Toxoplasma gondii, the most prevalent infectious protozoan in man, is an opportunistic pathogen with a high zoonotic potential. Approximately 30% of humans worldwide, as well as majority of warm-blooded animal species, are infected with this parasite . In most of the cases, initial infection causes unspecific, influenza-like symptoms, or remains asymptomatic. Chronic infection is life-lasting, largely persists within muscle tissue and the central nervous system, and has long been considered to be without any consequences in healthy individuals . However, recent studies indicate an association between T. gondii infection and patients with psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, depressive disorders, and bipolar disorders . Acute toxoplasmosis can be life-threatening in immunocompromised hosts, and upon primary infection during pregnancy the parasite can cross the placenta and inflict foetal damage and/or abortion , rendering this parasite an important public health problem . T. gondii also affects livestock, most notably small ruminants, and wildlife animal species, which brings considerable economic constraints .