Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which is often asymptomatic in healthy individuals, though it can cause mild flu-like symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Infection can also lead to severe illness in people with weakened immune systems and can be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, causing serious health issues. Transmission typically occurs through consuming raw or undercooked contaminated meat, or by ingesting contaminated cat feces from handling cat litter or contaminated soil.
Causes
- Undercooked or Raw Meat: Ingesting tissue cysts from infected, undercooked, or raw meat, particularly lamb, pork, venison, and shellfish.
- Contaminated Water and Soil: Drinking water or eating food contaminated with cat feces.
- Contact with Cat Feces: Handling cat litter, contaminated soil, or gardening without wearing gloves, and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.
- Congenital Transmission: An infected mother can pass the infection to her fetus during pregnancy.
- Organ Transplants: A rare route of transmission can occur through organ or blood transfusions from an infected donor or host.
Symptoms
Most people with a healthy immune system do not show symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they are often mild and flu-like, lasting for a few weeks or months.
- Fever
- Muscle aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands), especially in the neck
- Headaches
Complications
- Immunocompromised Individuals:
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, can develop severe toxoplasmosis, including infections of the brain (which can be an AIDS-defining condition) and other organs.
- Congenital Toxoplasmosis:
When a mother passes the infection to her fetus during pregnancy, it can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe health problems in the baby, such as eye damage and brain damage.
- Ocular Toxoplasmosis:
The parasite can cause inflammation in the eye (posterior uveitis), leading to blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and eye pain, potentially causing blindness if left untreated.
Prevention
- Cook meat thoroughly to recommended internal temperatures and avoid eating it rare or raw.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat, poultry, and produce.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Wear gloves when gardening and wash hands afterward.
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose after handling raw meat or while gardening.
- Clean cutting boards, utensils, and work surfaces with hot, soapy water after contact with raw meat.
- Do not drink unpasteurized goat's milk.
