Most cases of toxoplasmosis do not cause symptoms, but when the person has the weakest immune system, there can be constant headaches, fever and muscle aches, it is important that these symptoms are studied, because if this is actually due to toxoplasmosis, the parasite can reach other tissues and form cysts, where they remain dormant, but can reactivate and cause more severe symptoms.
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a parasite, Toxoplasma gondii (T.infected cats because the cat is the usual host of the parasite.Learn more about toxoplasmosis.
- In most cases of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
- No signs or symptoms of infection are identified because the body is able to fight the parasite; However.
- When the immune system is weaker due to illness.
- Other infections.
- Or medication use.
- For example.
- Some symptoms may be identified.
- Such as:.
In people with weaker immune systems, such as people with HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, have recently undergone a transplant, or are using immunosuppressive medications, there may also be more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, shortness of breath., confusion and seizures, for example.
More severe symptoms, although they can occur more easily in people with lower immunity, can also occur in people who have not followed the treatment of toxoplasmosis properly.The parasite spreads through the body, enters tissues and forms cysts, remaining in the body.without causing signs or symptoms; However, when conditions are favorable for infection, the parasite can reactivate and cause more severe signs and symptoms of infection.
While toxoplasmosis during pregnancy does not result in signs or symptoms in most cases, it is important for the woman to perform the tests indicated during pregnancy to see if she has come into contact with the parasite or is infected.It may transmit the infection to the baby, as the parasite can cross the placenta, reach the baby, and cause complications.
Thus, if toxoplasmosis infects the baby, depending on gestational age, it can cause an abortion, premature birth or congenital toxoplasmosis, which can lead to certain signs and symptoms, such as:
When the infection occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, although the risk of infection is lower, complications are more serious and the baby is born with the changes; However, when the infection contracts in the third trimester of pregnancy, the baby is more likely to become infected, but in most cases the baby remains asymptomatic and symptoms of toxoplasmosis develop during childhood and adolescence.
Learn more about the risks of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy
Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is performed by laboratory tests that identify antibodies produced against T.. gondii, because the parasite may be present in various tissues, its identification in the blood, for example, may not be so easy.
Therefore, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is done by measuring IgG and IgM, which are antibodies produced by the body and that increase rapidly if infected with this parasite, it is important that the levels of IgG and IgM are linked to the signs and symptoms presented by the person so that the doctor can complete the diagnosis. In addition to IgG and IgM levels, molecular tests, such as PCRs, may also be performed to identify T.Gondii infection.Learn more about IgG and IgM.