OVERVIEW
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 IgM 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 (detect via IgM) or past toxoplasma infection.
Why is Toxoplasma IgM lab test done?
This test is done to detect recent Toxoplasma gondii infection. Doctor suggests this test:
• If person is showing signs & symptoms of toxoplasmosis
• In pregnant women or prior to pregnancy
• 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
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
To detect Toxoplasma gondii infection in a pregnant woman, unborn baby, or in a person with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) who has flu-like symptoms; sometimes to determine if a person has been previously infected or to help determine if complications are due to an active Toxoplasma infection
- Toxoplasmosis produces which symptoms in humans?
Its signs include swollen lymph nodes, body aches, headache, fatigue & fever.
- 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.
- How is Toxoplasma gondii diagnosis done?
Its diagnosis typically involves a serologic test. Test which measures IgM antibodies is used to detect very recent/ ongoing infection.
- What are reasons behind high IgM levels?
Hyper IgM can be due to macroglobulinemia (presence of increased levels of macroglobulin), early viral hepatitis, kidney damage, or a parasitic infection.
Toxoplasma infection is detected by comparing IgM & IgG levels:
- “Positive” IgM & “Negative” IgG: indicates early infection & in newborns indicate congenital infections
- “Positive” IgM & “Positive” IgG: indicates current infection, chronic infection, reactivation of suppressed Toxoplasma gondii.
- “Negative” IgM & “Negative” IgG: indicates no infection at all or very early infection.
This test is done to detect Toxoplasma gondii infection in unborn baby, pregnant females, & immunocompromised individuals; & help in determining complications related to an active Toxoplasma infection.