[Prevalence of toxoplasmosis and methods for its laboratory diagnosis]

The review presents data on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in different countries and regions. It gives a comparative assessment of the methods of serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis, which permit identification of specific immunoglobulins G, M, A, and E. The authors show a role of laboratory diagnostic techniques in the differentiation of the acute form of toxoplasmosis from its chronic form. They provide the currently available modifications of the basic procedure for enzyme immunoassay, molecular genetic methods, and a direct fluorescent antibody test for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii antigens. The current view of a cellular immune response and its role in monitoring the development of toxoplasmosis are considered.