Trend in serological and molecular diagnostic methods for Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular parasite, is a significant cause of zoonotic disease, with an estimated one-third of the world's human population believed to be infected. T. gondii is transmitted to humans through the consumption of contaminated water, soil, vegetables, fruits, shellfish or undercooked meat, and can also be passed from human to human through vertical transmission, transplants and blood transfusion.