Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy
Overview
Public Health
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Question: One of my female patients was tested for Toxoplasma and found positive for immunoglobulin G (IgG). She is planning to get pregnant soon. What are the risks for her and her baby?
Answer: Up to 25% of Canadians are IgG-positive for Toxoplasma due to past exposure. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) titres indicate current infection. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that has several forms during its life cycle: oocyte, tachyzoite, and cyst.
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