(TOX-o-plaz-MO-sis)
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite named Toxoplasma gondii . It is found throughout the world. More than 60 million people in the United States probably are infected with the Toxoplasma parasite, but very few have symptoms because the immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness.
You can become infected after accidentally ingesting (swallowing) infective Toxoplasma eggs from soil or other contaminated surfaces. This can happen by putting your hands to your mouth after gardening, cleaning a cat's litter box, or by touching anything that has come into contact with cat feces. If you are pregnant when first infected with Toxoplasma , you can pass infection to your baby. If you have eaten raw or partly cooked meat, especially pork, lamb, or venison, or if you have touched your hands to your mouth after touching the meat. Toxoplasma may also be transmitted through organ transplantation or transfusion, although these instances are rare.
You may feel like you have the "flu," swollen lymph glands, or muscle aches and pains that last for a few days to several weeks. However, most people who become infected with toxoplasmosis don't know it. On the other hand, people with immune system problems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, those taking certain types of chemotherapy, or persons who have recently received an organ transplant, and infants, may develop severe toxoplasmosis. Severe toxoplasmosis results in damage to the eye or the brain. Infants who became infected before birth can be born retarded or with several other serious mental or physical problems.
Babies born to mothers who are first exposed to Toxoplasma infection several months before or during pregnancy are at risk for severe disease. However, many exposed infants have no symptoms at all. Mothers who are first exposed to Toxoplasma more than six months before becoming pregnant are not likely to pass the infection to their children. Persons with severely weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe toxoplasmosis. In such cases, an infection that occurred anytime during life can reactivate and cause the severe symptoms of toxoplasmosis such as damage to the eye or brain.
Because Toxoplasma infections usually cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms, your immune system keeps any remaining parasites in your body from causing further symptoms. Most people don't need to worry about getting it. However, if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant, there are several steps you should take to prevent toxoplasmosis:
Yes, but if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant there are some steps to take to avoid being exposed to Toxoplasma . Help prevent your cat from getting infected with Toxoplasma . These tips can help:
Your vet can answer any other questions you may have regarding your cat and risk for toxoplasmosis.
No. Cats can only spread Toxoplasma in their feces for a few weeks after they are first infected with the parasite. Like humans, cats rarely have symptoms when first infected, so most people don't know if their cat has been exposed to Toxoplasma . There are no good tests available to determine if your cat is passing Toxoplasma in its feces.
Once a diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is confirmed, you and your health care provider can discuss whether treatment is necessary. In an otherwise healthy person who is not pregnant, treatment is not needed. Symptoms will usually go away within a few weeks. For pregnant women or persons who have weakened immune systems, drugs are available to treat toxoplasmosis.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 1999
Last reviewed August 1999 by EBSCO Publishing Editorial Staff
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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