Toxoplasma infection (parasite infection)

Description A parasite infectio...

Description

A parasite infection. Most people are not aware that they have been infected because they have either mild or no symptoms. 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. An infection can lead to spontaneous abortion or fetal abnormalities.

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

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to determine infection or to find toxoplasmosis cysts will be performed.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray

Other Specific Tests: Brain biopsy, serologic titers for toxoplasmosis, slit lamp exam

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine

Treatment

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.