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How to detect current toxoplasma infection.
R Evans1, D Ashburn, J Chatterton
1Scottish Toxoplasma Reference Laboratory, Raigmore Hospital, Highland Acute Hospitals Trias, Inverness, UK. microbiology@haht.scot.nhs.uk
British Journal of Biomedical Science
|May 10, 2002
Summary
Detecting current toxoplasma infection in district general hospitals is crucial. Combining three IgM assays, or using a whole antibody or IgG-specific assay, offers the best balance of accuracy for toxoplasmosis diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Immunology
- Clinical Laboratory Science
Background:
- Toxoplasma infection diagnosis requires reliable methods for district general hospital laboratories.
- Evaluating various serological assays is essential for optimizing diagnostic protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the most effective strategy for detecting current toxoplasma infection in routine laboratory settings.
- To compare the performance of different antibody detection methods for toxoplasmosis.
Main Methods:
- Investigated twelve test protocols using sera categorized for current toxoplasma infection.
- Assessed whole antibody latex tests, IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and specific IgM assays.
- Analyzed false-negative and false-positive rates for each protocol.
Main Results:
- Eiken latex and in-house IgG assays showed fewer false negatives but more false positives.
- Combining three IgM assays yielded the fewest false negatives (1/274) but increased false positives.
- IgG and IgM combinations offered a better balance than single IgM tests.
Conclusions:
- Recommends using three IgM tests or a whole antibody/IgG-specific assay for initial toxoplasmosis detection.
- Suggests referring positive or critical negative results to a reference laboratory for confirmation.
- Highlights the need for accurate serological testing in clinical laboratories.