testing for toxoplasmosis

[sunspun]

where can I get tested for toxoplasmosis? will the local hospital be able to do it or do I need to go to a private clinic?

[Sheryl]

A clinic will not be able to do this, only a major hospital.

As to whether or not that would include your "local hospital", depends on what that is. Only a tertiary level government hospital would be likely to have this capacity.

In addition, a government hospital will not do the test on demand, only if they believe it is indicated. Note that a positive test result does not mean a current infection and that very highly specialized tests would then be needed to determine that. Toxo is a very common parasite and many people will have antibodies to it from infections at some point in the past which they will usually have not been aware of.

Unless immunocompromised, most people with toxo have no symptoms, and require no treatment.

If you have HIV or have been on chemo recently or otherwise immuniocompromised, your best bet is to see a doctor specializing in the illness which has lead to your immunocompromise.

If you are pregnant and concerned for that reason, see an ob-gyn at a major hospital.

If you are none of the above then it is very unlikely that you need testing and treatment for toxo, even if you have it or had it in the past.

Some good overviews of toxoplasmosis:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/toxoplasmosis/DS00510

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/disease.html

[jrtmedic]

Just a small addition to Sheryl's excellent post.

As indicated testing for toxoplasmosis is not "routine" and even if undertaken the results often need to be interpreted by a so called "reference laboratory". These specialised labs are unlikely to be found outside the largest (and often university based) hospitals.

Edited August 5, 2013 by jrtmedic

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

Don't know where everybody is getting their info but

MTLab in CM offers two Toxoplasma tests

Toxoplasma Gondii IgG

Toxoplasma Gondii IgM

350 and 400 baht

Says the method is ELFA and sample is Serum (2ml) and processed in lab.

Says they draw samples on Tuesday and Friday of each week with 1 day turn around time.

Edited August 6, 2013 by CobraSnakeNecktie

[jrtmedic]

if anyone is interested this link describes the pitfalls and difficulties related to interpreting the "test"!

Just because a commercial lab offers a test is no guarantee of a reliable interpretation of the result!

http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/Frames/S-Z/Toxoplasmosis/body_Toxoplasmosis_serol1.htm

Note in particular the need for referral to a reference laboratory !

In the USA reference is made to this CDC facility

http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/Default.htm

Edited August 6, 2013 by jrtmedic

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

if anyone is interested this link describes the pitfalls and difficulties related to interpreting the "test"!

Just because a commercial lab offers a test is no guarantee of a reliable interpretation of the result!

http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/HTML/Frames/S-Z/Toxoplasmosis/body_Toxoplasmosis_serol1.htm

In the USA reference is made to this CDC facility

http://www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/Default.htm

Thanks for that link. Doesn't seem that complicated really.

All lab bio marker testing have some caveats like lab errors, time of day, normal cyclical fluctuations, analysis errors etc.

Other than testing for pregnancy or rejection of organs for transplant is there really any reason to test for it with no real cures or treatments?

Aren't all organ donors tested for T.G.? Are the tests so inaccurate that organ receivers routinely get infected?

Seems like a vaccine could be developed in the future..

Are there any real treatments for T.G. now?

Edited August 6, 2013 by CobraSnakeNecktie

[jrtmedic]

The whole story here !

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/index.html

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

Still seems pretty straight forward.

If a person tests negative for both IgA and IgM then seems to be in the clear.

The CDC doesn't make any mention of it being unreliable test.

The analysis of when the infection occurred is more complicated for pregnancy purposes.

It's better information than doing nothing or using a fortune teller anyway. Not expensive either.

[jrtmedic]

Sorry you have either not read the information or you have misunderstood !

No one is suggesting the test(s) are unreliable !

The problem is associated with interpreting what the results mean !

9 possible outcomes ----- 7 of which require further testing! Certain outcomes also require definitive referral to a reference lab!

Does not seem "simple" to me ----I must be getting old !

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

Sorry you have either not read the information or you have misunderstood !

No one is suggesting the test(s) are unreliable !

The problem is associated with interpreting what the results mean !

9 possible outcomes ----- 7 of which require further testing! Certain outcomes also require definitive referral to a reference lab!

Does not seem "simple" to me ----I must be getting old !

Inconclusive is inconclusive. Not uncommon in many tests.

9 possible outcomes but not equal probability. In organ donation world they usually know pretty quickly if T.G. rules the donor out.

Hit negative on the two tests and that is very straight forward.

Lower part of the matrix for timing of infection is tricky. Having to retest again is hardly mind boggling. Test again right?

[Sheryl]

Determining whether or not it is a current as opposed to past infection will indeed require additional and very complicated tests.

The larger question is...why bother?

For organ transplantation it makes sense, as post-transplant the patient must take immunosuppressant drugs.

But for a person with a normal healthy immune system, little or no reason to need to test for this. Especially since even if present and current, treatment usually not indicated.

[jrtmedic]

For normal healthy individuals there is ,indeed, little reason for testing.

The challenge relates to immunocompromised people who, if symptomatic, require urgent diagnosis. which as suggested, is only likely to be achieved within the context of a "reference " laboratory.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

and estimated 2/3rd's of humans don't have it.

2/3 outcomes will then likely be negative.

If a person was thinking of providing a solid organ transplant then it might be interesting to know.

Other than that not much can be done to reverse the infection or potential brain changes.

If a person didn't have it then it might change their behavior about trying not to get it by avoiding certain infection risks. Cats, undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk products, unwashed vegetables etc.

If a person did have it already then they might be willing to expose themselves to certain infection risks since it's my understanding the antibody prevents subsequent infections.

At ~800 baht it's not prohibitive cost but probably bigger fish to fry in terms of health issues for the expense.

Edited August 7, 2013 by CobraSnakeNecktie

[sunspun]

thanks for the replies. I have some health issues that I've yet to find out what the cause is. The reason I want to be tested is because a lot of the symptoms I have can be caused by this infection. 'Most' healthy people have no problems, but not all. And there is research that shows this may not in fact be true. In any case, I'm not saying this is the reason, but i'd like to officially rule it out (or in) so as to move on to the next possible cause.

[jrtmedic]

Sunspan

I hope you are sharing your concerns with a doctor.

Fishing expeditions are rarely productive and maybe you should ask why Drs do not treat themselves or their families.

[sunspun]

yes, of course I am! I've been working with a neurologist for several years. Neither of us know what is causing these problems so on his encouragement, I'm exploring all options that seem relevant. Unfortunately I am currently in Thailand and he is not otherwise i'd be going to him for tests.

on a side note, I have a few friends who are doctors and they do indeed treat their families and themselves.