Quantification of IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii (toxoplasmosis)

IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii are produced by human immunity when infected with the parasite. They are markers of an active infection in the body and are very important when examining expectant mothers. Antibodies of the IgM class appear 1-2 weeks after infection and over time their concentration increases. This is the body's first reaction to the parasite. The marker shows the course of acute toxoplasmosis.

If a woman did not previously have antibodies to Toxoplasma, then the presence of anti-Toxo-IgM in a pregnant woman may indicate a fresh infection, as a result, the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis in the fetus. Therefore, our doctors recommend not neglecting the test for the determination of igM to toxoplasmosis. And also do not trust dubious clinics that do not have certification and specialists to conduct such a study, since the results may be erroneous.

Our clinic MC "Dobrobut" in Kyiv has all the necessary documentation and medical staff for the examination. And modern equipment guarantees 100% reliable results. Despite the resources we invest in this diagnostic, the cost of the analysis itself remains low.

Carriers of the parasite are cats. An adult human can become infected through raw or undercooked meat, dirty water, and poorly washed fruits/vegetables, through contact with cat feces. The disease does not carry a strong danger to people with healthy immunity. Often there are no symptoms of infection at all or they are more like a mild cold. In people with immunodeficiencies, those undergoing chemotherapy or taking drugs that depress the immune system, the parasite can cause serious complications, including impaired vision and coordination.

Toxoplasma gondii represents the highest degree of danger for the embryo since there is an increased risk of infection of the unborn child (up to 40%). Infection of the fetus can cause miscarriage, death, or the development of pathologies: microcephaly, enlarged spleen or liver, convulsions, blindness, etc.

A timely analysis for the presence of igM antibodies to toxoplasmosis helps to prevent complications and choose the right treatment tactics. Therefore, our doctors recommend not to postpone the consultation of a gynecologist-reproductologist in the early stages of pregnancy. Moreover, the analysis does not require special preparation and takes no more than 10 minutes - it is enough to donate venous blood.

Delicate specialists work in our laboratory in Ukraine, who treat pregnant women with trepidation. Blood sampling takes place in a calm environment that does not cause excessive anxiety.

Determination of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii is not a routine examination for girls in position. It is prescribed if there has been contact with raw meat, contaminated food, cat feces, as well as a history of toxoplasmosis.

If the test for toxoplasmosis igM antibodies is negative, but the doctor suspects that toxoplasmosis is present, then you may be referred for a second test. In this case, you should not worry, this is a precautionary measure that is essential to make sure that everything is in order with the unborn baby.

If you are planning a pregnancy, we recommend that you act proactively and consult a specialist 2-3 months in advance and get tested for TORCH infections. In this case, the doctor will be able to prescribe effective preventive or therapeutic measures to eliminate the danger before fertilization. If necessary, the specialist will be able to compare the results of the examination before and during pregnancy to create a more accurate clinical picture.

Testing may also be done for people with a weak immune system who have symptoms of flu-like illnesses or complications that are characteristic of the condition when infected with a parasite.

A negative result indicates that there are no immunoglobulins to the parasite in the blood. This means that the person is not infected. A positive response indicates the presence of an infection or a period of exacerbation of chronic pathology. In this case, it is important to consult a specialist to determine the correct treatment tactics.

You can sign up for analysis in our clinic MC "Dobrobut" by phone or through the form on the website. We recommend that you come to the laboratory for examination in the morning - before 12 hours, on an empty stomach. The last meal should be 4-6 hours before blood sampling. You can drink water without sugar and gas.

Sign up for testing in our clinic and forget about the queues. We value the calmness of our patients, so you will forget about your worries, even if you are afraid to donate blood.

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2. Begeman IJ, Lykins J, Zhou Y, et al. Point-of-care testing for Toxoplasma gondii IgG/IgM using Toxoplasma ICT IgG-IgM test with sera from the United States and implications for developing countries. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2017;11(6):e0005670. Published 2017 Jun 26.
3. Mahinc, Caroline, et al. Evaluation of a new immunochromatography technology test (LDBio diagnostics) to detect Toxoplasma IgG and IgM: comparison with the routine architect technique. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 55.12 (2017): 3395-3404.
4. Pomares, Christelle, and Jose G. Montoya. Laboratory diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Journal of clinical microbiology 54.10 (2016): 2448-2454.