Toxoplasma Gondii IgM antibodies

Toxoplasma Gondii antibodies – this is a laboratory test designed to determine if a person is infected with Toxoplasma gondii – a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis. Infection spreads orally, usually through consumption of raw or undercooked meat, contaminated water, fruits, vegetables, or contact with contaminated soil. The main source of infection is cats, which excrete inactive forms of the parasite – oocysts – in their feces.

Toxoplasma gondii can parasitize the bodies of almost all mammals and birds. Humans usually become infected by eating undercooked pork, mutton, or beef, drinking contaminated water, or through contact with environmental objects contaminated with the parasite. Up to 70% of infection cases are associated with raw or undercooked meat.

In most cases, the infection causes no symptoms, but in some cases, it may present with enlarged lymph nodes, fever, weakness, muscle pain, skin rash, enlargement of the liver or spleen, and in rare cases – damage to the brain, heart, or eyes.

The infection poses a particular risk 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 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 determined by immunochemical method from venous blood. IgM indicates recent or acute infection, IgG – past infection or immunity. IgG avidity test helps assess the timing of the infection.

Recommendations:

• Recommended when planning pregnancy or during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
• Useful for assessing infection risk when consuming raw meat, contacting cats or soil.
• Prescribed for non-specific symptoms such as enlarged lymph nodes or fever without a clear cause.
• Performed when congenital toxoplasmosis is suspected in a newborn or if there is evidence of maternal infection.
• It is recommended to come for the test on an empty stomach (though not necessary), and it is important not to use immunoglobulins or other immunity-affecting drugs without the doctor's knowledge.