Toxoplasma gondii – DNA

Diagnostic Use

Toxoplasmosis, is caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Immunocompetent persons with primary infection are usually asymptomatic. However, in some immunocompetent individuals, T. gondii infection can present as an acute systemic infection or as ocular disease (eg, posterior uveitis).

Toxoplasma DNA detection may be useful when an acute infection with toxoplasma is considered.

It is recommended that toxoplasma serological testing is performed prior to DNA testing to ascertain the patients antibody status. In cases of suspected congenital infection the mother should be tested for the presence of toxoplasma antibodies prior to bleeding the baby.

Department

Microbiology - Virology

Delphic Registration Code

DTOX

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

Testing is batched daily Monday-Friday at approximately 9.30am, with results available from mid-afternoon.

Test Adds

Add-ons can be made if an appropriate sample has already been received for other PCR testing. Please call Virology to discuss.

Synonyms

Congenital infection - Toxoplasma - DNA
Intrauterine infection - Toxoplasma - DNA
Toxoplasma gondii PCR

Turnaround Time

3 days

Test Code

2742

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood
• CSF
• Biopsy
• Amniotic Fluid
• Aspirate

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Acceptable

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Additional Specimen Information

Specimen Collection for Toxoplasma DNA Testing:

Congenital infection
Amniotic fluid 10 mL. (Collect at delivery if possible).
Fresh placental biopsy in isotonic saline.
Cord blood – 1 mL in EDTA tube.

Intrauterine infection
Amniotic fluid; 10 mL
Foetal blood (EDTA tube) 0.5 mL minimum
Amniotic fluid is the preferred sample.

Acutely infected adult or immunocompromised patient
Blood – 5 mL EDTA tube
CSF – 2 mL CSF
Tissue biopsy - Lymph node, cardiac biopsy, brain biopsy etc.

Ocular toxoplasmosis
Vitreous fluid

Aliquot Instructions

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Place specimen in PCR bag.

Test Method

Toxoplasma gondii DNA detection. Nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification and detection.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$351.46 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

2742

Congenital toxoplasmosis:
The infection is the result of Toxoplasma crossing the placental barrier in the case of an acute maternal infection. An accurate diagnostic method for Toxoplasma infection is crucial, because treatment of the mother reduces the incidence of congenital infection during pregnancy.

Acquired infection in the immunocompetent patient:
Presents in general as an asymptomatic infection, occasionally cervical lymphadenopathy and/or flu-like symptoms can be observed. The infection takes a benign course and is self-limiting.

Acquired infection in the immunocompromised patient:
The infection can be newly acquired or occur as a reactivation of a past infection. CNS involvement is common, especially in AIDS patients where it presents as encephalitis with focal calcified lesions.

Ocular toxoplasmosis:
It mainly presents as chorioretinitis, which is characteristically bilateral in congenital disease and unilateral in-patients with acquired infection.

Contact Information

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