Toxoplasma IgG & IgM

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that is associated with flu-like symptoms. An individual can contract this infection by ingesting the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This ingestion can occur via intake of raw meat, exposure to an infected cat's litter, or consumption of contaminated vegetables.

Pregnant women can pass the Toxoplasma infection to the unborn child through the placenta. During pregnancy, the infection can significantly increase the risk of complications like miscarriage. One of the most evident signs of toxoplasmosis is the production of antibodies Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM). Hence, to detect the presence of such antibodies, you must undergo the toxoplasma IgG and IgM test.

Your doctor can suggest a toxoplasma test if you notice the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes

In case of severe toxoplasmosis, an individual can experience symptoms like loss of coordination, blurred vision, or confusion. The toxoplasma antibody test can help check if the symptoms are active due to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. To counter this parasitic infection, your body produces IgG and IgM antibodies. Hence, the testing package consists of two tests:

• Toxoplasma IgM antibodies
• Toxoplasma IgG antibodies

Generally, the lab professional draws a blood sample through your vein using a needle. In some cases, you might need to undergo a spinal tap or lumbar puncture procedure to give a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample.

After a toxoplasma infection, your body produces IgM antibodies as the first line of defence. If you test within one or two weeks of the infection, you can get a toxoplasma IgM positive result. This outcome implies a measurable quantity of IgM in your body.

On the other hand, the IgG antibody levels rise after several weeks from the onset of the Toxoplasma gondii infection. After testing, a toxoplasma IgG positive means current or past infection in your body. However, the reference ranges of these antibodies determine the accurate diagnosis of this condition. These ranges depend on factors like the type of test assay and investigative procedure.

Furthermore, IgG levels stabilise after the Toxoplasma gondii parasite becomes inactive. Hence, your doctor can suggest the toxoplasma infection test even during and after the treatment.

Pregnant women, people with weaker immune systems, and those suffering from HIV AIDS are at a higher risk of toxoplasmosis. Hence, if you belong to such categories, ensure you opt for a timely medical assessment by undergoing a simple blood test.

Apollo 24|7 covers antibody detection testing in the Toxoplasma IgG and IgM package.