Toxoplasmosis Symptoms and Signs

Toxoplasmosis may not affect healthy people at all but to people with weakened immune systems, this illness could be fatal. Babies that are born infected with toxoplasmosis may have severe congenital defects as well. It is important then to know toxoplasmosis symptoms for immediate diagnosis and treatment.

In healthy children and adults, toxoplasmosis symptoms may look like the average flu. There may be headaches and body pains which may be relieved by over the counter medications. Symptoms of moderate grade fever are also common and may be reduced by taking Paracetamol or by using cool compresses. There may also be sore throat and inflamed lymph nodes for some people. These symptoms may not be specific to toxoplasmosis and some may even dismiss these symptoms altogether.

It could be the worst case scenario for people who have weak immune systems if they are infected with the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. People who are receiving chemotherapy, who have HIV/AIDS and who have recently underwent organ transplant may suffer from toxoplasmosis symptoms like severe headaches and confusion, poor motor coordination and seizures. Immediate consult to a medical professional may prevent complications as well as techniques to strengthen the immune system must be enforced.

It may also be considered dangerous for pregnant mothers to contact toxoplasmosis anytime during their pregnancy. Exposure to the toxoplasmosis parasite may affect the developing fetus on the first trimester of pregnancy and this may cause severe congenital abnormalities like seizures and enlargement of the liver and spleen. Newborns often appear yellowish in color due to an underdeveloped liver and may even have severe eye infections too.

The common cat and other warm blooded animals are the most common hosts of this parasite. It often lives in the gut of these animals and are transferred to humans through direct contact on the feces of infected animals. It is therefore advised to handle animal, especially cat feces with care. If you live with a cat at home, keep it healthy and always protect your hands when handling its litter box. Never adopt a stray cat or kittens since they may harbor the toxoplasmosis parasite. Garden soil may also be a medium to transfer toxoplasmosis parasites to humans so it is strongly advised to wear gloves to stop the spread of this disease. For pregnant women, diagnostic test to determine toxoplasmosis is definitely a must since pregnant mothers may not show any signs and toxoplasmosis symptoms at all.

Finally, if you have a weakened immune system, it is definitely high time to increase your body’s resistance to fight illnesses. Eat healthy and take dietary supplements to increase your resistance plus adapt a healthy lifestyle as well. Never eat raw or undercooked meats where parasites are likely to live. Always wash your fruits and vegetables after you bring them home to be sure you are eating parasite free produce. If you must have a cat indoors or as a pet, keep it healthy; if your cat goes out have it regularly checked for toxoplasmosis.