Toxoplasma IgG
Toxoplasma IgG
Toxoplasma IgG test is used to look for IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection in your blood sample. IgG antibody levels increase several weeks after the onset of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
T. gondii is a parasite that can infect people if they:
· Eat infected meat that hasn't been fully cooked, especially lamb, venison, or pork.
· Consume food that has been contaminated by cutting boards, knives, or other items that have come into contact with the infected meat.
· Consume contaminated water.
· Swallow the parasite while cleaning an infected cat's litter box.
Toxoplasma gondii causes an infection called toxoplasmosis which frequently goes unnoticed in healthy adults. But a T. gondii infection can result in brain damage and other serious issues in immunocompromised individuals. Additionally, if a pregnant woman contracts the infection, it could seriously harm the developing fetus.
Thus, getting a Toxoplasma IgG test done is recommended to detect a past toxoplasma infection
Symptoms of toxoplasmosis
Swollen lymph nodes
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Body aches
Sore throat
What is a Toxoplasma IgG test used for?
To aid in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis when symptoms emerge in immunocompromised individuals or pregnant women
To determine if an individual has been previously infected
To determine whether symptoms that are caused, are due to an active or past toxoplasma infection
When a pathogen exposure is suspected and symptoms are undetermined
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for a Toxoplasma IgG test. Ensure your doctor is aware of what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or dietary supplements you are taking. Ask your doctor for details about pre-test preparations, and make sure to follow instructions closely.
Interpretation of the Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are International Units Per Milliliter (IU/mL)
|
Reference range of IgG antibody (IU/mL) |
Interpretation |
Remarks |
|
<7.20 |
Non Reactive |
No IgG antibody detected |
|
7.20-8.80 |
Equivocal |
Retesting advised |
|
>8.80 |
Reactive |
IgG antibody detected |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following
· Non Reactive result does not always rule out Toxoplasma gondii infection. Patients should undergo re-testing three weeks after receiving negative results for suspected early disease cases.
· Equivocal result may be indicative of low IgG levels. Under these circumstances, it is advised to perform an IgM antibody test and/or to perform an IgG antibody test on a second sample two weeks later.
Reactive result may be indicative of past or acute toxoplasma infection
FAQs
How is the sample collected for a Toxoplasma IgG test?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm using a fine needle. This procedure typically takes no longer than five minutes. Rarely, a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is used to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the lower back or an amniocentesis is used to obtain an amniotic fluid sample from a pregnant woman
What are the risks involved in a Toxoplasma IgG test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight pain or tenderness around the site where the needle went in. Rarely, the site can become infected
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the result of a Toxoplasma IgG blood test?
Result of a Toxoplasma IgG blood test is usually available within 36 hours after sample collection. However, it could take longer at times
What factors can affect the Toxoplasma IgG test result?
Only a slight increase in IgG may occur if you have both toxoplasmosis and AIDS. IgM and other antibody results might be negative in this situation. Your results won't likely be impacted by other variables
What are the risks of toxoplasmosis for pregnant women?
Toxoplasmosis is more dangerous during pregnancy, if you contract an infection while being pregnant, the parasites in your blood can pass from you to your unborn child through the placenta. Early-pregnancy toxoplasmosis infection can cause brain damage, liver, eye, and spleen disorders in the fetus. An ongoing infection may occur in the eyes of your fetus if a toxoplasmosis infection is contracted in the latter stages of pregnancy
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