The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is typically made by serologic testing. A test that measures immunoglobulin G (IgG) is used to determine if a person has been infected.

How infection is acquired toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis (toxo) is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma infection is acquired from contact with cats and their feces. Toxo is also acquired from eating or touching raw or partly cooked meat. Toxoplasmosis symptoms can range from none to very severe.

Can toxoplasmosis go away on its own?

Treatment for toxoplasmosis varies based on a child’s age and general health. Otherwise healthy kids don’t usually need medicine, since toxoplasmosis goes away on its own in a few weeks or months. Babies with congenital toxoplasmosis and kids with weakened immune systems will need to take anti-parasite medicine.

Is Toxo IgM a good indicator of toxoplasmosis?

Detection of ToxoplasmaIgM (Toxo IgM) is a sensitive indicator of primary toxoplasmosis, but the indicator specificity is low because sometimes natural IgM antibodies react with Toxoplasmaantigens in the absence of the infection. Furthermore, Toxo IgM sometimes persists in blood serum for several months or years following the primary infection.

What is Toxo IgG avidity assay used for?

In recent decades, Toxo IgG avidity assay has been used as a standard diagnostic technique for a better estimation of the infection acquisition time and identification of the primary T. gondiiinfection during pregnancy.

What are the possible complications of toxoplasmosis?

Severe toxoplasmosis is more likely in individuals who have weak immune systems, though occasionally, even persons with healthy immune systems may experience eye damage from toxoplasmosis.

How is toxoplasmosis infection in a pregnant woman confirmed?

Suspected recent infection in a pregnant woman should be confirmed prior to intervention by having samples tested at a toxoplasmosis reference laboratory.