Description

The Toxoplasma Antibody IgG/IgM Panel is a blood test that checks for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Testing both IgG and IgM antibodies can provide information about previous exposure and may help evaluate a possible recent infection.

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Many people who become infected have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may resemble a mild flu-like illness and can include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.

Exposure can occur through:

  • Eating raw or undercooked infected meat
  • Contact with contaminated soil
  • Exposure to cat feces containing the parasite
  • Eating food or drinking water contaminated with Toxoplasma
  • Transmission from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby

What Does This Panel Test?

This panel measures two types of antibodies:

Toxoplasma IgG Antibody – Typically develops after infection and can remain detectable for life. IgG testing can help determine whether a person has previously been exposed to Toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasma IgM Antibody – May appear earlier following infection and can be useful when evaluating possible recent infection. IgM antibodies can sometimes remain detectable for an extended period, so additional testing may be necessary when determining the timing of an infection.

Why Order a Toxoplasma IgG/IgM Panel?

Testing may be considered for:

  • Possible exposure to Toxoplasma gondii
  • Unexplained flu-like symptoms or swollen lymph nodes
  • Evaluation of possible recent toxoplasmosis
  • Determining evidence of previous exposure
  • Pregnancy or pre-pregnancy evaluation when clinically appropriate
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems
  • Evaluation of certain unexplained neurologic or eye conditions

Pregnancy and Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis can be particularly important during pregnancy because a newly acquired infection may be transmitted to the developing baby. If testing suggests a possible recent infection during pregnancy, additional confirmatory testing and prompt medical evaluation are important.

Important

IgG and IgM results alone may not establish exactly when an infection occurred. Positive or uncertain IgM results may require additional testing, such as repeat antibody testing or IgG avidity testing, depending on the clinical situation.

Specimen: Blood Fasting: Not required