Toxoplasmosis, old stories and new facts.

In this introductory paper some general opinions are presented regarding the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, toxoplasma infection and toxoplasmosis. The transmission of the parasite through oocysts and/or infected meat is discussed with regard to possible prevention. Old stories have been replaced by new facts in the epidemiology of toxoplasma infection. Veterinary measurements in the field of prevention are not likely to be accepted in the near future. It is stressed that laboratory diagnosticians should clearly differentiate between diagnostic support in suspected cases of clinical toxoplasmosis or screening for certain characteristics such as IgG antibodies to toxoplasma in a healthy population.