Exploring the Causes of Toxoplasmosis

A person cannot get toxoplasmosis from another person. Instead, the parasite is spread through contact with infected cat feces and eating, drinking, or washing with contaminated foods and water. In a few very rare instances, people contract toxoplasmosis from an organ transplant or blood transfusion.

Healthy people will not usually experience symptoms of toxoplasmosis, and the body is capable of dealing with the infection. If signs do develop, a healthy person might experience flu-like symptoms, such as a headache and fatigue, and possibly fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Toxoplasmosis is more dangerous for people with weak or compromised immune systems. Signs and symptoms of serious infection can develop in these individuals, including

• Poor coordination
• Headache
• Seizures
• Lung problems similar to tuberculosis
• Blurry vision if the retina becomes inflamed

If a pregnant woman is infected with the parasite, she can pass the infection to her fetus. This is most common if the infection happens during the woman’s third trimester. However, if the infection does transfer earlier, it can mean more serious complications. A baby born with toxoplasmosis can develop seizures and have an enlarged liver and spleen and jaundice.

Most infants born with the infection don’t show symptoms right away. As they get older, signs such as hearing loss or mental disabilities can develop.

While anyone exposed to infected feces or contaminated food or water might contract toxoplasmosis, the people most at risk for serious repercussions are those with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS. People getting chemotherapy or taking other immunosuppressant drugs also face a higher risk of dangerous symptoms. Complications in People with Compromised Immunity

A person with a compromised immune system could

People at higher risk of serious illness from the parasite can take a blood test. Women trying to become pregnant might receive this test from their doctor, and women who are already expecting can also be tested. People with weakened immune systems who test positive for toxoplasmosis might be prescribed medications that will [citation href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html" title="CDC" desc=”Toxoplasmosis General FAQ">help prevent the infection from reactivating.

If a blood tests on a healthy person without symptoms shows toxoplasmosis, it is unlikely a doctor will prescribe any treatment — the immune system should be able to get rid of the infection on its own, and any [citation href="https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/gen_info/faqs.html" title="CDC" desc=”Toxoplasmosis General FAQ"]symptoms should resolve in a few weeks or months.

People at risk for complications from toxoplasmosis can take medications to treat the infection.

Safe food handling and avoiding potentially unsafe water sources is the best way to prevent toxoplasmosis infections. Freezing meat for a few days before cooking will usually kill off the parasite, as will cooking meat to the recommended internal temperatures.

Cleaning your cat’s litter box daily is a good way to prevent infections because the parasite does not become infectious until one to five days after it is excreted. Always wash your hands well after handling cat litter.

Keeping your cat indoors and feeding it pet food instead of raw meat is one good way to prevent toxoplasma gondii at the source.

If you are at risk for toxoplasmosis complications or are trying to become pregnant, it is best to let someone else clean the litter box. Do not play with or adopt stray cats, as they are more likely to carry the parasite.