What is Toxoplasmosis?
It is a disease condition caused by parasite Toxoplasma gondii which enters the body through mouth. This parasite is present in cat litter, cat feces, undercooked meat & raw eggs. It can be transmitted from pregnant mother to the unborn child through placenta & infants show no symptoms of the infection for several years. It may cause miscarriage, seizures, vision & hearing loss, or several other birth defects in newborn.
What is Toxoplasma IgG Lab test?
For the diagnosis of this toxoplasma gondii in human blood sample, serologic testing is done. This testing detects antibodies (IgG & IgM) in blood which are produced in response to infection. The type of antibody (whether IgG or IgM) found will indicate whether person has current or past (detected via IgG) toxoplasma infection.
Why is Toxoplasma IgG Lab Test done?
The doctor suggests this test:
- If person is showing signs & symptoms of toxoplasmosis
- In pregnant women or prior to pregnancy, to determine if she had been exposed to toxoplasma infection before & level of exposure suspected
- In immunocompromised individuals & has flu-like symptoms as they have greater chances of developing an infection
- In unborn baby if level of exposure is suspected
- How is Toxoplasma gondii diagnosis done?
Its diagnosis typically involves a serologic test. Test that measures IgG antibodies is used to detect if person had been infected.
- Toxoplasmosis produces which symptoms in humans?
Its signs include swollen lymph nodes, body aches, headache, fatigue & fever.
- What is the meaning of Toxoplasma IgG positive?
This result simply indicates current or past infection with Toxoplasma gondii. However, a single positive test shouldn’t be considered to diagnose recent infection.
- Is toxoplasma gondii infection treatable?
If you’ve got a healthy lifestyle, you will need no treatment. But if your symptoms are severe & unusually persistent then you might need certain prescription medications
- How early can toxoplasmosis be detected?
Its blood tests can be done at any stage during or before pregnancy. But its blood test will show infection only after 2 to 3 three weeks of exposure, as it takes time for antibodies to be detectable.
- “Positive” Toxoplasma IgG: indicate current or past infection.
- “Negative” Toxoplasma IgG: indicate no previous exposure to Toxoplasma gondii.
- “Equivocal” Toxoplasma IgG: indicate low levels of circulating IgG as there is acute stage of infection. A second test is again recommended.
Its reference ranges include:
- Negative: < or =9 IU/mL
- Positive: > or =12 IU/mL
- Equivocal: 10-11 IU/mL
This test is done to detect Toxoplasma gondii infection in unborn baby, pregnant females, & immunocompromised individuals; also detect previous infection or may help in determining complications related to an active Toxoplasma infection.