Testing of Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG and IgM)

Testing of Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG and IgM) allows the state of immunisation against toxoplasmosis to be assessed. If contracted during pregnancy or in the weeks preceding conception, toxoplasmosis exposes you to the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.  A congenital toxoplasma infection can cause congenital developmental defects of the unborn child in the eye and central nervous system.

Toxoplasma IgMs signal that the disease is in progress as they form in the first phase of acute infection (typically within 2 weeks of infection), peaking between the fourth and eighth week.

Toxoplasma IgGs are an indication of the organism’s exposure to the parasite at an earlier point (more than 4 months ago). By remaining in circulation throughout life, IgGs allow immunisation for toxoplasmosis.