Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease that develops as a result of infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most widespread parasites
Toxoplasmosis can cause flu-like symptoms, although most infected people do not develop signs or symptoms. Toxoplasmosis can cause serious complications in infants of infected mothers and in people with weakened immune systems
Healthy people usually do not need treatment If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, some medications can help reduce the severity of the infection The best defense is prevention
Toxoplasma gondii (T Gondii) is a single-celled parasite that can infect most animals and birds It can only reproduce in cats and members of the feline family, making them its definitive hosts.
Human Vol When infected with gondii, the parasite forms cysts in any part of the body, most often in the brain, muscles and heart.
The immune system of a healthy person is able to neutralize the parasite They remain in the body in an inactive stage, which contributes to the development of lifelong immunity When resistance is reduced due to disease or medication, the infection can reactivate and cause serious complications
Toxoplasmosis is spread:
- by contact with the feces of a parasite-bearing cat Parasites can enter your body by doing yard work and by touching any object contaminated with cat feces. Toxoplasma gondii is most commonly found in hunting cats and cats fed raw meat.
- Ingestion of contaminated water or food Toxoplasma is most likely to exist in lamb, pork and deer meat Rarely, unpasteurized milk products can contain the parasite Toxoplasma-contaminated water is rare a Sh Using a contaminated knife, cutter or other tool The parasite can be transferred from raw meat to cooking utensils, which is why it is necessary to wash them in hot, soapy water.
- Eating unwashed fruits and vegetables The surface of fruits and vegetables may contain parasites To be safe, wash all produce, especially those that are eaten raw
- transplantation of an infected organ or blood transfusion Rarely, toxoplasmosis can be spread through organ transplants or blood transfusions
If you are healthy, you will most likely not know you have toxoplasmosis Some people experience flu-like symptoms, including:
- Body aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
Those with a weakened immune system In this case, there is a greater chance of developing signs and symptoms of an acute infection, which include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Incoordination
- Coughing
- Lung problems that may resemble tuberculosis and pneumocystis pneumonia.
- Blurred vision due to acute inflammation of the retina (ocular toxoplasmosis)
In children
If you are first infected before or during pregnancy, you can pass the infection to the fetus (congenital toxoplasmosis). You may not have any signs or symptoms at this time
The greatest risk of fetal toxoplasmosis infection is in the third trimester, and the least in the first trimester. On the other hand, the earlier the infection develops during pregnancy, the more severe the solution will be for the fetus
Most early infections end in stillbirth or miscarriage Babies born alive are most likely to have the following problems:
- Heartburns
- Enlarged liver and spleen
- Yellowing of the skin and sclera (jaundice)
- Severe eye infections
Small children with toxoplasmosis Often signs and symptoms (hearing loss, mental problems, acute eye infections) appear from adolescence
When to see a doctor
If you have HIV/AIDS, are thinking about becoming pregnant or are pregnant, see your doctor
Signs and symptoms of acute toxoplasmosis (blurred vision, confusion, loss of coordination) require immediate attention, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
