Which animal serves as the definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii, being the only host in which the sexual cycle and oocyst formation occur?
- A Pig
- B Sheep
- C Domestic cat ✓
- D Dog
Correct answer: C. Domestic cat
Explanation
Members of the Felidae family, especially the domestic cat, are the definitive hosts of Toxoplasma gondii; only in cats does gametogony occur in the intestinal epithelium with shedding of sporulated oocysts in faeces. Humans, pigs, sheep and other warm-blooded animals are intermediate hosts harbouring tachyzoites and tissue bradyzoites. Cats acquire infection by eating infected rodents or birds and shed oocysts for one to two weeks after primary infection.
Reference: Paniker's Textbook of Medical Parasitology, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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