Toxoplasmosis: Symptoms and Treatment

Toxoplasmosis is an infection transmitted by a parasite, known as Toxoplasma gondii, usually persists in the digestive system of cats. In United States, over 60 million people have been infected by this parasite. However, toxoplasmosis is not a cause of concern if the affected individual is healthy. This is because treatment is not required as the person does not fall sick. Pregnant woman infected with this parasite, for the first time, has a high probability of passing the infection to her baby. Serious health complications may later develop in babies, such as brain damage or learning problems (retardation). In rare cases, miscarriage has occurred.

Transmission

Toxoplasmosis infection, is usually transmitted through cat feces (body's solid waste). People who keep household pets often ignore wearing rubber gloves and use bare hands to clean the litter tray. This microscopic organism (toxoplasma gondii) is also found in fresh vegetables and fruits. Contaminated soil that is used in gardening is also a source of toxoplasmosis. Drinking unpasteurized milk, especially the unpasteurized goat's milk, can also cause this infection as it contains this parasite.

Symptoms

In most cases, people who are affected are unaware that they have this disease. However, flu-like symptoms appear in individuals with weak immune system. People with HIV/AIDS often have immune disorders (immune system not normal). These people can contract toxoplasmosis anytime in their lifetime. Infected adults may show minimal symptoms that are listed below:

• Muscle aches that can last for several weeks
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Fever
• A sore throat
• Poor coordination, blurred vision and seizures particularly observed in HIV infected patients
• Severe eye infections and an enlarged liver spleen are noticed in babies

Treatment

Toxoplasmosis can cause serious health problem in patients bearing an impaired immune system. Without treatment this parasitic infection is fatal in these patients and can cause subtle abnormalities. Pyrimethamine is a commonly prescribed drug to treat this condition. A mixture of pyrimethamine and clindamycin (antibiotic), is highly effective. Other antibiotics often used in combination with this medication are spiramycin and sulfadiazine. Some patients are also given folinic acid supplementation, along with pyrimethamine.

An easy way to prevent this infection is to thoroughly wash vegetables, salads and fruits before consuming them. One must also wash hands properly with soap and water, after handling undercooked or raw meat. Pregnant women should use rubber gloves in order to change the pet's litter box or else avoid such work. Eating unpasteurized products or drinking unpasteurized milk must be strictly avoided. Ensure that the meat you eat is cooked properly. Cured meats, like Parma ham, should not be consumed, as it can also cause parasitic infections. Any kind of gardening activities must be followed by cleaning hands, using an antiseptic soap.

This parasitic infection commonly affects the sheep. Individuals living near a farm should never handle lambing ewes (female sheep) or newborn lambs. One should also not wear clothing of people involved in lambing. Stray cats and dogs are also vulnerable to this infection. Hence, one must avoid contact with these animals to avert the toxoplasmosis symptoms.