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Toxoplasma Blood Test
Got a nagging feeling something's off? Get tested for Toxoplasma, a parasite that can sneak up on your health. Our Toxoplasma blood test gives you the lowdown so you can take charge of your well-being and make informed decisions about your health.
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My Prenatal Test for Toxoplasmosis Had an Unexpected Twist
summarizeEditor's Summary
As someone who's rescued strays since childhood, I recently took a prenatal test for toxoplasmosis and was surprised by the results. While this test is crucial for young women, those planning to get pregnant, or people with weakened immune systems, it might not be necessary for the rest of us unless we're experiencing severe symptoms or have a heightened risk of affecting our central nervous system. Toxoplasmosis can be a sneaky disease, and it's essential to understand its risks and consequences. In this review, I'll share my personal experience and provide insights into the importance of this test. The test is usually recommended for those who've come into contact with cat litter or undercooked meat, and it can detect toxoplasmosis early on, reducing the risk of complications. It's also a lifesaver for those with compromised immune systems and provides peace of mind for expectant mothers. However, it's worth noting that the test might not be necessary for people without underlying health issues or pregnancy complications, and it can be expensive, especially for those without insurance.
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My Prenatal Test for Toxoplasmosis Had an Unexpected Twist
I've been rescuing strays since I was a kid, but a prenatal test for toxoplasmosis had an unexpected twist for me. Let me tell you, it's a pretty important test, especially for young women and those planning to get pregnant, or for anyone whose immune system is compromised. But, do the rest of us really need it?
Toxoplasmosis is a sneaky disease... for one person, it might just pass without any noticeable symptoms, feeling like a bad cold, but for another, it can cause some serious complications. And while the percentage of people who experience those complications is relatively low, especially if they don't have any underlying health issues or are pregnant, it's still worth considering. So, to answer the question - do the rest of us really need this test? - I'd say probably not, unless you're experiencing some severe symptoms or have a heightened risk of affecting your central nervous system.
Symptoms can vary from being non-existent or mildly enlarged lymph nodes (similar to mononucleosis) to life-threatening central nervous system (CNS) disease and organ damage in people with weakened immune systems. Encephalitis can develop in HIV patients and those with low CD4 counts. Retinochoroiditis, seizures, and mental retardation are characteristic of congenital infection. A 10-20% chance of developing bilateral, painless cervical or axillary lymph node enlargement occurs in some patients. Some also experience a flu-like syndrome: mild fever, fatigue, myalgia, hepatosplenomegaly, and less often pharyngitis, which can resemble infectious mononucleosis and include lymphadenitis. Atypical lymphocytosis, mild anemia, leukopenia, and slightly elevated liver enzyme levels are common. The syndrome can persist for many weeks, but almost always self-limits.
Diagnosis is made by serological tests, pathology, or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Diagnosis is usually made based on serological tests using indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG and IgM antibodies.
Lab diagnosis primarily focuses on clarifying the nature of the process – carrier state or disease – rather than just detecting a positive immune response (antibodies).
It's a bit like playing Russian roulette, similar to the coronavirus. Out of 999 people, almost all will pass it by symptom-free or with mild flu-like symptoms, while the 1000th person will experience the full wrath of the disease.
I have to admit, I've always associated toxoplasmosis with pregnancy. From as far back as high school, I knew it was a serious concern for women who were expecting. But, of course, there's always a 'but' – it's only a risk if you contract it during pregnancy. If you get it before that, it's a different story.
I actually had a toxoplasmosis test done around 15-20 years ago, along with some other tests at a dermatovenereology clinic. I was experiencing severe symptoms of a herpes infection at the time, and I'm not even sure if the toxoplasmosis test was included in the final analysis. I don't think the results were ever given to me, and I've since lost the old test results. When I talked to my doctor about it later, toxoplasmosis wasn't even mentioned.
Looking back, I didn't have any pregnancy plans for the next couple of years, so I didn't really pay much attention to this whole toxoplasmosis thing (now I realize I was probably being a bit naive). I just knew that this parasite posed a risk mainly during pregnancy (for the baby) and for people with certain types of cancers and weakened immune systems (at the time, my situation wasn't considered too bad, despite the herpes outbreaks and breathing problems – but that wasn't seen as a high-risk situation for activating this disease), so I kind of ignored the fact that I might have already had it. Plus, I knew that up to 20-50% of people in developed countries can be carriers, even if they don't show any symptoms (it's similar to tuberculosis, which has a huge number of asymptomatic carriers), so I figured it was just a fact of life. I knew I needed to keep my immune system in check and make sure I didn't get infected during pregnancy – ideally, I wanted to have already had it before getting pregnant.
I was even more convinced that I'd already had it for a while.
Years later, I had blood tests for toxoplasmosis as part of a routine check-up, along with other tests.
When I first found out I was pregnant, to be honest, I wasn't really recommended to get this test done.
It was suggested that since I'd been living with my furry little 'puppies' for a year, the risk of getting infected was minimal – so if the animals had the disease, I'd probably already have the antibodies from interacting with them.
And, as I mentioned earlier, I genuinely believed that with my lifestyle, I'd definitely have the antibodies by then.
During my pregnancy, I was reassured that as long as I avoided new animals, I'd be fine for the first nine months.
But I was strictly forbidden from cleaning the litter boxes for my cats – even the ones I'd been in close contact with for a long time – and controlling their food (I was told to stick to a strict diet with maximum cleaning and heat treatment for anything that could be washed and boiled multiple times).
I've been surrounded by animals since I was a kid, spending summers at my grandparents' village where I'd interact with loads of animals and play in the fields among wheat and flax. There were always kittens around – mine, my neighbors', and who knows, maybe some others too. I'd carry them around, feed them milk, and the works. A big chunk of my childhood was spent on transport yards and storage facilities, where there were plenty of cats and little puppies. As I got older, I'd still hang out with stray cats... my parents didn't mind, as long as I washed my hands properly. Twice, to be exact – before and after eating. They didn't stop me from playing with cats, but they did stress the importance of personal hygiene. It's funny, because those neighborhood cats and the ones that get to roam free (the ones that live in houses but love to venture out) are actually the main carriers and spreaders of disease. They can catch mice, birds, and other small animals, which is how they get infected in the first place. So, from a young age, I knew it was essential to wash my hands thoroughly after interacting with any cat.
But when I got the results of my toxoplasmosis test, I realized I'd been taking a risk. I'd always known not to kiss their faces or put my head near their behinds, and I made sure to clean their litter boxes only when I was older and followed all the safety rules. That's the main way people get infected, especially if the litter box isn't cleaned regularly.
Despite all this, I never had cats at home when I lived in an apartment. It wasn't until I moved into a house that I started getting kittens.
I have to admit, I thought I'd long since had my fair share of cat-related infections and was more worried about human illnesses at this point in my life.
However, subconsciously, I was still taking precautions to avoid getting infected: I'd use gloves when cleaning the litter box, wash my hands after interacting with the cats, and avoid touching my face after handling dirty hands, among other things.
And during my pregnancies, I'd also be extra cautious about eating uncooked meat and raw eggs, and I'd make sure to wash my fruits and veggies thoroughly before eating them.
It's funny, but I used to love scrambled eggs, but after getting toxoplasmosis, I started being more careful about eating raw or undercooked meat, even if it's frozen – I learned that freezing can kill the parasite.
By the way, when my older relatives warn me about the dangers of uncovered sandbox toys in the neighborhood, they're not just scaring me – they're actually right on the money. Sandboxes can be a major breeding ground for toxoplasmosis, among other things.
And when my immunity dropped after a particularly aggressive treatment for a recent illness, I found myself thinking about getting tested for toxoplasmosis again – it's like my brain was triggered by all the scary stories and facts I'd learned over the years.
Main culprits
I had the toxoplasmosis analysis done as I mentioned, essentially for the company, but it popped back into my mind when I decided to get tested for antibodies to other diseases – primarily chickenpox and shingles.
It started when schools began talking about outbreaks of these infections, and some kids got sick (like the cases of chickenpox in my daughter's daycare group next door), and I just got anxious... I understood that for my weakened immune system, this would be a big load, and I wanted to know what to expect (basically, had I been sick before?). According to my mom, I had chickenpox as a toddler, maybe even in my first year of life (but we couldn't find my childhood medical records to confirm) + I had it again in school around age 10, supposedly (this is a whole different story), but I wasn't sure (and even if I did have it, would the antibodies have remained?) + I'm 99% sure I never had shingles... And since I was already getting tested for chickenpox and shingles antibodies, I decided to go ahead with the full package (including toxoplasmosis, which I remembered again).
I went for a more comprehensive analysis, not just the TORCH infection test, but a broader one for neuro-infections (a collection of tests that can affect the central nervous system, bundled together at a discounted price for bulk submissions), and I was blown away by the results... many of the antibodies I expected to see were absent. But the diseases I wouldn't have even thought of (or only considered based on symptoms, assuming it might have been that one at a certain point in my life), it turned out I actually had them (their symptoms are quite similar and do target the CNS – fatigue, fever, headaches, etc.).
My Toxoplasmosis test results:
As I mentioned earlier, I was surprised by the negative result. Honestly? I was leaning towards thinking I'd already had it (given my past exposure) and wasn't even expecting a positive result, but my body had other plans. But after my wild goose chase for the coronavirus (links are at the end of this review), I'm no longer surprised by anything – my immune system and body as a whole react to things in a very unique way.
My test was done without specifying exact reference values, just a general presence of the antibody, more or less (using the IFT method) – but for initial diagnosis, that was more than enough (see below in the 'Cost' section).
Next on the agenda was tracking the antibody levels and determining avidity, but given the antibody levels, it wouldn't have made sense to proceed – there was simply nothing left to track...
Getting a toxoplasmosis test result can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for pregnant women. But let's break it down – a negative result is, in fact, a negative result. In most cases, your body will retain IgG antibodies for life, although their levels might change over time.
Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy:
...this is what scares many expecting mothers.
It's crucial not to contract toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, especially during the first few months. It's believed that getting infected before pregnancy (and in 99% of cases, that's true) is better, but even then, you can't be 100% sure. As I mentioned earlier, you should read up on pseudo-cysts and the conditions that trigger their activation – it's unlikely, but possible.
If someone does get infected during pregnancy, it often becomes a reason to terminate the pregnancy, unfortunately ⚙. In some cases, the pregnancy might be terminated naturally, especially in the first two trimesters. That's why toxoplasmosis is considered just as threatening as rubella for those in 'a delicate position.' However, in some cases, prompt treatment can lead to positive results and prevent the fetus from getting infected – but that needs to happen quickly, before the infection passes through the placenta.
When you receive your test results, don't panic and remember:
Mother's IgG antibodies pass through the placenta, but IgM does not.
Cost of the test:
The lab offers different types of antibody analysis.
For example, the cost of the IgG antibody test is:
At Synov – 190 UAH / 550 RUB (IgG antibody avidity – 440 UAH / 1200 RUB).
At Invitro: 595 RUB + blood draw: 220 RUB
At Helix: 2150 RUB with avidity determination.
My take: it's worth determining if these antibodies (IgG) are even present, and then, if they are, what their binding strength is. You don't want to do the extra procedure if it's not necessary. But sometimes, determining avidity is crucial, especially if you have both IgG and IgM.
For me, it was more important to establish the form and stage of the disease, rather than just determining if it's present. If it is, you want to know the specifics – not just IgG, but also IgM, IgA, and avidity.
And that's the rare case where IgM for toxoplasmosis isn't as informative as avidity and IgG dynamics. IgG is often more informative, but that's something your doctor should explain.
The test itself is pretty straightforward:
No special prep is needed – the blood is taken from a vein in a vacutainer and processed using the standard ELISA method.
Analyzer and test system:
EUROIMMUN, EUROIMMUN AG (Germany); Cobas 6000, Roche Diagnostics
My results took a while to come back (5 days when it was supposed to be 7), but I was testing for multiple CNS infections at once. If it was just toxoplasmosis, I'd have had my results in 1-2 days, so it's not too bad if you just have one infection.
What you need to know? My tips:
1. Keep calm, but not panicked. Testing is a good idea (for certain groups of people), but don't freak out if the results come back positive – the disease often has a very mild course (with the exception of pregnancy and people with certain cancers or compromised immune systems).
2. Safety first when it comes to cat contact – it's crucial. Pregnant women, in particular, should avoid changing the litter box, kissing, or sleeping with cats, even if you think they're clean (I tried to minimize contact with all our pets altogether). The thing is, cats can carry the disease without showing any symptoms, and the only sign might be diarrhea.
3. What's crucial for mental health? Understanding that someone with a condition isn't 'tainted' and there's no need to be afraid of them, as the disease can only be passed on in utero (but not from cats, apparently).
4. In our country, this test isn't part of the mandatory prenatal list, so the question of control falls solely on the future mother. And it's definitely better to do it even before planning a pregnancy...
Other important tests:
The disease that's sometimes too scary to even mention. You wait for the test results with bated breath.A storm brewing inside your body. Do you necessarily have to worry about hormone problems if your thyroid gland is enlarged?You spent the whole summer soaking up the sun. You're eating well, but then – suddenly – a vitamin D deficiency.Complete loss of smell and all the other COVID symptoms. What will your PCR test results be like in that case?When is it worth getting tested for antibodies against the coronavirus? A negative result means you've never had it? Not quite...I definitely recommend blood tests for toxoplasmosis, but only for certain groups of people and starting with the basics like IgM, IgG, and so on.
If you frequently interact with stray animals, it doesn't mean you've already had toxoplasmosis and developed antibodies.
The impact of medications on the immune system.
The elderberry effect. Can you recover in a week or 7 days?The most prescribed medication for coronavirus. But it's not always worth stimulating your immune system...
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is toxoplasmosis, and why is it a concern during pregnancy?
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. It can be transmitted through contact with contaminated cat litter, undercooked meat, or infected water. During pregnancy, toxoplasmosis can cause serious complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects.
Who should take a prenatal test for toxoplasmosis?
Young women, those planning to get pregnant, and people with weakened immune systems should consider taking a prenatal test for toxoplasmosis. This includes individuals with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive medications.
What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
Symptoms of toxoplasmosis can vary from mild to severe and may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, and fatigue. In severe cases, toxoplasmosis can cause life-threatening complications, including central nervous system disease and organ damage.
How is toxoplasmosis diagnosed?
Toxoplasmosis is typically diagnosed through a blood test, which detects the presence of antibodies against the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. A second test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out false positives.
Can toxoplasmosis be treated?
Yes, toxoplasmosis can be treated with antibiotics and antiparasitic medications. However, treatment is most effective when administered early on, so it's essential to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time.
Can toxoplasmosis be prevented?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent toxoplasmosis, taking precautions can reduce the risk of infection. This includes avoiding contact with cat litter, undercooked meat, and infected water, as well as practicing good hygiene and washing hands frequently.
What are the long-term effects of toxoplasmosis?
The long-term effects of toxoplasmosis can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual's overall health. In some cases, toxoplasmosis can cause chronic health problems, including fatigue, joint pain, and vision problems.
Can toxoplasmosis be transmitted to my baby during pregnancy?
Yes, toxoplasmosis can be transmitted to your baby during pregnancy, especially if you contract the infection during the first trimester. However, the risk of transmission can be reduced by taking precautions and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time.
How can I reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy?
To reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, it's essential to avoid contact with cat litter, undercooked meat, and infected water. You should also practice good hygiene, wash your hands frequently, and avoid eating undercooked meat or raw vegetables.
check_circlePros
- •Helpful for young women, those planning to get pregnant, or people with weakened immune systems
- •Can detect toxoplasmosis early on, reducing the risk of complications
- •Important for people who've come into contact with cat litter or undercooked meat
- •Can be a lifesaver for those with compromised immune systems
- •Provides peace of mind for expectant mothers
- •Helps identify potential health risks associated with toxoplasmosis
- •Can be a preventive measure for those at high risk
- •Reduces the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and birth defects
cancelCons
- •Might not be necessary for people without underlying health issues or pregnancy complications
- •Can be expensive, especially for those without insurance
- •Requires a blood test, which may cause some discomfort
- •Results may take several days to a week to receive
- •May not be covered by all health insurance plans
- •Can be a source of anxiety for those waiting for results
- •May not be suitable for people with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications
- •May require additional testing to confirm the diagnosis
