Toxoplasma-IgM IgM Antibody Serum Test

Toxoplasma IGM test is done to aid the diagnosis of acute Toxoplasma infection. However, a small percentage of patients may not develop this antibody even post infection & on the contrary antibodies may persist for months post-infection. This is not a recommended test for patients with solid organ transplant (post-transplantation) & with other immunocompromised states

• The Toxoplasma-IgM Antibody by CLIA-Serum test is done to detect the presence of IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the blood.
• The test may also be ordered in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, as they are at a higher risk of developing severe Toxoplasmosis.
• Additionally, the test may be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in individuals with a known Toxoplasma infection.

Toxoplasma IGM test measures presence of IgM antibodies against Toxoplasma

Toxoplasma IGM test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in a vacutainer. 

The presence of Toxoplasma IgM antibodies may indicate acute infection/ reactivation and can be deleterious to the health of immunocompromised patients.
However, a negative result does not rule out acute infection and thus a PCR to detect nucleic acid is recommended especially in immunocompromised patients.
In pregnant women, it is important to know whether it is a primary acute infection or not and hence a positive IgM test should be followed by avid IgG antibodies. The absence of avid IgG antibodies indicates a primary acute infection

Your doctor may order a toxoplasmosis test if any of the following apply:

• Because you are pregnant, doctors would like to know if you are carrying T. gondii antibodies.
• Because you are pregnant, doctors want to see if your unborn kid has toxoplasmosis.

• The following situations may necessitate a toxoplasmosis test from your doctor:

• To know if you have T. gondii antibodies because you are pregnant.
• To check to see whether your unborn child has toxoplasmosis because you are pregnant.

• A T. gondii infection may result in blindness and brain impairment in an unborn child. Your doctor can examine a sample of the fluid around your unborn child in the womb, known as amniotic fluid, to determine whether the child has the illness.

  If you have a compromised immune system as a result of a condition like HIV, your doctor could also suggest testing you for it. You run a higher risk of catching toxoplasmosis and other illnesses if your immune system is compromised.

During the first 15 weeks of your pregnancy, the doctor can administer an amniocentesis.

For the test, no special preparation is required. However, if you have handled a cat or cleaned a litter box, you will have to let the doctor know. Additionally, if you take a blood thinner or have clotting or bleeding issues, you should let your doctor know.

The parasite that generates toxoplasmosis is present in infected meat and the faeces of cats that have the disease. Additionally, it can be acquired from cat poop-contaminated soil

The parasite Toxoplasma gondii causes ocular toxoplasmosis, an eye illness. The most typical cause of eye irritation worldwide is toxoplasmosis.

A massive brain infection (encephalitis) brought on by dormant toxoplasmosis can result in convulsions and other neurological issues. The mortality rate of encephalitis is exceedingly high if untreated.

During the first 15 weeks of your pregnancy, the doctor can administer an amniocentesis.

An ultrasound can reveal symptoms that your baby could have an infection, like fluid accumulation on the brain, even if it cannot assist a medical practitioner in diagnosing toxoplasmosis.

• Toxoplasma gondii
• Toxo IgM
• Toxoplasma immunoglobulin M (IgM)
• Toxoplasmosis IgM