About this topic
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a tiny parasite. Animals can pass this infection to people. If you have this infection you may not have any signs. If your immune system is normal, then you may not even know you have an infection. Pregnant women and people with a weak immune system may have serious problems if they are infected. Drugs can treat this infection. People with normal immune systems may not need any treatment. ‚
What are the causes?
This illness is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more like to get this infection if you: ‚
- Have contact with the feces of cats that are infected
- Eat infected meat that is raw or not cooked well
- Eat contaminated fruits and vegetables that are raw or not washed well
- Drink water with this germ in it
- Have a weakened immune system. HIV, chemo, and certain drugs may cause this
A mother may pass the infection to her unborn baby. You may get the germ through a blood transfusion or from an organ donation too. ‚
What are the main signs?
Many people have no signs at all. If you do have signs, they may include: ‚
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Feeling tired
- Headache
- Swollen glands in the neck or head
- Muscle aches
People who have a weakened immune system may also have: ‚
- Confusion
- Eyesight problems or changes
- Seizures
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may order: ‚
- Blood tests
- Slit lamp exam to check your eyes
- Prenatal testing if you are pregnant
- CT or MRI scan or a brain biopsy in very bad cases
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Most people do not need treatment. Signs will most often go away in a few weeks. Your doctor may want to treat any signs you may have. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
- Control seizures
What problems could happen?
- Eye infection
- Toxoplasmosis may come back
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Be careful when eating.
- Choose foods that are freshly cooked and served very hot.
- Do not eat food from street vendors.
- Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits. Be careful when eating salads as the produce may have been washed with tap water.
- Eat fruits and vegetables that are peeled or cooked.
- If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, let it boil at more than 140 ‚ °F for at least 30 minutes.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
- Always wash your hands after going to the toilet and before eating.
- Teach children to keep their hands out of their mouth.
- Wear proper protective clothing when working with soil. Wear hand gloves or shoes when farming or exposed to soil.
- If you are pregnant:
- Avoid contact with animals.
- Do not handle clothes, boots, or tools used for animal care.
- If you have pets:
- Have your cat vaccinated against toxoplasmosis.
- Do not feed your cat raw meat.
- Keep your cat inside the house.
- Clean up dog and cat feces. Do not touch things that may have cat feces.
- Do not take in stray cats or kittens.
- Cover your childs sandbox so it is not used as a litter box.
Where can I learn more?
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety ‚
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/toxoplasmosis.html ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/268/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚