Toxoplasma gondii examination
Release time : 12/13/2024 15:20:04
Toxoplasma gondii testing is a mandatory prenatal screening, as most individuals infected with Toxoplasma gondii do not exhibit any symptoms. Its impact on pregnant women is extremely significant, potentially causing fetal malformations or death. We must understand its transmission routes. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease, primarily transmitted from cats and their domestic animals, capable of infecting over 140 species of animals, including humans.
If the immune-compromised patient or pregnant woman is infected, it will cause greater harm.
But most people infected with Toxoplasma gondii are asymptomatic, and we can only confirm the diagnosis through laboratory tests.
Let's take a look at how it's actually done.
Under normal circumstances, to determine whether an infection has occurred, we primarily check the serum for antibodies IgM.
Negative, indicating no infection at the time; Positive, indicating infection during that period.
In short, the result of antibody IgM only shows the current status.
In fact, once infected with Toxoplasma gondii, it takes several days or even weeks for the human body to produce immunity, and usually can heal on its own.
After self-healing, IgM will automatically turn negative.
To determine whether there was prior infection, we need to test for antibodies IgG. A positive result indicates that the individual has been previously infected, while a negative result means they have never been infected.
How much does a toxoplasma test cost? In reality, many people love to have cats and dogs as their pets, which are indeed loyal friends and quite appealing.
Despite this, cats and dogs are also the main sources of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Therefore, it is important to always maintain hygiene, wash your hands after handling cat feces, and take precautions against infection.
In order to ensure personal safety, it is best to check for toxoplasmosis periodically. Even if you are infected, you can know early and treat it promptly.
The cost for an erythrocyte antibody test for toxoplasmosis is generally between 100-120 yuan. However, the prices vary depending on the hospital or region you choose to conduct the test. Therefore, it is best to inquire about the costs before proceeding with the test.
Women planning to conceive should ideally undergo the "Five Preventive Factors" test, which includes Toxoplasma gondii. The other four factors are rubella virus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and human papillomavirus.
Any of these five conditions, if contracted, can pose a risk to the fetus.
Do you need to fast for toxoplasmosis testing? Many people who are considering undergoing a toxoplasmosis test may have a question about whether they need to fast beforehand. Now, let me tell you that it is not necessary to fast. You can eat a full breakfast and then go, no need to starve yourself.
Perhaps some people who go for the examination have heard that keeping cats and dogs can be infected with Toxoplasma gondii, which is harmful to the human body.
However, it is not entirely clear how the disease is transmitted from cats and dogs to humans. Let me explain this to you! Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which infects both humans and animals.
It is widely parasitic in the nuclei of both human and animal cells.
Any animal that ingests a cyst, oocyst or living parasite of Toxoplasma can become infected and suffer from toxoplasmosis.
And these cysts, egg sacs, or living organisms exist on cats and dogs and in their mouths; And cat feces are the main source of infection.
And we usually like to play with them or handle feces improperly, which can easily lead to infection.
How long does it take for the results of a toxoplasmosis test? I always hope that the results will come out quickly, but often there is a waiting period. Just like when we undergo toxoplasmosis testing, the report can only be issued after 3-4 days, and the time varies between different hospitals.
Therefore, when undergoing an examination, it is best to ask the doctor for confirmation of the timing.
So when you see the report, can you understand it? The general report will show that the normal reference value for Toxoplasma gondii (IgM) is negative, and a negative result compared to the reference value is definitely good, it's okay.
If the result is positive, then there is an infection with Toxoplasma gondii.
But do you know what it really means? Actually, IgM only checks if you are currently infected and reflects the current situation.
It is possible that you have previously been infected. This is because normal people can produce antibodies against toxoplasma after being infected for a few days or a few weeks, and it is usually possible for them to recover on their own.
If you want to know whether you have been infected, you should test for antibodies IgG. A positive result indicates that you have been infected in the past, while a negative result suggests you have never been infected. Those who need more information can ask their doctor for further details.
When should pregnant women undergo toxoplasmosis screening? Generally, pregnant women should undergo toxoplasmosis screening around 16 weeks of pregnancy. Most pregnant women undergo only one test throughout their entire pregnancy; however, for those with a history of significant contact with animals, it is recommended to conduct tests at different stages of the early, mid-, and late stages of pregnancy.
Because if a pregnant woman is infected with Toxoplasma cysts, she can pass the infection through the placenta to her unborn child, causing fetal blindness, epilepsy, and intellectual disability.
In pregnant women, the older the gestational age, the more likely it is for the infection to be transmitted to the fetus.
Timely detection and treatment are crucial for minimizing sequelae.
In early pregnancy, infection can occur, but since Toxoplasma cannot pass the placenta, only 15% of newborns may be infected. However, due to the poor resistance of the fetus at this time, most cases are fatal, manifesting as miscarriage or embryonic demise.
Infection in the mid-pregnancy period can lead to approximately 25% of newborns being infected, often manifesting as preterm labor or fetal demise at the end of pregnancy. The surviving infants often have congenital birth defects.
The risk of fetal involvement in late pregnancy infection is as high as 60%, manifested as fetal death in utero and premature birth.
The vast majority of surviving fetuses are accompanied by severe neurological disorders and other birth defects.
The medical information provided in this text is for reference only.
In case of discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis and treatment should be based on the clinical examination performed by a medical practitioner.