Toxoplasma infection (parasite infection)
About Toxoplasma infection (parasite infection)
A parasite infection. In most people exposure to this parasite does not lead to clinical symptoms, or the symptoms are mild resembling a mild flu. People with impaired immune systems, such as AIDS or cancer, can develop more serious infections including: central nervous system (CNS) disease, eye involvement or lung infection. The parasite can be acquired by handling cat feces, or by eating undercooked infected meat (especially lamb, pork, or deer). Women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant should avoid cat feces and undercooked meat. The parasite can be passed to the fetus causing malformation and spontaneous abortions.Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type of infection and the immune status of the patient but may include: enlarged lymph nodes in the head and neck, headache, mild illness with fever, muscle pain, sore throat, seizures, eye pain, eye redness, decreased vision.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine infection or to find toxoplasmosis cysts will be performed.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Therapy depends on the area infected, the severity of the infection, and the health of the immune system of the infected person. No treatment is necessary in children and young adults with normal immune systems. For people that have active infection because of an impaired immune system, anti-parasitic drugs are prescribed.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Toxoplasma infection (parasite infection).