the host mitochondria, which generate energy for the cell. These pathways may serve as new therapeutic targets to treat toxoplasmosis.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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Award date | 7 Jul 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Unpublished - 2017 |