CLIA Toxoplasma IgM

• Detection of IgM antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii
• Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis
• Disease stage specification
• Intended for human serum and plasma
• The purified and inactivated antigen of T. gondii (RH strain) used

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Primary hosts are cats. Humans can be infected either by ingesting the cysts (by direct contact with cats or through food or water contaminated by cat faeces) or by eating poorly cooked meat containing cysts.

Acquired toxoplasmosis in immunocompetent individuals is usually asymptomatic or can manifest itself with flu-like symptoms. However, it may also cause life-threatening illness in individuals with impaired immune defense.

Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by the transmission of infection from mother to fetus. It may result in severe damages to the fetus (brain calcification, hydrocephalus, vision disorders, mental affections), stillbirth, or abortion. Toxoplasmosis is one of the infections of TORCH syndrome.

Serology is the most important tool for laboratory diagnostics of toxoplasmosis. It includes screening complement fixation test (CFT), immunoassay determination of specific IgA, IgE, IgM, IgG antibodies, and IgG avidity, and confirmation of results by immunoblotting.

IgA, IgE, and IgM antibodies are significant markers of acute toxoplasmosis. IgG antibodies reach the maximum level in serum after 6 months from the beginning of the infection and they can be detected for many years after past infection.