Toxoplasma-IgM IgM Antibody Serum Test

Toxoplasma infections are common but usually mild or asymptomatic. In pregnant women (especially an acute primary infection early on in pregnancy), newborns & immunocompromised individuals i.e., transplant patients, HIV positives, immunosuppressive therapy etc. infection can have devastating consequences.  
Toxoplasma IgM antibodies indicate a recent infection which may be primary, reactivation or reinfection. In exceptional cases despite infection IgM antibody levels may be low or undetectable i.e., infectious mononucleosis, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women & transplant recipients.

Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular parasite, causes the infection known as toxoplasmosis. It is commonly found in contaminated soil, water, and raw or undercooked meat. In pregnant women, the risk of infection spreading to the unborn baby is high. The infection may result in congenital abnormalities and possibly foetus mortality. This infection mostly spread by consumption of tainted food and water is rather widespread, and tests are advised at all phases of pregnancy. IgM and IgG are two antibodies that the parasite causes to be produced in the blood. Only the foetus is unique to IgM among these antibodies. Therefore, their presence can provide a clear indication of how the foetus is doing.

Written by: Dr Vishal Wadhwa, M.D, D.N.B Microbiology, Medical Affairs

Reviewed by: Dr. Alap Christry M.D. AVP-Lab Operations & Scientific Business Head-Clinical Chemistry