What is a Toxoplasma Test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Toxoplasma Test used for?

This test is mainly prescribed to pregnant females to check for toxoplasmosis in the mother or foetus. This infection may cause brain damage and blindness in the developing foetus if it remains undetected.  

Understanding the test results of the Toxoplasma Test

It helps evaluate antibodies formed in the blood in response to this parasite. The antibody levels are measured in International Units Per Millilitre or IU/mL. The antibodies against this parasite are formed within 2 weeks post-infection and reach the peak 1-2 months after infection.

Why do I need the Toxoplasma Test?

One needs the Toxoplasma Test to determine or rule out toxoplasmosis, the parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii in their body. 

Pregnant women mostly undergo this test. If the mother is infected, the infection may pass on to the developing baby. Consequently, the baby may suffer brain damage or blindness.  

What happens during the Toxoplasma Test?

Your healthcare professional will require your blood sample to carry out this procedure. 

During the test, the personnel will select the site (usually the inner side of the elbow) for blood collection and clean it with the alcohol swab. Then, they will insert the needle into the vein, collect sufficient blood, and cover the prick site with a gauze pad.

When should you get tested for toxoplasmosis?

One should get tested for toxoplasmosis if:

• you observe any sign of the disease, or 
• you are at high risk of getting infected with the parasite. 

Suppose a pregnant woman tests positive for it. In that case, the doctor performs a procedure named “Amniocentesis” to check for the same infection in the developing baby. 

Pregnant women undergo the Toxoplasma test after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Which disease is caused by Toxoplasma?

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is one of the most common parasites. 

This infection typically occurs if someone consumes raw/undercooked meat or unpasteurized goat milk. It may also happen on the exposure to infected cat faeces or transfer from infected mother to foetus during pregnancy.

What is the Toxoplasma test in pregnancy?

As per some researchers, all pregnant females and newborns should get screened for Toxoplasma infection. Most pregnant females may remain asymptomatic even after getting infected and pass on the infection to their baby. 

“Amniocentesis” is a procedure to check for the condition in the developing baby. It is usually done after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

How long does a toxoplasmosis test take?

The laboratory procedure starts once the blood sample is collected. It may take around 1 to 3 days for results to come. 

How accurate is the toxoplasmosis test?

Accuracy of toxoplasmosis test depends upon the time of infective period and when the blood sample is collected. 

If the infection is very new, i.e. less than a week, there are the chances that the result may be false. So, if there is doubt or high risk, doctors advise repeat testing. 

Otherwise, the test usually gives accurate results.

Is toxoplasmosis curable during pregnancy?

Yes, toxoplasmosis is curable with certain antibiotic’s administration during pregnancy. 

But suppose the developing baby is already infected. In that case, the treatment may help reduce the severity of the damage caused to the child due to infection.

What is Toxoplasma IgG positive?

Toxoplasma IgG test indicates the person is either infected currently or in the past due to this parasite. 

The Toxoplasma IgG positive results are not confirmatory data for recent or current infection. The test gives positive results if very low levels of IgG antibodies are circulating in the blood. These antibodies might be due to a past acute episode of this parasitic infection.

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