The occurrence of toxoplasma gondii in saliva

The role of saliva in transmission of experimental toxoplasmosis has been evaluated. Three groups of rabbits were infected with 6 X 10(6), 24 X 10(9) 96 X 10(9) toxoplasmic trophozoites. The saliva was drawn with a sterile aspirator on different days from infection and it was intraperitoneally injected in mice. Mice so injected with saliva were examined for intraperitoneal trophozoites or toxoplasmic cysts in brain. Toxoplasma gondii was demonstrated in saliva in 33% of toxoplasma infected rabbits. The possible role of saliva in natural transmission of acquired toxoplasmic infection is considered.