What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is caused by an infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite which usually occurs through eating undercooked contaminated meat, exposure from infected cat faeces, or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy. For generally healthy people it doesn’t pose any significant danger, however, in individuals with weakened immune system, babies and pregnant women, it can result in serious complications and requires treatment.
What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
Usually, infected people don’t present with any symptoms or signs, and they aren’t aware that they’re infected. Sometimes, they might present with flu-like symptoms:
- Body aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
In people with weakened immune system the infection may reactivate and cause more significant and dangerous symptoms:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Poor coordination
- Seizures
Lung problems that may resemble tuberculosis or Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, a common opportunistic infection that occurs in people with AIDS
Blurred vision caused by severe inflammation of your retina (ocular toxoplasmosis)
Pregnant women who get infected can pass the infection to their babies. Generally, the earlier the infection occurs, the worse the outcome for the baby. Many early infections end in stillbirth or miscarriage. Infants who survive are likely to be born with serious problems, such as:
- Seizures
- An enlarged liver and spleen
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Severe eye infections
Lastly, the infection can also occur in the brain which leads to a severe disease called ‘Neurotoxoplasmosis’. This can lead to brain abscesses. In immunocompromised patients it can present as an onset of new neurological symptoms and can be identified on MRI or CT scan.
How is it diagnosed?
- Blood test – it can test the antibodies to the parasite
- Ultrasound scan or amniocentesis – if you’re pregnant and tested positive, your baby can also be investigated to look for any signs of infection
- MRI or brain biopsy – to look for any lesions or cysts on your brain if you’ve developed encephalitis (neurotoxoplasmosis)
How can you treat toxoplasmosis?
Most healthy people recover from toxoplasmosis without any treatment. People who are ill can be treated with:
- Pyrimethamine
- Sulfadiazine
- Folic acid (as pyrimethamine may cause folic acid deficiency)
How can you prevent it?
There are certain measures that can be taken to avoid getting infected. It’s especially important for pregnant women and immunocompromised patients as they are at higher risk of developing serious infection.
- Wear gloves when you garden or handle soil
- Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat as it can be contaminated
- Avoid stray cats or kittens
- Wash your kitchen utensils and fruits/vegetables
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356255
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20356249
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