Question

What are the interpretations for the Toxoplasma antibody quantitative test results?

Answer

The Toxoplasma antibody quantitative test results show that ≥1:32 is positive. ≤1:64 indicates past infection; 1:256 may indicate recent infection, and 1:1024 suggests an acute infection at present. Dogs and other animals can be infected not only through the digestive tract but also via damaged skin, respiratory tract, eyes, and placenta. Additionally, blood transfusions can also transmit toxoplasmosis. The World Health Organization recommends combined treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, with each course lasting 1 month, followed by a 1-month interval before the second course. The dosage is sulfonamide 2 to 4g daily, pyrimethamine 50mg daily, reduced to 25mg daily after 2 days. Since pyrimethamine is a folate antagonist, to prevent or reduce side effects, folic acid should be taken simultaneously. This medication can cause teratogenic effects on the fetus, so pregnant women should use it with caution. Pregnant women and drug-resistant individuals can take azithromycin, 3 times a day, 1g each time, for a course of 20 days. Lincomycin can also be used.