Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection due to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii .

Causes

Toxoplasmosis is found in humans worldwide and in many kinds of animals and birds. The parasite also lives in cats.

Human infection may result from:

• Blood transfusions or solid organ transplants
• Handling cat litter
• Eating contaminated soil
• Eating raw or undercooked meat (lamb, pork, and beef)

Toxoplasmosis also affects people who have weakened immune systems.

The infection may also be passed from an infected mother to her baby through the placenta. This results in congenital toxoplasmosis .

Congenital toxoplasmosis

Congenital toxoplasmosis is a group of symptoms that occur when an unborn baby (fetus) is infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

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Symptoms

There may be no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they usually occur about 1 to 2 weeks after contact with the parasite. The disease can affect the brain, lung, heart, eyes, or liver.

Symptoms in persons with otherwise healthy immune systems can include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the head and neck

  Enlarged lymph nodes

  Lymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...

  

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• Headache
• Fever
• Mild illness similar to mononucleosis

  Mononucleosis

  Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.

  

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• Muscle pain
• Sore throat

Symptoms in people with a weakened immune system can include:

• Confusion

  Confusion

  Confusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...

  

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• Fever
• Headache
• Blurred vision due to inflammation of the retina
• Seizures

  Seizures

  A seizure is the physical findings or changes in behavior that occur after an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term "seizure...

  

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Exams and Tests

The doctor or nurse will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:

• Antibody titers for toxoplasmosis

  Antibody titers for toxoplasmosis

  The toxoplasma blood test looks for antibodies in the blood to a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.

  

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• CT scan of the head

  CT scan of the head

  A head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.

  

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• MRI of head

  MRI of head

  A head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...

  

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• Slit lamp exam of the eyes

  Slit lamp exam of the eyes

  The slit-lamp examination looks at structures that are at the front of the eye.

  

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• Brain biopsy

  Biopsy

  A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.

   

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Treatment

Persons without symptoms usually do not need treatment.

Medicines to treat the infection include an antimalarial drug and antibiotics. People with AIDS should continue treatment for as long as their immune system is weak, to prevent the disease from reactivating.

Outlook (Prognosis)

With treatment, people with a healthy immune system usually recover well.

Possible Complications

The disease may return.

In people with a weakened immune system, the infection may spread throughout the body, leading to death.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of toxoplasmosis. Medical care is needed right away if symptoms occur in:

• Infants or babies
• Someone with a weakened immune system due to certain medicines or disease

Also seek medical treatment right away if the following symptoms occur:

• Confusion
• Seizures

Prevention

Tips for preventing this condition:

• Do not eat undercooked meat.
• Wash hands after handling raw meat.
• Keep children's play areas free from cat and dog feces.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching soil that may be contaminated with animal feces.

Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems should take the following precautions:

• Do not clean cat litter boxes
• Do not touch anything that may contain cat feces
• Do not touch anything that could be contaminated by insects, such as cockroaches and flies that may be exposed to cat feces

Pregnant women and those with HIV/AIDS should be screened for toxoplasmosis. A blood test can be done.