Toxoplasmosis in the blood: the norm of IgG antibodies

According to statistics, every third resident of our country is infected with toxoplasmosis. Often, carriers of the disease do not even know about their condition, since the infection may not manifest itself in any way - the person does not have any pronounced symptoms. Due to the simple and often asymptomatic transfer of this disease, insufficient attention is paid to the diagnosis and treatment methods. While in some cases the infection can lead to fatal consequences and serious complications. What does it mean if toxoplasmosis is detected in the blood? The norm and deviations of indicators, how immunoglobulins of the IgG and IgM groups contribute to the diagnosis of infection, as well as how to cope and prevent the disease, are described in this article.

What is toxoplasmosis?

Infectious disease toxoplasmosis is caused by parasites. The main carriers of pathogens are cats. But animal waste products fall into the soil, from where they can spread to temporary carriers: rodents, goats, cows. Pathogens may spoil the soil into vegetables. Thus, a person can become infected through unwashed hands, especially after contact with animals, as well as when eating insufficiently processed meat and vegetables. When a parasite enters the body, toxoplasmosis develops. The norm of antibodies in this case suggests the presence of IgM as a result of the analysis of immunoglobulin.

Toxoplasmosis infection

Like any other infection, the human body responds to infection with toxoplasmosis by activation of the immune defenses. Namely, the production of special antibodies, immunoglobulins of the protein of the IgG and IgM groups.

Having discovered a pathogenic microorganism (antigen), cells of the immune system begin to produce antibodies that are aimed at eliminating a specific infection. Such assistants in the fight against the disease are called "IgG immunoglobulins." Finding a specific antigen, they bind to it, destroying the structure. With the development of a disease such as toxoplasmosis, the norm in the blood of IgG is the detection of this group of immunoglobulins on the third day after infection. They persist throughout life, protecting a person from secondary infection. Thus, toxoplasmosis can be infected only once, after which a stable immunity to the parasite, the causative agent of the disease, is developed.

When infected with toxoplasmosis, other groups of immunoglobulins, namely IgM, come to the aid of the body in the fight against the disease. Toxoplasmosis detected? The norm of antibodies in this case is the detection of IgM immunoglobulins in the blood immediately after the parasite enters the body. But IgM immunoglobulins cannot protect a person from reinfection, as they cease to be produced approximately 2–4 weeks after infection.

Properties of IgG immunoglobulins

It is worth considering in more detail the functions and properties performed by IgG immunoglobulins in the body when infected with a disease such as toxoplasmosis. Norm IgG - the concept is ambiguous. The presence of immunoglobulins of this group may indicate both the acute phase of the disease and a long process. How do antibodies fight disease? They perform a number of functions that protect the body and adversely affect the viability of the causative agent of the disease, namely:

• neutralize toxins produced by the parasite;
• participate in the process of avidity (contact the pathogen);
• stimulate phagocytosis;
• tend to penetrate the placenta, thereby forming a passive immunity in the fetus.

An interesting and important fact is that it is the immunoglobulin of the IgG group that accounts for 80% of all immunoglobulins in the body. In addition, in chronic infections and autoimmune diseases, the percentage of IgG immunoglobulins increases.

Decoding indicators of immunoglobulin IgG

Usually, a study of the quantitative measurement of immunoglobulins in an analysis of toxoplasmosis is not done. The norm in the blood is an indicator of the detection or absence of immunoglobulins. Most often, in the analysis results, such designations as “positive” or “negative” are noted. But in some cases, according to the indications, the doctor may prescribe a special quantitative analysis. It is quite difficult to give specific norms for IgG immunoglobulin indices, since each laboratory has its own criteria. Such differences are due to the use of different chemicals during the analysis of toxoplasmosis in the blood. The rate varies markedly depending on the laboratory. As an example, the following rates of indicators:

1. How to decipher the results of the analysis for toxoplasmosis? The norm of IgG is indicators below 700 mg / dl. A positive result of the analysis for measuring the number of IgG immunoglobulins is 700–1600 mg / dl or 7–16 g / l. Indicators below these limits are considered a negative result.
2. Using other units of measurement, these standards of IgG immunoglobulin indices are indicated: above 12 IU / ml is considered a positive result, below 9 IU / ml it is considered negative, indicators between the indicated norms are doubtful and require additional studies.

Regardless of how the indicators of the analysis for toxoplasmosis are indicated , the decoding of the result is of equal importance. Found a positive result for toxoplasmosis in the blood? The norm is the presence of IgG antibodies and the absence of IgM. The presence of IgG immunoglobulins in the test material indicates that the body met with the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. This means that a person is reliably protected from secondary infection. But at the same time, such results may indicate a recent initial infection. To confirm or refute this assumption, it is necessary to analyze the performance of IgM immunoglobulins, which appear in the body only during the acute phase of the disease. Accordingly, the presence of such antibodies indicates primary infection and a serious danger to the fetus. In such a situation, the doctor makes a diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. The norm in the blood is the absence of antibodies of the IgM group. Such indicators indicate a long-standing infection and the absence of any danger to the body.

If the results of the analysis indicate the absence of IgG immunoglobulins in the body, special measures should be taken to prevent infection during pregnancy, since such results indicate the absence of protective antibodies against toxoplasmosis.

Diagnostic methods for toxoplasmosis

The following types of diagnosis of toxoplasmosis are:

1. Immunological and serological. They are based precisely on the characteristics of the body to produce antibodies to infection. Using special test systems, the presence or absence of IgG and IgM immunoglobulins is determined. Thus, one can not only detect the presence of protective antibodies in the body, but also timely diagnose the acute phase of toxoplasmosis. Is there a blood toxoplasmosis test? The norm is the detection of IgG antibodies and the absence of IgM.
2. Methods for direct detection of the parasite - studies using microscopy or PCR diagnostics.
3. Instrumental methods are used only in complicated and controversial cases. Apply ultrasound, computer examination and others.
4. A biological sample may also indicate the presence of an IgG group of immunoglobulins in the body. After subcutaneous administration of a special allergenic drug, the reaction is monitored for two days. When puffiness appears, a positive result is recorded.
   

Method for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis ELISA

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is used more often to determine toxoplasmosis. It is this method that allows you to determine the duration of infection, to establish the acute phase of the disease. Such indicators can be distinguished by the detection of IgM immunoglobulins. If the form indicates: “Toxoplasmosis: normal in the blood,” the result means that there is no acute phase of the disease.

The decryption is standard and does not have features during the analysis during pregnancy. Let us consider in more detail what the results mean: "acute phase of the disease" and "toxoplasmosis: normal in the blood." The table below illustrates the indicators and their designation. Namely:

Toxoplasmosis: the norm in the blood during pregnancy

Such a seemingly harmless disease, like toxoplasmosis, can manifest itself as serious complications in people with weakened immunity. But the disease is especially dangerous for a pregnant woman and her fetus, since the parasite can penetrate the placenta and infect the unborn baby. Unformed immunity of the crumbs is not able to withstand the pathogen, and in many cases the child dies. It is worth noting that when a pregnant woman is infected in the early stages, there is a high probability of miscarriage, fetal freezing, the formation of pathologies that are not compatible with life.

Infection in the later stages leads to premature birth, stillbirth, the appearance of a child with serious developmental pathologies, such as:

• retinal inflammation, blindness;
• deafness;
• enlarged spleen and liver;
• violation of the development of internal organs;
• jaundice;
• damage to the central nervous system (convulsions, paralysis, hydrocephalus, oligophrenia, epilepsy, encephalitis);
• pneumonia;
• violation of the heart;
• external deformities: splitting of the lips and palate, pathologies of the development of limbs, hernia, hermaphroditism, strabismus, cataracts and more.

Many of the above congenital pathologies lead to infant mortality in the first few weeks of life or to profound disability. There are cases of the birth of a child without expressed, at first glance, pathologies. But during the first year of life, symptoms of acute toxoplasmosis appear.

Given the high risk of infection for the unborn baby, doctors during the planning, conception, and throughout pregnancy appoint women a comprehensive analysis for TORCH infection, which includes a study on toxoplasmosis. The norm of tests during pregnancy is no different from generally accepted indicators.

Timely treatment significantly increases the chances of having a healthy baby. In this case, the benefits of the drugs used exceed the possible harm done by them.

Indications for the treatment of toxoplasmosis

The result of “toxoplasmosis: normal in the blood” is indicated on the analysis form - treatment in this case is not required. In most cases, the human immune system can cope with a pathogenic microorganism on its own. Treatment is prescribed only for various violations of the immune system in the following cases:

• in acute toxoplasmosis in order to prevent serious complications in AIDS patients and pregnant women;
• with a chronic form of the disease during an exacerbation in order to form a normal immune response;
• treatment can be prescribed for chronic toxoplasmosis in case of development of chorioretinitis, infertility, miscarriage.

Treatment of toxoplasmosis in people with weakened immune systems in the absence of pregnancy

For people with weakened immunity, different drugs can be prescribed, depending on the symptoms and history:

• "Fansidar."
• "Delagil."
• "Tetracycline."
• Doxycycline.
• "Prednisolone."
• Spiramycin.
• "Trichopolum."
• Calcium folinate.
  

Pregnant women are not allowed to use the above drugs.

Treatment of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women

How to decipher in a future mother an analysis of toxoplasmosis? The norm during pregnancy is also determined: by the presence or absence of a pathogen parasite or protective antibodies of the Igg and IgM groups.

If the analysis confirmed the presence of an acute phase of infection, one of two types of therapy can be used:

1. The appointment of "Rovamycin" is possible in different courses: 1.5 million units twice a day for 6 weeks; 3 million units twice a day for 4 weeks or 3 million units three times a day for 10 days. Such treatment is prescribed for a period not earlier than 16 weeks of pregnancy.
2. Complex consisting of Pyrimethamine and Sulfodaxine. The dosage and duration of the course are indicated by the doctor. Treatment may be prescribed after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
3. For eye inflammation, treatment with Prednisolone is necessary.
4. Also, in uncomplicated cases, "Spiramycin" is used.

Prevention methods

If you are planning a baby, and the results of the tests showed the absence of antibodies to toxoplasmosis, there is no other way to protect the future baby from the disease, except for preventive measures. Based on knowledge about the methods of infection, the following preventive measures can be identified:

• minimize contact with animals throughout the entire period of pregnancy;
• do not eat raw and poorly fried meat, unwashed vegetables;
• work with soil only in rubber gloves ;
• Do not forget to wash your hands thoroughly and often.

Such simple rules will help to preserve not only health, but also the life of the unborn baby and expectant mother.

Based on the information presented in the article, we can conclude that toxoplasmosis is an extremely dangerous disease for a future mother and her baby. But modern medicine is able to timely detect specific antibodies that protect the body from infection. In this case, it is necessary not only to deliver on time, but also to correctly interpret the results of the analysis for toxoplasmosis. The norm in pregnant women is no different from the generally established indicators. So, the presence or absence of IgG immunoglobulins may indicate directly opposite clinical pictures. Therefore, trust a specialist - strictly follow all his recommendations, do not engage in self-decoding of the results. In this case, the probability of a successful birth of a healthy baby is very high. Be healthy!