Toxoplasma gondii in vitro cultivation: propagation

Based on a serum-free and CO,-independent culture of Toxoplasma gondii in vitro, a long-term propagation of a highly virulent strain of this parasite was developed. Toxoplasma monolayer cultures were fed on a weekly cycle with native host cells (HEp-2) while changing the medium, thus simultaneously removing cell debris and just bred trophozoites. Establishing this method was of low effort in organisation and alterations, as the technique is harmonised with a routine laboratory activity. We were successful in propagating the parasite in vitro for half a year without any loss of infectivity or decrease of the rate of multiplication. The advantages of this in vitro model are a considerable reduction of the financial expenditure on one hand and of the risk of a contamination on the other.