Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection due to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Causes
Toxoplasmosis is found in humans worldwide and in many kinds of animals and birds. The parasite also lives in cats.
Human infection may result from:
- Blood transfusions or solid organ transplants
- Handling cat litter
- Eating contaminated soil
- Eating raw or undercooked meat (lamb, pork, and beef)
Toxoplasmosis also affects people who have weakened immune systems. These people are more likely to have symptoms.
The infection may also be passed from an infected mother to her baby through the placenta. This results in congenital toxoplasmosis.
Congenital toxoplasmosis
Congenital toxoplasmosis is a group of symptoms that occur when an unborn baby (fetus) is infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSymptoms
There may be no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they usually occur about 1 to 2 weeks after contact with the parasite. The disease can affect the brain, lung, heart, eyes, or liver.
Symptoms in people with otherwise healthy immune systems can include:
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Enlarged lymph nodes in the head and neck
Enlarged lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...
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Headache
Headache
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...
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- Mild illness similar to mononucleosis
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.
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- Sore throat
- Visual disturbances
Symptoms in people with a weakened immune system can include:
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Confusion
Confusion
Confusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...
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- Headache
- Blurred vision due to inflammation of the retina
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Seizures
Seizures
A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...
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Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:
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Blood test for toxoplasmosis
Blood test for toxoplasmosis
The toxoplasma blood test looks for antibodies in the blood to a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.
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CT scan of the head
CT scan of the head
A head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.
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MRI of the brain
MRI of the brain
A head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding...
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Slit lamp exam of the eyes
Slit lamp exam of the eyes
The slit-lamp examination looks at structures that are at the front of the eye.
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Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
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Treatment
People without symptoms usually do not need treatment.
Medicines to treat the infection include a specific antimalarial medicine and antibiotics. People with AIDS should continue treatment for as long as their immune system is weak, to prevent the disease from reactivating.
Outlook (Prognosis)
With treatment, people with a healthy immune system usually recover well.
Possible Complications
The disease may return.
In people with a weakened immune system, the infection may spread throughout the body, leading to death.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider for an appointment if you develop symptoms of toxoplasmosis. Medical care is needed right away if symptoms occur in:
- Infants or babies
- Someone with a weakened immune system due to certain medicines or disease
Also seek medical treatment right away if the following symptoms occur:
- Confusion
- Seizures
Prevention
Tips for preventing this condition:
- Do not eat undercooked meat.
- Wash hands after handling raw meat.
- Keep children's play areas free from cat and dog feces.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after touching soil that may be contaminated with animal feces.
Pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems should take the following precautions:
- Do not clean cat litter boxes.
- Do not touch anything that may contain cat feces.
- Do not touch anything that could be contaminated by insects, such as cockroaches and flies that may be exposed to cat feces.
Pregnant women and those with HIV/AIDS should be screened for toxoplasmosis. A blood test can be done.
In some cases, medicine to prevent toxoplasmosis may be given.
References
Mcleod R, Boyer KM. Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 336.
Montoya JG, Boothroyd JC, Kovacs JA. Toxoplasma gondii. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 278.
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Slit-lamp exam - illustration
A slit-lamp, which is a specialized magnifying microscope, is used to examine the structures of the eye (including the cornea, iris, vitreous, and retina). The slit-lamp is used to examine, treat (with a laser), and photograph (with a camera) the eye.
Slit-lamp exam
illustration
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Congenital toxoplasmosis - illustration
Human infection with the toxoplasma gondii protozoan results from ingesting contaminated raw meat or soil, or careless handling of the contents of an infected cat's litter box. An infected pregnant woman can transmit the infection to her fetus (congenital toxoplasmosis).
Congenital toxoplasmosis
illustration
-
Slit-lamp exam - illustration
A slit-lamp, which is a specialized magnifying microscope, is used to examine the structures of the eye (including the cornea, iris, vitreous, and retina). The slit-lamp is used to examine, treat (with a laser), and photograph (with a camera) the eye.
Slit-lamp exam
illustration
-
Congenital toxoplasmosis - illustration
Human infection with the toxoplasma gondii protozoan results from ingesting contaminated raw meat or soil, or careless handling of the contents of an infected cat's litter box. An infected pregnant woman can transmit the infection to her fetus (congenital toxoplasmosis).
Congenital toxoplasmosis
illustration
Review Date: 12/31/2023
Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.