Toxoplasmosis

Most people have no signs at all when they first get infected. If symptoms do appear, they usually feel like a mild flu with swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms can last for weeks or months. People with weakened immune systems may develop more severe symptoms like confusion, seizures, or vision problems.

Yes, but only through contact with infected cat feces, not from petting or cuddling your cat. Cats shed the parasite in their stool for a few weeks after first getting infected. You can reduce risk by having someone else clean the litter box daily, or wearing gloves and washing hands thoroughly. Indoor cats that eat only commercial food have very low infection rates.

Doctors use blood tests to detect antibodies your body makes against the Toxoplasma parasite. IgG antibodies show past or current infection. IgM antibodies suggest recent infection. Your doctor may order both tests and repeat them weeks apart to determine timing. Additional tests may include brain imaging or eye exams if you have symptoms.

Yes, toxoplasmosis can be very dangerous if a woman gets infected for the first time during pregnancy. The parasite can cross the placenta and harm the developing baby. This can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health problems like vision loss and brain damage. Women who were infected before pregnancy are usually protected and rarely pass it to their baby.

Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, especially pork, lamb, and venison. Cook all meat to safe internal temperatures. Do not drink unpasteurized milk or eat raw oysters, clams, or mussels. Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Pregnant women and people with weak immunity should be especially careful with these foods.

The parasite stays in your body for life in an inactive form. Your immune system keeps it under control so it does not cause active infection. This is called latent infection. Most people never have problems after the initial infection resolves. However, if your immune system becomes weakened later, the infection can reactivate.

People with weakened immune systems face the highest risk. This includes people with HIV, those receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs, and people with certain genetic immune disorders. Pregnant women who get infected for the first time during pregnancy are also at high risk. Healthy people rarely develop serious complications.

Yes, toxoplasmosis is a leading cause of eye inflammation and vision problems. The infection can damage the retina at the back of your eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, eye pain, and sensitivity to light. Eye involvement can happen during first infection or when a latent infection reactivates. An eye doctor can diagnose and treat toxoplasma eye infections with specialized medications.

Most healthy people need no medication at all. For active infection in at-risk people, doctors prescribe antiparasitic drugs like pyrimethamine combined with sulfadiazine. Leucovorin is added to prevent side effects. Pregnant women may receive spiramycin or other medications safer during pregnancy. Treatment usually lasts several weeks and requires careful monitoring.

Cook meat to safe temperatures, at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit for ground meat and 145 degrees for whole cuts. Wash your hands after handling raw meat, gardening, or cleaning litter boxes. Wear gloves when gardening or changing cat litter. Pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter boxes if possible. Wash all produce thoroughly and drink only treated water.