Toxoplasmosis: The value of molecular methods in diagnosis compared to conventional methods

Abstract

Zineb Tlamcani, Zohra Lemkhenete, Badre Eddine Lmimouni Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection due to Toxoplasma gondii an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. It is conssiderate one of the most common parasite worldwide. The contamination of the parasite is generally occurred via conssumption of infected food or water or, undercooked contaminated meat. Toxoplasma gondii infection may lead to serisous illness when the organism is contracted while pregnancy or when it is reactivated in immune-suppressed persons. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in humans is elaborated using various techniques such as detection of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, mouse inoculation, histological revelation of tachyzoites in tissue sections or smears of body fluid, but the detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA by molecular methods has revolutionized prenatal diagnosis of congenital toxosplasmosis and in immunocompromised patients. In this paper we will discuss the parasite and different methods of diagnosis including the usefulness of molecular methods.