Eurofins Biomnis code

TOXO

Synonyms

• Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies - IgG/IgM

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

A normally benign infection with symptoms resembling those of infective mononucleosis or no symptoms at all. Toxoplasma organisms persist in the host's body as cysts in the tissues. The immune response is strong and protective against secondary infection. Toxoplasma infection can be serious in two populations. The first of these is immunodeficient subjects (e.g. with AIDS) in whom the infection can reactivate in the lungs or the central nervous system. The second is pregnant women infected for the first time. Classically, infection of the embryo is rare but when it occurs it can have dire consequences (in utero death or major birth defects). Foetal infections are more common and less dangerous (chorioretinitis can be a late sequela of congenital toxoplasmosis). Toxoplasma organisms can be detected after the inoculation of mice or in tissue culture but the analysis of amniotic fluid for parasite DNA by PCR assay is becoming a routine diagnostic modality for suspected infection in pregnant women. In immunodeficient patients, specimens of BAL material or CSF are assayed. Neverthless, diagnosis still usually depends on serological analysis of a series of different parameters. IgG and IgM antibodies are assayed in order to be able to date the infection. Assaying specific IgA antibodies has been proposed but measuring the avidity of IgG antibodies may be more useful insofar as the stronger the binding, the more long-standing the infection. The Sabin-Feldman dye test is of purely historical interest. In France, the law requires that all serologically negative, pregnant women have to be regularly tested for seroconversion. The serological status of any newborn baby who might have been infected in utero should be closely followed.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• serum
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

In case of doubtful serology result, a confirmation test by westernblot is automatically performed, test code WBTXG
ALWAYS specify the type: screening, screening check, follow-up, follow-up check, pregnancy screening, pregnancy screening check, pregnancy follow-up, pregnancy follow-up check or newborn

Methodology

Chemiluminescence - Enzyme immunoassay

Turnaround time

3 days