TOXOPLASMOSIS

TOXOPLASMA IgM , IgG

• Negative :< 0.90
• Equivocal :0.90-1.10 OD ratio
• Positive :>1.1 OD ratio

• Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is a parasite that can be transmit via rodents, cats (found in cat faeces and contaminated food), and mother to child. It can cause serious problems in unborn children and babies. Congenital infection occurs when infection is passed from mother to child across placenta
• In most healthy humans the infection causes no symptoms or results in a mild flu like illness. When a pregnant woman passes it to unborn child or infection in a person with weakened immune system the parasite can cause severe complications. Infected babies especially those exposed later in the pregnancy will appear normal at birth but may develop symptoms such as severe eye infections, hearing loss, and learning disabilities later.
• Serological testing detects antibodies in the blood that are produced in response to an infection and depending on the type of antibodies present (IgG or IgM) a current or past infection can be determined. IgM antibodies are the first to appear in response to a toxoplasma infection within a week or two after the initial exposure. It rises for a short time and then declines. IgG antibodies are produced by the body several weeks after the initial infection and provide long term protection
• PCR test detects the genetic material of the parasite in the blood and indicates an acute infection

• A woman prior to or during a pregnancy to determine if she has been previously exposed
• A person with weakened immune system and has flu like symptoms
• When there is s/s of Toxoplasmosis (Swollen lymph nodes, Fever, night sweats , weakness, fatigue, headache, body aches sore throat)
• In newborn babies with symptoms like hydrocephalous, blindness, cerebral keratification etc.