OBJECTIVE: To study the features of toxoplasmosis in children in order to develop effective treatment and prophylaxis regimens.METHODS: The levels of IgG and IgM of toxoplasma gondii were measured using ELISA in 807 inpatient children. Meanwhile, the subjects' living habits and dietary habits were studied. RESULTS: Of the 807 cases, the positive rates of IgG and IgM of toxoplasma gondii were 3.22% and 1.98% respectively; the titres rose with age in all the subjects except for neonates. The positive rate of toxoplasma gondii IgG in children who had contact with cats or dogs was higer than that in children who had not contact with cats or dogs ( 6.01% vs 2.04% ), P< 0.05 . The positive rates of toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM in those who did not consume half cooked mutton and chafing dish food and did not share the same chopping board for cooked and half cooked food were lower than those of children who had bad living and dietary habits ( 2.78% vs 9.43% , 1.06% vs 15.09% ), P< 0.01 . CONCLUSIONS: It is important to emphasize health education and to develop good living habits and dietary habits in order to eradicate toxoplasmosis.