Toxoplasma Gondii IgM antibodies

Toxoplasma gondii antibodies – this is a laboratory test to determine if a person is infected with Toxoplasma gondii – a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis. The infection spreads through the mouth, usually by consuming undercooked meat, contaminated water, fruits, vegetables, or by contacting infected soil. The main source of infection is cats, which release inactive forms of the parasite – oocysts – through their feces.

Toxoplasma gondii can parasitize in the bodies of almost all mammals and birds. Humans usually get infected by eating insufficiently cooked pork, lamb, or beef, consuming dirty water, or through contact with environmental objects contaminated with forms of the parasite. Up to 70% of infection cases are associated with raw or undercooked meat.

In most cases, the infection does not cause symptoms, but in some cases, it may present with enlarged lymph nodes, fever, weakness, muscle pain, skin rash, enlarged liver or spleen, and in rare cases – damage to the brain, heart, or eyes.

The infection poses a particular threat during pregnancy, as it can be transmitted to the fetus and cause congenital toxoplasmosis. The highest risk of fetal damage is when a woman becomes infected with acute toxoplasmosis during the first 3 months of pregnancy or up to 3 months before conception. In the later stages of pregnancy, the risk of infection decreases, but complications can be severe – ranging from asymptomatic infection to central nervous system damage.

Test principle: IgG and IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii are detected by immunochemical method from venous blood. IgM indicates recent or acute infection, IgG – past infection or immunity. The IgG avidity test helps to assess the timing of infection.

Recommendations:

• Recommended when planning a pregnancy or during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
• Useful for assessing the risk of infection when consuming raw meat, interacting with cats, or with soil.
• Prescribed for nonspecific symptoms such as enlarged lymph nodes or fever without a clear cause.
• Performed when congenital toxoplasmosis is suspected in a newborn or when there is evidence of maternal infection.
• It is recommended to come for the test fasting (although it is not mandatory), and it is important not to take immunoglobulins or other immunity-affecting drugs without a doctor's knowledge.