Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy - IMD Berlin

Institut für Medizinische Diagnostik
Berlin - Potsdam MVZ GbR
Is it possible to treat the infection during
pregnancy?
Depending on the stage of pregnancy,
treatment with specific antibiotics is possible in
cases of a new toxoplasma gondii infection
that may prevent damage to the unborn
child.
issued by:
Toxoplasmosis during
pregnancy
How can an infection be prevented when
there are no protective antibodies?
- Refrain from eating raw or insufficiently
heated meat (mincemeat, ground pork,
salami etc.)
- Have cat litter boxes cleaned daily
(not by the pregnant woman)
- Observe basic hygiene rules after
preparing meat and working in the
garden (wash hands etc.)
- Your doctor arranges control checks
Surgery stamp
General information
For patients insured by the public health system:
Some medical services cannot be assumed by the medical
insurance companies or not in every case (e.g. at own request)
and therefore must be paid by the patient.
Please refer to the order form for the fees for individual medical
services.
Please be advised that additional diagnoses are necessary
should there be evidence of IgM antibodies. The doctor in
charge stipulates the extent of the procedures. Costs may
deviate from the quote.
For patients insured privately:
The private medical insurance assumes the fees according to
current medical fee schedule provided there has been no prior
exclusion of benefits.
Should you have any queries your doctor is able to advise you.
Further information concerning toxoplasmosis in
cats are to be found in the flyer ‘Toxoplasmose bei
der Katze’ (‘Toxoplasmosis in Cats’) from the
Institut für Veterinämedizinische Diagnostik
(Institute for veterinary Diagnostics).
Institut für Medizinische Diagnostik
Berlin - Potsdam MVZ GbR
Nicolaistraße 22, 12247 Berlin (Steglitz)
Tel (030) 77 001 322, Fax (030) 77 001 332
Info@imd-Berlin.de, www.imd-berlin.de
Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 33, 14469 Potsdam
Tel (0331) 28095 0, Fax (0331) 28095 99
info@imd-potsdam.de, www.medlab-pdm.de
Our homepage provides information on other centres that take blood samples.
Patient information
Date: October 2012. Subject to change without notice.
Laboratory medicine • Microbiology • Human genetics
Transfusion medicine • Hygiene

What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a contagious disease caused
by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Humans are infected by oral ingestion at
various stages of the parasite’s life, especially
by consuming raw or insufficiently cooked meat
containing cysts (mincemeat, salami). Cat
faeces (e.g. via cat litter, sand or garden work)
may cause ingestion of toxoplasma oocysts.
Infection channels
Cats (definitive host)
Cat faeces
Infection via oocysts in the earth
Infection through meat
containing oocysts
Intrauterine Infection
Infection of humans and warmblooded
mammals occurs globally. In Germany ca. 70%
of the population are diseased in the 60-65 age
group.
How do I recognise a toxoplasma gondii
infection?
Infection normally takes place without
symptoms. Therefore there is no feeling of illness.
Flu-like symptoms such as swelling of the lymph
node, headache and muscle pain and general
exhaustion are rare.
Should a woman become infected with
toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy the
parasite may be passed on to the unborn child.
Depending on the stage of the pregnancy,
harm to the child is possible (cramps, change
to the eyes, stillbirth).
How does the diagnosis take place?
The body produces specific antibodies in cases
of infection by toxoplasma gondii.
Evidence of IgG antibodies (protecting
antibodies) indicates infestation by toxoplasma
gondii. This does not constitute a risk for the
unborn child.
Evidence of IgG and IgM antibodies against
toxoplasma gondii may indicate a recent
infection.
IgM antibodies may however still be detected
years after an infection which initially is no
reason for concern. Additional tests are
necessary to confirm a new infection (e.g.
avidity determination). This diagnosis is paid
by your health insurance.
When should determination of antibodies take
place?
Determination of IgG antibodies should take
place optimally 3-4 months before or after
pregnancy.
There is danger for the unborn child should
protecting antibodies be determined.
Should you not possess protective antibodies
then antibody checks (in 8-12 week intervals)
should ensue during the entire pregnancy.