Several diagnostic tests for antibodies to Toxoplasma are directly compared for

Question

Several diagnostic tests for antibodies to Toxoplasma are directly compared for sensitivity and specificity against the sera of 100 healthy adults. While differences are apparent in the accuracy of the tests, it is able to conclude that 80% of those tested have IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma. Which of the following is most compatible in helping to explain this finding? A. A variety of parasitic infections induce the formation of Toxoplasma antibody B. The lgM test is more reliable than the IgG test for determination of past infections; retesting for lgM would show that most people do not have Toxoplasma antibody C. The potential for Toxoplasma infection is widespread, and the disease is mild and sell-limiting D. The test for Toxoplasma antibodies is highly nonspecific E. Toxoplasmosis is caused by eating meat; therefore, all meat eaters have had toxoplasmosis

Explanation / Answer

Answer (B)

IgM is the first antibody to be produced in response to Toxoplasma, followed by IgG. After clearance of the parasite, IgM disappears rapidly (will test negative) and therefore, an IgM-test is more reliable than IgG. Further, IgG persists throughout life, which may give false-positive results even if the patient had recovered from Toxoplasmosis, if relied upon IgG-dependent tests.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse S
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.