Toxoplasma IgG Antibody Tips

Myth- Infant formula is basically the same as breast milk

Dr. Sangita Malhotra 92% (360 ratings)
MS - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MBBS
Gynaecologist, Agra
Myth- Infant formula is basically the same as breast milk
Fact-infant formula isn't the same as breast milk. It' s not a living product, so it doesn't have the antibodies, living cells, enzymes or hormones that protect your baby from infections & diseases in childhood & also later in life.
12 people found this helpful

Pityriasis Lichenoides - How To Track It?

MBBS, DNB - Dermatology & Venereology, FCPS - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy
Dermatologist, Nagpur
Pityriasis Lichenoides - How To Track It?

Pityriasis lichenoides is referred to a rare type of rash which is characterized by tiny papules that voluntarily flatten and relapse within a period of weeks. This condition which can range from moderate to severe in nature can be either chronic or acute. In the severest cases, it may develop into reddish-brown blisters and crusts.

Causes and Symptoms

This condition which is chiefly prevalent in teenagers and adults is slightly likelier to appear in males. This condition is extremely rare among infants and aged people. Although, the precise cause of the condition is unknown, yet three major hypotheses have been suggested as the reason for the condition. They are:

1) Infectious agents which cause an inflammatory reaction
2) A non-cancerous form of T-cell lymphoproliferative which causes a disorder
3) A hypersensitive vasculitis

Some of the infectious agents which can cause this condition include:

1. Toxoplasma gondii
2. HIV
3. Staphylococcus aureus
4. Parvovirus
The lesions of pityriasis lichenoides usually appear over the course of several weeks or sometimes months.

Common symptoms include:

1) A tiny pink papule which turns reddish brown in color
2) A fine scaly central spot which when peeled off exposes a lustrous, pinkish brown exterior
3) The spot becomes level over a number of weeks, leaving a pinkish-brown mark, which may take several months to fade.
These spots which occur over the buttocks, arms and legs, more typically occur in the hands, feet and even the scalp. Although far from being painful or irritable, pityriasis lichenoides spots can render the skin unsightly.

Treatment

The condition though diagnosed by its history and appearance, is entirely confirmed through skin biopsy tests. In usual episodes, the skin heals on its own. But if the condition persists for long one may resort to various therapies such as topical steroids, sunburns and oral antibiotics.

1362 people found this helpful

9 Foods You Shouldn't Eat During Pregnancy!

Dr. Deepthi Bawa 92% (33 ratings)
MBBS, MS - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Diploma In Reproductive Medicine and Embryology, Diploma in Reproductive Medicine (Germany), Laparoscopic Training
Gynaecologist, Bangalore
9 Foods You Shouldn't Eat During Pregnancy!

Pregnancy is a really beautiful as well as a very sensitive phase in a woman’s life. Craving for your favourite food in the middle of the night, or even throughout the day, is a perfectly normal phenomenon. Although you deserve to be pampered with your favourite food, however, there are certain foods which irrespective of cravings you really need to avoid for the well being of that tiny little life inside you.

Here is a list of food items to be avoided during pregnancy.

  1. Starting with fruits, papaya and pineapples are big negatives. These fruits contain substances that produce uterine contractions inducing labour, and thus, abortion.

  2. Sesame seeds also tend to excite uterine muscles thereby causing contractions which may lead to abortion. So it would be an intelligent step to avoid intake of these. Other dry fruits like raisins, dates, almonds, walnuts, pistachios are safe to consume in a moderate amount.

  3. Spices that make way into this list include fennel and fenugreek seeds. These may induce uterine contractions too.

  4. Although fish is rich in omega 3 and is an important food to include in the pregnancy diet, intake of some sorts of fish might not be a good idea. Here is a list of the kinds of fishes that should be avoided.

    • Fishes containing mercury

    • Smoked or refrigerated seafood.

    • Fishes cultured in polluted water

    • Shellfish that is undercooked. Eg, clams, mussels, oyster

  5. Undercooked or raw eggs may be tainted with salmonella bacteria that might cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Desserts or sauces containing raw or uncooked egg should be avoided.

  6. Any form of undercooked or treated meat or poultry. This is because a parasite named toxoplasma may be present that might cause excessive food poisoning which in turn could cause foetal damage or miscarriage.

  7. Milk is one of the essential foods in pregnancy diet; however, any sort of unpasteurized milk is strictly negative.

  8. Sprouts and raw vegetables should be avoided. However, these can be eaten if shallow fried.

  9. One major setback for coffee addicts is that caffeine intake is required to be lowered to minimum amounts; that is, not more than one cup a day.

    • Herbal tea

    • Supplements

    • Saccharine

    • Canned food as well as street food.

There are many more little details that should be taken care of but this list would be handy for newly pregnant women.

2746 people found this helpful

All About Pityriasis Lichenoides

Dr. Manju Keshari 88% (111 ratings)
MBBS, MD - Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy
Dermatologist, Ghaziabad
All About Pityriasis Lichenoides

Pityriasis lichenoides is referred to a rare type of rash which is characterized by tiny papules that voluntarily flatten and relapse within a period of weeks. This condition which can range from moderate to severe in nature can be either chronic or acute. In the severest cases, it may develop into reddish brown blisters and crusts.

Causes and Symptoms: This condition which is chiefly prevalent in teenagers and adults is slightly likelier to appear in males. This condition is extremely rare among infants and aged people. Although, the precise cause of the condition is unknown, yet three major hypotheses have been suggested as the reason for the condition. They are:

  1. Infectious agents which cause an inflammatory reaction
  2. A non-cancerous form of T-cell lymphoproliferative which causes a disorder
  3. An hypersensitive vasculitis

Some of the infectious agents which can cause this condition include:

  1. Toxoplasma gondii
  2. HIV
  3. Staphylococcus aureus
  4. Parvovirus

The lesions of pityriasis lichenoides usually appear over the course of several weeks or sometimes months.

Common symptoms include:

  1. A tiny pink papule which turns reddish brown in color
  2. A fine scaly central spot which when peeled off exposes a lustrous, pinkish brown exterior
  3. The spot becomes level over a number of weeks, leaving a pinkish-brown mark, which may take several months to fade.

These spots which occur over the buttocks, arms and legs, more typically occur in the hands, feet and even the scalp. Although far from being painful or irritable, pityriasis lichenoides spots can render the skin unsightly.

Treatment: The condition though diagnosed by its history and appearance, is entirely confirmed through skin biopsy tests. In usual episodes, the skin heals on its own. But if the condition persists for long one may resort to various therapies such as topical steroids, sunburns and oral antibiotics.

4538 people found this helpful

Pregnancy Diet - Foods To Be Avoided During Pregnancy!

Dr. Dimpy Irani 89% (14 ratings)
MD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MBBS, DGO, DNB
Gynaecologist, Mumbai
Pregnancy Diet - Foods To Be Avoided During Pregnancy!

Pregnancy is a really beautiful as well as a very sensitive phase in a woman’s life. Craving for your favourite food in the middle of the night, or even throughout the day, is a perfectly normal phenomenon. Although you deserve to be pampered with your favourite food, however, there are certain foods which irrespective of cravings you really need to avoid for the well being of that tiny little life inside you.

Here is a list of food items to be avoided during pregnancy.

  1. Starting with fruits, papaya and pineapples are big negatives. These fruits contain substances that produce uterine contractions inducing labour, and thus, abortion.

  2. Sesame seeds also tend to excite uterine muscles thereby causing contractions which may lead to abortion. So it would be an intelligent step to avoid intake of these. Other dry fruits like raisins, dates, almonds, walnuts, pistachios are safe to consume in a moderate amount.

  3. Spices that make way into this list include fennel and fenugreek seeds. These may induce uterine contractions too.

  4. Although fish is rich in omega 3 and is an important food to include in the pregnancy diet, intake of some sorts of fish might not be a good idea. Here is a list of the kinds of fishes that should be avoided.

    • Fishes containing mercury

    • Smoked or refrigerated seafood.

    • Fishes cultured in polluted water

    • Shellfish that is undercooked. Eg, clams, mussels, oyster

  5. Undercooked or raw eggs may be tainted with salmonella bacteria that might cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Desserts or sauces containing raw or uncooked egg should be avoided.

  6. Any form of undercooked or treated meat or poultry. This is because a parasite named toxoplasma may be present that might cause excessive food poisoning which in turn could cause foetal damage or miscarriage.

  7. Milk is one of the essential foods in pregnancy diet; however, any sort of unpasteurized milk is strictly negative.

  8. Sprouts and raw vegetables should be avoided. However, these can be eaten if shallow fried.

  9. One major setback for coffee addicts is that caffeine intake is required to be lowered to minimum amounts; that is, not more than one cup a day.

    • Herbal tea

    • Supplements

    • Saccharine

    • Canned food as well as street food.

There are many more little details that should be taken care of but this list would be handy for newly pregnant women.

4316 people found this helpful

Food To Be Avoided During Pregnancy

Dr. Deepa Sethia 90% (12 ratings)
MBBS, MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology
Gynaecologist, Faridabad
Food To Be Avoided During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a really beautiful as well as a very sensitive phase in a woman’s life. Craving for your favourite food in the middle of the night, or even throughout the day, is a perfectly normal phenomenon. Although you deserve to be pampered with your favourite food, however, there are certain foods which irrespective of cravings you really need to avoid for the well being of that tiny little life inside you.

Here is a list of food items to be avoided during pregnancy.

  1. Starting with fruits, papaya and pineapples are big negatives. These fruits contain substances that produce uterine contractions inducing labour, and thus, abortion.

  2. Sesame seeds also tend to excite uterine muscles thereby causing contractions which may lead to abortion. So it would be an intelligent step to avoid intake of these. Other dry fruits like raisins, dates, almonds, walnuts, pistachios are safe to consume in a moderate amount.

  3. Spices that make way into this list include fennel and fenugreek seeds. These may induce uterine contractions too.

  4. Although fish is rich in omega 3 and is an important food to include in the pregnancy diet, intake of some sorts of fish might not be a good idea. Here is a list of the kinds of fishes that should be avoided.

    • Fishes containing mercury

    • Smoked or refrigerated seafood.

    • Fishes cultured in polluted water

    • Shellfish that is undercooked. Eg, clams, mussels, oyster

  5. Undercooked or raw eggs may be tainted with salmonella bacteria that might cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Desserts or sauces containing raw or uncooked egg should be avoided.

  6. Any form of undercooked or treated meat or poultry. This is because a parasite named toxoplasma may be present that might cause excessive food poisoning which in turn could cause foetal damage or miscarriage.

  7. Milk is one of the essential foods in pregnancy diet; however, any sort of unpasteurized milk is strictly negative.

  8. Sprouts and raw vegetables should be avoided. However, these can be eaten if shallow fried.

  9. One major setback for coffee addicts is that caffeine intake is required to be lowered to minimum amounts; that is, not more than one cup a day.

    • Herbal tea

    • Supplements

    • Saccharine

    • Canned food as well as street food.

There are many more little details that should be taken care of but this list would be handy for newly pregnant women. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a dietitian-nutritionist.

4065 people found this helpful

What are Probiotics?

Dr. Nishant 88% (126 ratings)
Diploma in Diabetology, CCT (Rheumatology & Internal Medicine), MD - Internal Medicine
General Physician, Noida
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that resolve two crucial factors.

1) Boost Immunity: They help in production of antibodies and other substances that fight infections.

2) Digestion: They help in digestive disordes, gastro as well as other stomach related problems.
Yogurts, Probiotics fortified drinks and foods are the common sources.
49 people found this helpful

Pregnancy - Know Regiment For It!

MBBS, MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology
Gynaecologist, Gurgaon
Pregnancy - Know Regiment For It!

There is an ongoing intense debate on what to eat, how to eat and when to eat during pregnancy. While quality eating is becoming crucial by the day for everyone, it becomes vital for a pregnant woman. It is a widely known and well-established fact that what a woman eats and drinks during pregnancy is the primary source of nourishment for the baby. So, the experts suggest that a would-be mother should choose a wide array of healthy foods and beverages in order to provide the required nutrients that the baby needs for optimal growth and development.

Foods to eat during pregnancy:
To improve prenatal nutrition, you should eat more fruits, lean protein, vegetables, whole grains and of course, dairy products. You must fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, 1/4th of it with lean protein and the remaining 1/4th with whole grains. It is also vital to include dairy products in each meal.

During pregnancy, you should eat more protein, which can be found in dairy products, particularly Greek yogurt. Also, increase your intake of soybean, peanuts, chickpeas, beans, and peas in your daily diet as they are excellent plant-based source of iron, folate, protein, and fiber. Sweet potatoes should always find a place in your diet since they contain copious amounts of beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Salmon contains Omega 3-fatty acids such as DHA and EPA, which are required for the development of the baby’s brain and the eyes.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy:
To enhance the good effects of these helpful foods, you should also curb down those that can prove to be detrimental to your health. Some of these include:

  1. Alcohol: Alcohol can directly pass to the baby through the umbilical cord, and heavy consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is linked with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders which may cause physical issues along with learning and behavioral problems in the unborn child.
  2. Fishes with high mercury level: Fishes with high levels of methylmercury can prove to be detrimental to the baby. It is a toxic substance which may pass through the placenta and may prove to be harmful to the unborn baby's brain, nervous and renal system.
  3. Raw meat: A mother may pass the Toxoplasma infection to her baby, which may lead to blindness and mental disability in later life of the child by consuming raw meat. So, it is essential to avoid sushi, uncooked poultry, raw cookie dough, homemade ice cream, tiramisu and raw and undercooked sprouts.

Note that even though pregnancy diet is referred to as eating for two, it doesn't mean that you will have to consume twice as much food as you used to consume. You are not eating for two until your second trimester, and the best thing you can do is to add 300 calories more along with the general dietary intake. So, consult with your doctor and frame a proper diet plan along these lines as suggested above to deliver a healthy baby.

2631 people found this helpful

Prenatal Care - Know What To Include In Your Diet!

Dr. Manju Barik 89% (119 ratings)
DNB (Obstetrics and Gynecology), MBBS
Gynaecologist, Ghaziabad
Prenatal Care - Know What To Include In Your Diet!

There is an ongoing intense debate on what to eat, how to eat and when to eat during pregnancy. While quality eating is becoming crucial by the day for everyone, it becomes vital for a pregnant woman. It is a widely known and well-established fact that what a woman eats and drinks during pregnancy is the primary source of nourishment for the baby. So, the experts suggest that a would-be mother should choose a wide array of healthy foods and beverages in order to provide the required nutrients that the baby needs for optimal growth and development.

Foods to eat during pregnancy:
To improve prenatal nutrition, you should eat more fruits, lean protein, vegetables, whole grains and of course, dairy products. You must fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, 1/4th of it with lean protein and the remaining 1/4th with whole grains. It is also vital to include dairy products in each meal.

During pregnancy, you should eat more protein, which can be found in dairy products, particularly Greek yogurt. Also, increase your intake of soybean, peanuts, chickpeas, beans, and peas in your daily diet as they are excellent plant-based source of iron, folate, protein, and fiber. Sweet potatoes should always find a place in your diet since they contain copious amounts of beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Salmon contains Omega 3-fatty acids such as DHA and EPA, which are required for the development of the baby’s brain and the eyes.

Foods to avoid during pregnancy:

 

To enhance the good effects of these helpful foods, you should also curb down those that can prove to be detrimental to your health. Some of these include:

 

  1. Alcohol: Alcohol can directly pass to the baby through the umbilical cord, and heavy consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is linked with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders which may cause physical issues along with learning and behavioral problems in the unborn child.
  2. Fishes with high mercury level: Fishes with high levels of methylmercury can prove to be detrimental to the baby. It is a toxic substance which may pass through the placenta and may prove to be harmful to the unborn baby's brain, nervous and renal system.
  3. Raw meat: A mother may pass the Toxoplasma infection to her baby, which may lead to blindness and mental disability in later life of the child by consuming raw meat. So, it is essential to avoid sushi, uncooked poultry, raw cookie dough, homemade ice cream, tiramisu and raw and undercooked sprouts.

Note that even though pregnancy diet is referred to as eating for two, it doesn't mean that you will have to consume twice as much food as you used to consume. You are not eating for two until your second trimester, and the best thing you can do is to add 300 calories more along with the general dietary intake. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

2699 people found this helpful

Dr. Vitrag Shah 88% (642 ratings)
Critical Care Training, MD - Internal Medicine, MBBS
General Physician, Delhi
Dengue - Important Information

Dengue fever is a painful mosquito-borne disease. It is caused by any one of four types of dengue virus, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Previous dengue infection with similar serotype provides immunity but different serotype causes more severe infection.

Common symptoms of dengue include high fever, runny nose, a mild skin rash, cough, and pain behind the eyes and in the joints. However, some people may develop a red and white patchy skin rash followed by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc.

Patients suffering from dengue should seek medical advice, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can be taken to bring down fever and reduce joint pains. However, aspirin or ibuprofen should not be taken since they can increase the risk of bleeding.

The risk of complications is in less than 1% of dengue cases and, if warning signals are known to the public, all deaths from dengue can be avoided.

Lab Test

NS1
Best test is NS1, specific
Cannot be false +ve
Is + from day 1 to 7 ideally.
If on day 1 is -ve, repeat it next day.
Always ask for ELISA based NS1 tests as card tests are misleading.


IgG & IgM dengue

In a pt with reduced platelets and looking "sick" on day 3 or 4 of illness, a very high titre of IgG with borderline rise in IgM signifies secondary dengue. These pts are more prone to complications.
In primary dengue IgG becomes + at end of 7 days, while IgM is + after day 4.

Immature Platelet fraction (IPF)

A very useful test in Dengue for patients with thrombocytopenia.

If IPF in such a pt is > 10%, despite a platelet count of 20, 000, he is out of danger & platelets will rise in 24 hrs.

If its 6%, repeat the same next day. Now if IPF has increased to 8% his platelets will certainly increase within 48 hrs.

If its less then 5%, then his bone marrow will not respond for 3-4 days & may be a likely candidate for platelet transfusion.

Better to do an IPF even with borderline low platelet count.



A low Mean Platelet volume or MPV means platelets are functionally inefficient and such patients need more attention.


The primary cause of death in patients suffering from dengue is capillary leakage, which causes fluid deficiency in the intravascular compartment, leading to multi-organ failure. Platelet deficiency is not the cause of death in most of the patient suffering from Dengue .

According to International guidelines, unless a patient’s platelet count is below 10,000 or there is spontaneous, active bleeding, no platelet transfusion is required. The outbreak of dengue in the City and Hospital beds are full and families are seen running around in search of platelets for transfusion. However what most people do not realize is that the first line of treatment for dengue is not platelet transfusion. In fact, it does more harm than good if used in a patient whose counts are over 10,000.

At the first instance of plasma leakage from the intravascular compartment to the extravascular compartment, fluid replacement amounting to 20 ml per kg body weight per hour must be administered. This must be continued till the difference between the upper and lower blood pressure is over 40 mmHg, or the patient passes adequate urine. This is all that is required to treat the patient. Giving unnecessary platelet transfusion can make the patient more sick.

“While treating dengue patients, physicians should remember the ‘Formula of 20' i.e. rise in pulse by more than 20; fall of BP by more than 20; difference between lower and upper BP of less than 20 and presence of more than 20 hemorrhagic spots on the arm after a tourniquet test suggest a high-risk situation and the person needs immediate medical attention.”

Read WHO guidelines for further fluid management strategies & Hematocrit monitoring.