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Toxoplasma gondii: history and diagnostic test development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 November 2015

Heidi M. Wyrosdick  and
John J. Schaefer
Heidi M. Wyrosdick
Affiliation:
Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Dr, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
John J. Schaefer*
Affiliation:
Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, 2407 River Dr, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
*
* Corresponding author. E-mail: jschaef6@utk.edu
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Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoa that causes toxoplasmosis in people and other animals. It is considered one of the most common parasitic infections in the world due to its impressive range of hosts, widespread environmental contamination and the diverse means by which animals can be infected. Despite its ubiquity and numerous ongoing research efforts into both its basic biology and clinical management, many aspects of diagnosis and management of this disease are poorly understood. The range of diagnostic options that is available for veterinary diagnostic investigators are notably more limited than those available to medical diagnosticians, making accurate interpretation of each test result critical. The current review joins other reviews on the parasite with a particular emphasis on the history and continued development of diagnostic tests that are useful for veterinary diagnostic investigations. An understanding of the strengths and shortcomings of current diagnostic techniques will assist veterinary and public health officials in formulating effective treatment and control strategies in diverse animal populations.

Keywords

Toxoplasma gondiitoxoplasmosisveterinary diagnostic investigationdiagnostic test developmentserologyPCR
Type
Review Article
Information
Animal Health Research Reviews , Volume 16 , Issue 2 , December 2015 , pp. 150 - 162
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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2015 

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