TOXOPLASMOSIS

What is toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite is found everywhere in our environment and many people carry it in their bodies but may not know because they have no symptoms.
Pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have serious illness due to toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women can pass the infection to their unborn baby if they become infected for the first time during or just before pregnancy.Acute infections in pregnant women can be transmitted to the fetus and cause severe illness (e.g., mental retardation, blindness, and hearing loss). This is the reason that pregnant women should be checked for Toxoplasma antibodies.
How is T. gondii transmitted?
Cats are the primary carrier of the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. At least one third of the world population may have contracted a toxoplasmosis infection in their lifetime. but, after the acute infection has passed, the parasite rarely causes any symptoms in otherwise healthy adults. However, people with a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible, such as people infected with HIV. Most human infections occur by one of four routes: (1) consumption of water or plant material contaminated with cat feces, (2) ingestion of undercooked meats, (3) transplacental transmission to a fetus by a mother infected during pregnancy, (4) organ transplantation.
What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?

During acute toxoplasmosis, symptoms are often flu-like : Fatigue , fever , swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and pains that last for a month or more.
Latent toxoplasmosis : Most patients who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii and develop toxoplasmosis do not know it. Most infants who are infected while in the womb no symptoms at birth but may develop symptoms later in life.
Prevention
Good hygienic measures prevent transmission. Toxoplasma infection can be prevented by :
• Do not eat raw or undercooked meat. Meat should be cooked to a temperature of at least 160°F for 20 minutes.
• peeling or thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before eating;
• cleaning cooking surfaces and utensils after they have contacted raw meat, poultry, seafood, or unwashed fruits or vegetables;
• pregnant women avoiding changing cat litter or, if no one else is available to change the cat litter, using gloves, then washing hands thoroughly;
• Wear rubber gloves if working
with garden soil
<strong>Treatment
• Treatment is not necessary in case of toxoplasmosis infection in a health person. Symptoms usually disappear within a period of few weeks.
• For pregnant women or persons who have weakened immune systems, medications are available to treat toxoplasmosis
• No vaccine is as yet available to prevent either Toxoplasma infection or toxoplasmosis in cats, humans, or other species.