It is used for early diagnosis of congenital infection as well as acute infection in the acquired disease, or reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis. In immunocompromised hosts with reactivated disease,, patients with isolated active ocular toxoplasmosis it might be negative. False positive reactions can occur in patients with ANA or rheumatoid factor. Therefore, rising titers in serum that are taken 3 weeks apart and tested together should be obtained before concluding that a patient has acute disease. For diagnosing chorioretinitis, direct serologic testing of the aqueous humor is used.
Treatment depends on the host s immune status.
In infants with normal immune system only with lymphadenopathy, no treatment is required. If there is organ damage pyrimethamine is initiated. It is supplied as 25 mg tablets that can be pulverized for infants and children. Platelet and peripheral counts should be taken twice a week. Spiramycin a macrolide antibiotic, has been used effectively in the treatment of pregnant women and now is recommended for congenital infection.