Toxoplasma gondii Real-time PCR test, T. gondii qPCR Test

Toxoplasma gondii Real-time PCR test, T. gondii RT-PCR Test is to detect T. gondii in cats and dogs. which is rapid, accurate and easy-to-operate. Sensitivity 100%, Specificity 100%.

Basic information

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. While the parasite is found throughout the world, more than 40 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. The Toxoplasma parasite can persist for long periods of time in the bodies of humans (and other animals), possibly even for a lifetime. Of those who are infected, however, very few have symptoms because a healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems.

Cats are most commonly infected with T. gondii when they prey on infected mice, birds and other small animals. For indoor-only cats, the most likely source of infection is uncooked meat scraps or raw meat. Infected animals develop cysts in their tissues that contain the parasite.

Key facts of the Toxoplasma gondii Real-time PCR test

• Ready to use kits for the vet clinic
• No extraction required
• Result in 30min.

Toxoplasma gondii Real-time PCR test Components

Toxoplasma in cats

Cats are the definitive host of T. gondii. Cats are most commonly infected with T. gondii when they prey on infected mice, birds and other small animals. For indoor-only cats, the most likely source of infection is uncooked meat scraps or raw meat.

How can exposure to T. gondii be prevented?

General precautions:

• Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after working with soil or after handling raw or undercooked meat, vegetables, or unpasteurized dairy products.
• Avoid consuming raw milk or other unpasteurized dairy products.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, especially those grown in backyard gardens.
• Boil water from ponds and streams when camping/hiking.
• When cooking, avoid tasting meat before it is fully cooked.
• Cook meat to appropriate temperatures to destroy the oocysts. For the appropriate temperatures, go to www.cdc.gov/toxoplasmosis/prevent.
• Thoroughly wash and disinfect cutting boards, knives, sinks and counters immediately after cutting meats.
• Cover all outside sand boxes when not in use to prevent cats from using them as litter boxes.

For cat owners:

• Remember that you are more likely to be infected with T. gondii from undercooked meat or the environment than from your cat, and take the precautions listed above to protect yourself. 
• Keep your cat indoors - do not allow your cat(s) to hunt rodents and birds.
• Avoid raw foods.  Only feed your cats cooked meat or processed food.
• Change the cat litter daily before T. gondii oocysts “ripen” and become infectious.
• Dispose of used litter safely, preferably in a sealed plastic bag.
• If your cat has long hair on its rear end that tends to collect fecal material, carefully trim the hair or have your cat professionally groomed to keep the area clean. Similarly, if your cat is too overweight, ill or arthritic to adequately groom itself, you may need to groom the cat (wash your hands afterward) or have it professionally groomed.

If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, follow these additional precautions:

• If possible, do not handle stray cats or adopt new cats during your pregnancy or illness. If a new cat comes into your family during this time, have it thoroughly examined by a veterinarian immediately to ensure it is healthy and to answer any questions you may have.
• Take extra precautions (hand washing, etc.)  to avoid contact with cat feces.
• If you own a cat, avoid changing the litter box if possible (e.g., ask your spouse, roommate, etc. to change the litter box) or change it daily (to avoid contact with oocysts after they have had sufficient time to become infectious), use rubber gloves when doing so, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Extended reading

• CDC website, Toxoplasmosis: General FAQs
• American veterinary medical association, Toxoplasmosis