Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a minute parasite ingested via the mouth (e.g. by eating raw meat).

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a minute parasite ingested via the mouth (e.g. by eating raw meat). It usually goes unnoticed or has a mild progression (cold symptoms). The disease course can be severe for unborn children and persons with a weakened immune system because it also attacks the brain or the lungs. Precautionary measures are recommended during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Intact immune system

Chronic infection, usually asymptomatic (95%)
Seldom
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Symptoms of a cold
- Slight fever
- Headaches, joint and muscle pain

Weakened immune system

The following are possible in addition to the above symptoms:

Pneumonia (shortness of breath, coughing)
Chest pain
Central nervous system is affected
- Light-headedness
- Personality changes
- Disturbance of balance
- Encephalitis and meningitis
Eyes are affected (visual disturbances)

Pregnancy

Can be deadly for the unborn child
- Stillborn child or miscarriage (spontaneous abortion)
If the child survives: long-term damage is possible
- Examples: blindness, mental disability

Causes and treatment

Cause

Pathogen: Toxoplasma gondii (single-celled parasite)
Found: worldwide, in cats and other mammals
Transmission:
- Eating of raw or insufficiently heated meat
- Contact with cat faeces (smear infection, ingested through the mouth)
- Pregnancy: unborn child is infected via the placenta
Chronic infection, reactivated by a weakened immune system/HIV and AIDS

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Blood test (search for pathogen)
CT scan or MRI
- Suspicion that brain may be affected

Possible therapies

Asymptomatic course
- Wait and see
- Treatment usually isn't necessary
Antiparasitics
- Symptoms, pregnancy, immunodeficiency

What can I do myself?

Wash hands thoroughly
- After working in the garden
- After touching raw meat
- After touching pets or their faeces
Wash fruit, salads and vegetables thoroughly before eating

Recommendations for pregnant women

Go for regular pregnancy check-ups
Meat (including poultry)
- Always grill or cook thoroughly
- Wash hands thoroughly after touching meat
- Thoroughly clean kitchen equipment
Wear rubber gloves when gardening
Clean hands regularly (with soap and brush)
- After touching sand in playpen and (house) pets
- Before/after cooking, before every meal
- Before brushing the teeth
Cats/pets
- Only feed tinned food or cooked meat
- Litter tray: don’t keep in the kitchen; have someone else clean it or wear rubber gloves when cleaning out the cat litter