Toxoplasmosis is an infection due to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Toxoplasmosis is found in humans worldwide, and in many species of animals and birds. Cats are the definitive host of the parasite.
Human infection may result from:
Blood transfusions or solid organ transplants
Carelessly handling cat litter
Eating contaminated soil
Eating raw or undercooked meat (lamb, pork, and beef)
Toxoplasmosis also affects people who have weakened immune systems.
The infection may also be passed from an infected mother to her baby through the placenta. See: Congenital toxoplasmosis
Symptoms:
Most primary infections produce no symptoms. The time between exposure to the infection 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:
Review Date: 11/1/2007
Reviewed By: Kenneth M. Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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General Gastroenterology, General Lung Disease, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine
