Serologic Testing: T. gondii

  • "Antibody Detection:

    • Serologic examination is used initially to indicate the presence of the infection by detecting Toxoplasma-specific antibodies.

    • Serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and eye fluid specimens may all be tested for antibodies. If determination of immune status is the reason for testing, a single specimen is satisfactory.

    • If determining the time of infection is important, two specimens drawn at least 3 weeks apart may or may not be useful.

    • In most cases, detection of a rising IgG or IgM titer is not possible because the titers have already reached a plateau by the time the initial sample is drawn.

    • The above algorithm may be used to determine the appropriate sequence of serological testing."

    -CDC (used with permission, public domain)

 
 

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