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Toxoplasmosis
Definition An infection with the protozoan intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
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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
• Pictures & Images
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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