Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite capable of infecting a wide variety of

intermediate hosts including man. Toxoplasmosis is acquired by humans through ingestion of

food or water contaminated with cat feces or through eating undercooked meat containing

viable oocysts. Vertical transmission of the parasite through the placenta can also occur,

leading to congenital toxoplasmosis. Infection in man is usually asymptomatic. Following

primary infection, Toxoplasma gondii can remain latent for the life of the host; the risk for

reactivation is highest among immunosuppressed individuals. The most common

symptomatic presentation in man is lymphadenopathy, encephalitis, myocarditis and

pneumonitis. Demonstration of Toxoplasma IgG in the serum of person with eye lesion helps

in diagnosing Ocular toxoplasmosis. In addition, antibody levels and demonstration of

parasite DNA in aqueous humor confirms the diagnosis of Ocular toxoplasmosis. Persistent

or increasing IgG antibody levels in the infant compared with the mother and/or positive

result of Toxoplasma specific IgM or IgA are diagnostic of Congenital toxoplasmosis.

Demonstration of Toxoplasma specific IgG in CSF can help confirm the diagnosis of

Congenital toxoplasmosis when the results are compared to serum Toxoplasma specific IgG

levels.