Dr. Holló Ferenc szerk.: Parasitologia Hungarica 3. (Budapest, 1970)

Parasit. Hung. 3.119-132.1970 Epidemiology of Toxoplasmosis in Hungary Dr. Mária JANKÓ — Dr. Endre CZEIZEL Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Public Health, Budapest It is a particular feature of the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis that clinical manifestation of post-natal Toxoplasma gondii infection Is seldom encountered in humans although the prevalence of infection may be very high, reaching more than 50 # of the adult population in some countries. This fact itself is remarkable. In addition, infection between the 4th month of pregnancy and parturition frequently causes encephalitis in the foetus. „Connate toxoplasmosis" of infants is actually a post-natal sequel of foetal encephalitis. Congenital encephalitis occurs fairly frequently;its incidence has been estimated at 300 cases per annum in Hungary (CZEIZEL and JANKÓ, 1969). Due to the rare occurrence of manifest post-natal cases,efforts are generally made to estimate the incidence and to unravet circumstances conducive to infection. Diagnosis is established on the basis of laboratory tests accepted as specific for this infection. The most widely used tests are:the SABIN-PELDMAN dye test, a complement fixation test, and the Prenkel (intradermal toxoplasmin) skin test. The PRENKEL skin test (later referred as FST) Is particularly suitable for epidemiological studies as it can be elicited within a few months of infection and the individual remains sensitive for life. The PST is. therefore, the method of choice for assessing the prevalence of the Infection. Accordingly the FST was used for