Abstract – Neuropathogenic protozoa have evolved strategies to
breach the blood-brain barrier and invade the central nervous
system. These include transcellular, paracellular and the Trojan
horse routes but the associated molecular mechanisms remain
incompletely understood. Here, we summarize the current
understanding of protozoa penetration across the blood-brain
barrier, focusing on Plasmodium, Babesia, Trypanosoma,
Toxoplasma, Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia. Advances in
understanding the molecular pathways will offer opportunities for
the rational development of novel therapeutic interventions.