Toxoplasma

What is Toxoplasma?

A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis.

While the parasite is found throughout the world, more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite.

Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness.

However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems.

Healthy people who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii are usually not aware of it. They may feel as if they have the “flu” with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that last for a month or more.

How does toxoplasma infection occur?

Eating undercooked, contaminated meat (especially pork, lamb, and venison).
Drinking water contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii.
Mother-to-child (congenital) transmission.
Accidental ingestion of undercooked, contaminated meat after handling it and not washing hands thoroughly (It cannot be absorbed through intact skin).
Eating food that was contaminated by knives, utensils, cutting boards and other foods that have had contact with raw, contaminated meat.
Accidentally swallowing the parasite through contact with cat feces that contain Toxoplasma. – This might happen by: cleaning the litter box when the cat has shed Toxoplasma in its feces (and not washing hands after); touching anything that has come into contact with cat feces (and not washing hands after); accidentally ingesting contaminated soil; not washing hands after gardening or eating unwashed fruits or vegetables from a garden.

What are the risks involved?

Severe toxoplasmosis, causing damage to the brain, eyes, or other organs, can develop from an acute Toxoplasma infection or one that had occurred earlier in life and is now reactivated.
Severe cases are more likely in individuals who have weak immune systems, though occasionally, even persons with healthy immune systems may experience eye damage from toxoplasmosis.
Signs and symptoms of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) can include reduced vision, blurred vision, pain (often with bright light), redness of the eye, and sometimes tearing. Ophthalmologists sometimes prescribe medicine to treat active disease.
Whether or not medication is recommended depends on the size of the eye lesion, the location, and the characteristics of the lesion (acute active, versus chronic not progressing). An ophthalmologist provides the best care for OT.
Most infants who are infected while still in the womb have no symptoms at birth, but they may develop symptoms later in life. A small percentage of infected newborns have serious eye or brain damage at birth.

What should I do if I am at risk for severe toxoplasmosis?

If you are planning to become pregnant, your health care provider may test you for Toxoplasma gondii. If the test is positive it means you have already been infected sometime in your life. There usually is little need to worry about passing the infection to your baby. If the test is negative, take necessary precautions to avoid infection (See below).
If you are already pregnant, you and your health care provider should discuss your risk for toxoplasmosis. Your health care provider may order a blood sample for testing.
If you have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor about having your blood tested for Toxoplasma. If your test is positive, your doctor can tell you if and when you need to take medicine to prevent the infection from reactivating. If your test is negative, it means you need to take precautions to avoid infection.

What are the symptoms?

Healthy people who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii are usually not aware of it.
Some people who have toxoplasmosis may feel as if they have the “flu” with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that last for a month or more.

Who faces the greatest risk?

Infants born to mothers who are newly infected with Toxoplasma gondii during or just before pregnancy.
Persons with severely weakened immune systems, such as individuals with AIDS, those taking certain types of chemotherapy, and those who have recently received an organ transplant.

How can I reduce my chances of getting a Toxoplasma infection?

Vomiting
Body aches
Headaches
Low-grade fever
Other flu-like symptoms

The time between becoming infected and becoming sick is usually about 1 week. Some people who are infected with Cyclospora do not have any symptoms.

How long can symptoms last?

If not treated, the illness may last from a few days to a month or longer. Symptoms may seem to go away and then return one or more times (relapse).

It’s common to feel very tired. If you think you’ve been infected with Cyclospora see your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I think I have Toxoplasmosis?

If you suspect that you may have toxoplasmosis, talk to your health care provider. Your provider may order one or more varieties of blood tests specific for toxoplasmosis. The results from the different tests can help your provider determine if you have a Toxoplasma gondii infection and whether it is a recent (acute) infection.