The Behavior of Toxoplasma with Notes on Its Taxonomic Status

Abstract

The R.H. strain of T. gondii in the albino mouse was studied under both bright and dark field illumination, and in stained prepns., using the Leifson technique. Many of the organisms were motile, but no evidence of locomotor organelles could be found. Entrance of mononuclear cells was seen, but never of erythrocytes. The path and manner of movement seemed very similar to that descr. for the spores of Sarcocystis. For this and other reasons, it appears likely that Toxoplasma and Sarcocystis may be closely related, and perhaps neither of these genera should be placed with the Protozoa, since they seem to have much in common with the fungi..