Toxoplasmosis

May 21, 2021Articles49

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that results from infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, one of the world’s most common parasites. Infection usually occurs by eating undercooked contaminated meat, exposure from infected cat feces, or mother to child transmission during pregnancy.It can also be transmitted through contaminated water.

Toxoplasmosis can be deadly or cause serious birth defects for a foetus if the mother becomes infected.
Most people who have toxoplasmosis never have any symptoms.The people who are most at risk for serious infections are those with compromised immune systems and infants born to mothers with active infection during their pregnancy.
Symptoms –

Most people who have been infected with the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis show no signs or symptoms.
People who develop symptoms may experience –
• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck
• muscle aches
• Sore throat
Above mentioned symptoms can last for a month or more and usually resolve on their own.
People having weakened immune system could develop following symptoms-
• Brain inflammation, causing headaches, seizures, confusion and coma
• Lung infection, causing cough, fever and shortness of breath
• Eye infection, causing blurred vision and eye pain
When a fetus is infected, the symptoms may be mild or quite serious. Toxoplasmosis in an unborn baby can be life-threatening for the baby soon after birth.Most newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis may appear normal at birth but can develop sign and symptoms as they age.The baby is most at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis if you become infected in the third trimester and least at risk if you become infected during the first trimester. It is particularly important to check for involvement in their brain and eyes.
Many early infections end in stillbirth or miscarriage. Infants who survive are likely to be born with serious problems, such as –
• Seizures
• Jaundice
• An enlarged liver and spleen
• Severe eye infections
Only a small number of babies who have toxoplasmosis show signs of the disease at birth. Often, infants who are infected don’t develop signs- which may include hearing loss, mental disability or serious eye infections- until their teens or later.
Causes-

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