Summary about Disease
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is a common infection, and most people infected with *Toxoplasma* don't have any symptoms. However, it can cause serious health problems for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and infants infected before birth (congenital toxoplasmosis).
Symptoms
Most healthy people infected with Toxoplasma don't experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often mild and flu-like, and may include:
Muscle aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Fatigue
Headache
Fever In people with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients), toxoplasmosis can cause more severe symptoms, including:
Seizures
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs)
Blurred vision Congenital toxoplasmosis (infection in a baby before birth) can cause a range of problems, including:
Vision problems
Mental disability
Seizures
Causes
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. People can become infected through several routes:
Eating undercooked meat: Especially pork, lamb, and venison.
Exposure to infected cat feces: Toxoplasma can be found in cat feces, particularly if the cat is newly infected.
Mother-to-child transmission: A pregnant woman can pass the infection to her baby.
Organ transplantation or blood transfusion: In rare cases.
Consuming contaminated water.
Consuming unwashed fruits or vegetables from contaminated soil.
Medicine Used
Treatment for toxoplasmosis depends on the person's overall health and the severity of the infection.
Healthy individuals with no symptoms: Treatment is usually not necessary.
Pregnant women: Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine (after the first trimester), spiramycin (may reduce transmission to the fetus), and folinic acid (to prevent side effects of pyrimethamine) are commonly used.
Individuals with weakened immune systems: Pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and folinic acid are typically used. Clindamycin is an alternative if sulfadiazine cannot be tolerated. Treatment is often longer and may be followed by maintenance therapy.
Is Communicable
Toxoplasmosis is not generally communicable from person to person through casual contact. It is usually acquired through the routes mentioned under "Causes" (e.g., eating contaminated meat, exposure to cat feces). The exception is from mother to fetus during pregnancy, or rarely, through organ transplantation or blood transfusion.
Precautions
Cook meat thoroughly: Cook meat to safe internal temperatures (using a meat thermometer).
Wash fruits and vegetables: Wash all produce thoroughly before eating.
Wear gloves when gardening: Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil.
Clean cat litter boxes daily: If you are pregnant or immunocompromised, have someone else clean the litter box or wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Daily cleaning prevents oocysts from becoming infectious.
Avoid drinking untreated water.
Wash hands frequently: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat, soil, or cat litter.
Pregnant women should be tested: If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about being tested for toxoplasmosis, especially if you have cats or are at increased risk.
Keep cats indoors: Keeping cats indoors reduces their risk of infection.
Feed cats cooked food: Avoid feeding cats raw meat.
How long does an outbreak last?
In healthy individuals, a toxoplasmosis infection may resolve on its own without treatment. Symptoms, if present, can last for several weeks to months. In immunocompromised individuals, the infection can be chronic or recurrent without treatment. Congenital toxoplasmosis can result in life-long complications.
How is it diagnosed?
Toxoplasmosis is usually diagnosed with blood tests that detect antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. These tests can determine if you have a current or past infection. Other diagnostic tests may include:
PCR (polymerase chain reaction): To detect the parasite's DNA in blood, amniotic fluid, or other tissues.
Imaging studies (CT scan or MRI): To look for brain lesions in people with neurological symptoms.
Amniocentesis: In pregnant women, to test amniotic fluid for the parasite.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation period: The time between exposure and onset of symptoms is typically 1-2 weeks.
Acute phase: If symptoms develop, they usually last for several weeks to months. This phase can include flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
Latent phase: After the acute phase, the parasite remains in the body in a dormant (inactive) state. In most people, the infection remains asymptomatic unless the immune system becomes weakened.
Important Considerations
Pregnancy: Pregnant women who are newly infected with Toxoplasma* are at risk of passing the infection to their baby, which can cause severe health problems. Prenatal screening and treatment are important.
Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe toxoplasmosis, including encephalitis and other life-threatening complications. Prophylactic treatment may be necessary in some cases.
Prevention is key: Following the precautions listed above can significantly reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis.