Description
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite capable of infecting a wide range of warm-blooded hosts, including humans. Although infections in immunocompetent individuals are frequently asymptomatic, the organism can cause significant morbidity in immunocompromised patients and in cases of congenital transmission.
Human infection most commonly occurs through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts shed in the feces of infected felines that contaminate soil, water, or food. Transmission may also occur transplacentally when a woman acquires primary infection during pregnancy.
This serologic assay quantifies specific IgM and IgG antibodies directed against Toxoplasma gondii. Detection of IgM may indicate recent or acute infection, whereas detection of IgG reflects past exposure or established immunity.