Toxoplasmosis: a review

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is one of the commonest protozoan parasites of man. It is found world-wide. Although the infection is common as indicated by a high prevalence of toxoplasma antibody among almost all human populations, the clinical disease is observed in only a small proportion of those infected. The most serious complications of infection are seen in infants of women who acquire the infection during pregnancy and in immuno-compromised patients. Clinical manifestations of the disease in the normal host, in compromised hosts including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), in pregnancy, eye infection and the relationship of toxoplasmosis to abortion are discussed in detail. In addition, various serologic tests used in the diagnosis, their interpretation, and treatment regimens for various categories of patients are reviewed. Finally, the preventive measures and the serologic screening programs for pregnant women are discussed.