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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis

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Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

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Definition

An infection with the protozoan intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

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Slit-Lamp Exam

Congenital Toxoplasmosis
Congenital Toxoplasmosis

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Antibodies

 
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Toxoplasmosis is found in humans worldwide, and in many species of animals and birds. The cat is the definitive host of the parasite.

Human infection results from ingestion of contaminated soil, careless handling of cat litter, ingestion of raw or undercooked meat (lamb, pork, and beef), transmission from a mother to a fetus through the placenta (congenital infection), or by blood transfusion or solid organ transplantation.

Over 80-90% of primary infections produce no symptoms. The incubation period for symptoms is 1 to 2 weeks.

Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii in a pregnant woman, with up to 50% of such infections transmitted to the fetus. Signs of congenital infection may be present at birth or develop over the first few months of life.

Infants may show signs of central nervous system disorders, enlargement of the liver and spleen, blindness, and mental retardation. Toxoplasmosis also affects people who are immunosuppressed (as a result of AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive therapies). The disease may affect the brain, lung, heart, eyes, or liver.



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Definition
Toxoplasmosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Toxoplasmosis Symptoms & Signs
Toxoplasmosis Prevention
Toxoplasmosis Diagnosis & Tests
Toxoplasmosis Treatment
Toxoplasmosis Prognosis
Toxoplasmosis Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

AIDS
Anemia
Cancer
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Mental Retardation
Mononucleosis

Tests & Exams

Biopsy
Cranial CT Scan
MRI of the Head
Toxoplasma Test

Other Topics

Acute
Antibody
Asymptomatic
Benign
Blindness
Central Nervous System
Chronic
Confusion
Cysts
Fever
Headache
Hepatomegaly
Jaundice - Yellow Skin
Muscle Aches
Rashes
Retina
Seizures
Sore Throat
Swollen Glands
Vision Problems

Review Date : 2/22/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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