Toxoplasma
Gynecologists

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What is toxoplasma? 
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that resides in all warm-blooded animals and humans. 
 
How is it spread? 
Infection with this parasite is possible through thermally insufficiently processed meat (lamb, pork and beef), feces of infected cats, as well as transfers from an infected mother to her fetus, which can lead to illness and/or death of the fetus. 
 
Prevalence 
About 10-20% of people are infected with toxoplasma at any one time, but only a small number of them develop the disease - toxoplasmosis. 
 
Symptoms 
During the first weeks after infection possible symptoms resemble those of flu. After that, the parasite rarely causes symptoms. 
 
Complications and diseases 
Although the presence of this parasite in most cases does not affect the health of adults, this parasite can be hazardous to the fetus (if a woman becomes infected during pregnancy), as well as for people with weakened immune systems. 
In such cases, there is a wide spectrum of disease manifestations: asymptotic Lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), anemia, myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle), pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue), chorioretinitis (damage to the eyes), and long-term disease of the central nervous system. Pregnant women who get infected usually have no symptoms. 
30-40% of women who become infected during pregnancy will have offspring with congenital anomalies. The risk of fetal infection increases from 15% to 30% and 60% depending on whether the pregnant woman was infected in the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy. 
On the other hand, children with the lowest occurring defects are those whose mothers become infected in the third trimester of pregnancy. If a pregnant woman becomes infected during the first or second trimester it is necessary to make attempt treatment. 
 
Diagnosis 
Serological methods detect the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. This method is recommended for adults, but it cannot detect an infection of the fetus. 
Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in the prenatal period can only be done by PCR, which is the test we do in our laboratory. 
Testing is recommended if IgM antibodies have been detected specific for Toxoplasma gondii
 
DNA testing 
In our laboratory we detect the presence of pathogens by the PCR method. 
The result of the test is obtained within one business day. 
 
Samples for testing 
From the sample of the chorionic villi (CVS), amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood we can determine whether the pathogen was able to pass through the placenta and infect the baby. This test is only done by PCR. 
Samples are taken solely by gynecologists. 
 
Prices 
These prices do not include sampling of CVS, amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood - these samples are taken exclusively by gynecologists at extra cost. 
Toxoplasma 12.000 
Combined tests 
Cytomegalovirus and toxoplasma 20.000QF-PCR and toxoplasma 20.000QF-PCR, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasma 26.000 
Prices for all tests in the field of human health and payment instructions can be found here