Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis is a common protozoan infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is usually contracted through ingestion of contaminated food, water, or soil, or through contact with infected cat feces. While the infection is generally mild and asymptomatic in healthy individuals, it can pose a significant risk to a fetus during early pregnancy and to immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients.

Toxoplasmosis life cycle en

Infection and Transmission

Toxoplasma gondii is primarily transmitted through ingestion of oocysts, which are shed in the feces of infected cats. Humans can become infected by:

• Consuming undercooked or raw meat containing tissue cysts
• Ingesting oocysts from contaminated food, water, or soil
• Handling contaminated cat litter or soil and inadvertently ingesting oocysts
• Vertical transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy

Risk to Fetus and Immunocompromised Individuals

• In healthy individuals, toxoplasmosis is often asymptomatic or presents with mild, flu-like symptoms. However, the infection can be severe in two specific groups: fetuses during early pregnancy and immunocompromised individuals.
• Fetus: If a pregnant woman becomes infected with T. gondii for the first time during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and infect the fetus. This can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe congenital abnormalities, such as hydrocephalus, cerebral calcifications, and chorioretinitis. The risk of congenital toxoplasmosis and its severity depend on the timing of infection during pregnancy; the earlier the infection, the greater the potential harm to the fetus.
• Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients, are at a higher risk of developing severe toxoplasmosis. In these cases, the infection can reactivate and cause life-threatening complications, such as encephalitis, myocarditis, pneumonitis, or disseminated infection.

Summary

Toxoplasmosis is a common protozoan infection that is usually only dangerous to a fetus in early pregnancy or a person who is immunocompromised

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