title: Toxoplasma gondii: history and diagnostic test development.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences,College of Veterinary Medicine,University of Tennessee,2407 River Dr,Knoxville,Tennessee 37996,USA.
authors.forename: Heidi M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Wyrosdick
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences,College of Veterinary Medicine,University of Tennessee,2407 River Dr,Knoxville,Tennessee 37996,USA.
authors.forename: John J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Schaefer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000469:parasitology; D000906:Antibodies / Q000737:chemistry; D002415:Cats / Q000469:parasitology; D002417:Cattle / Q000469:parasitology; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods*; D004285:Dogs / Q000469:parasitology; D006041:Goats / Q000469:parasitology; D006801:Humans; D010274:Parasitology / Q000379:methods; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012756:Sheep / Q000469:parasitology; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000502:physiology*; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies
keywords: PCR; Toxoplasma gondii; diagnostic test development; serology; toxoplasmosis; veterinary diagnostic investigation