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Toxoplasmosis

A widespread parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

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What is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections worldwide, caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the definitive host and shed oocysts in their feces. Human transmission occurs through contaminated food (undercooked meat), contaminated soil, cat feces, and via the congenital route.

Primary infection in healthy individuals is usually asymptomatic or mild (cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, malaise — a mononucleosis-like picture). In HIV/AIDS patients (CD4 <100), reactivation most commonly presents as cerebral toxoplasmosis, a life-threatening condition.

Primary infection during pregnancy can cause congenital toxoplasmosis: chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, and developmental delay. Transmission risk is low but damage severe in the first trimester; transmission is frequent but damage milder in the third trimester.

Symptoms

In healthy individuals: asymptomatic or cervical lymphadenopathy
In AIDS: headache, fever, focal neurological deficits (cerebral toxoplasmosis)
Congenital: chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, intracranial calcification
Ocular toxoplasmosis: blurred vision, floaters, eye pain

Risk Factors

HIV/AIDS (CD4 <100)
Solid organ transplant recipients
Consumption of undercooked meat
Contact with cat feces (gardening, sandboxes)
Primary infection during pregnancy (risk of congenital toxoplasmosis)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Positive Toxoplasma IgM in a pregnant patient
  • Neurological findings in an HIV patient
  • Unexplained lymphadenopathy and fever
  • Suspected chorioretinitis (blurred vision)

Treatment Methods

01
Mild infection in healthy host: usually no treatment needed
02
Cerebral toxoplasmosis: pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine + folinic acid (6 weeks)
03
Primary infection during pregnancy: spiramycin (reduces transplacental transmission)
04
Confirmed fetal infection: pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine + folinic acid
05
Ocular toxoplasmosis: pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine + corticosteroid
06
HIV prophylaxis: TMP-SMX (CD4 <100 + Toxoplasma IgG positive)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.