Jana Manning by Jana Manning

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 03:51:28 UTC

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 03:52:48 UTC

It is not uncommon for people to be infected with the parasite toxoplasma gondii and not have symptoms. There are several different types of infection you can get from the parasite, including ocular toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 03:56:52 UTC

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 04:51:23 UTC

Flu-like symptoms are a common sign of toxoplasmosis infection. Alongside flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches are also common. Severe toxoplasmosis infection can cause damage to the eyes and brain.

How toxoplasmosis is acquired

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 05:48:00 UTC

The parasite can be contracted through eating undercooked or contaminated meat. Cat feces can also transmit toxoplasma gondii.

Ocular Toxoplasmosis

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 05:51:16 UTC

Acute cases of toxoplasmosis can cause ocular damage including decreased vision, blurred vision, and light senisitivy that is painful. This is most commonly seen in people who were infected with the toxoplasma gondii parasite while in utero.

Toxoplasmosis under the microscope

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 05:55:10 UTC

How to prevent toxoplasmosis infection

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 06:23:10 UTC

If pregnant or immunocompromised, get someone else to clean litter boxes. Be sure that the litter box is cleaned daily. Avoid eating undercooked meats or drinking water that is not treated. Wear gloves when gardening or coming into contact with soil, and be sure to wash your hands afterwards.

Treatment

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 07:50:49 UTC

Sulfa drugs and pyrimethamine are the first line treatment for toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women can be treated with the same medications. In ocular toxoplasmosis, treatment depends on the size of the lesions and the location of them.

jpitts2094_ — 2023-11-22 08:06:51 UTC