Toxoplasmosis (patient information): Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
|
(No difference)
|
Revision as of 17:16, 2 August 2011
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Toxoplasmosis is an infection due to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
What are the symptoms of (condition)?
Most primary infections produce no symptoms. The time between exposure to the parasite and symptom development is 1 - 2 weeks. The disease can affect the brain, lung, heart, eyes, or liver. Symptoms in persons with otherwise healthy immune systems:
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the head and neck
- Headache
- Mild illness with fever, similar to mononucleosis
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
Symptoms in immunosuppressed persons:
- Confusion
- Fever
- Headache
- Retinal inflammation that causes blurred vision
- Seizures
For symptoms in babies born with the condition, see congenital toxoplasmosis.
Who is at highest risk?
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of toxoplasmosis. This disorder requires urgent or emergency care if it occurs in an immunosuppressed person or in a baby, or if confusion, seizures, or other severe symptoms develop.
Diagnosis
Tests to determine infection or to find cysts related to this infection:
- Antibody titers for toxoplasmosis
- Cranial CT scan
- MRI of head
- Slit lamp exam
- Brain biopsy
Treatment options
Those without symptoms typically do not need treatment. Medications to treat the infection include an antimalarial drug and antibiotics. AIDS patients should continue treatment for as long as their immune system is weak to prevent the disease from reactivating. For information regarding treatment of babies and pregnant women
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for (condition)?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Acute infection in children may cause swelling of the retina in the eye. In adults with a healthy immune system, toxoplasmosis has a good outcome.
Possible complications
- Permanent disability, such as blindness or learning disorders, in infants with congenital toxoplasmosis
- Return of the disease
- Spread of infection in a person with a weakened immune system (can be deadly)
Sources
- Congenital disorders patient information
- Gastroenterology patient information
- Infectious disease
- Infectious disease patient information
- Neurology patient information
- Neurosurgery patient information
- Obstetrics patient information
- Poultry diseases
- Opthalmology patient information
- Pediatrics patient information
- Zoonoses
- Parasitic diseases
- Patient information
- Overview complete