toxoplasmosis
an infectious disease caused by a protozoan organism known as Toxoplasma. The INFECTION is either transmitted by eating undercooked meat or through direct contact with contaminated soil or, especially, with infected cats. This form of the infection is mild and causes few ill effects. However, a much more serious form of the disease can be passed from a the mother infected during PREGNANCY to her unborn baby. The newborn infant may suffer from HYDROCEPHALUS , mental retardation, blindness or may even be stillborn. Treatment is by means of SULPHONAMIDE drugs and pyrimethamine.
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. More than 60 million people in the U.S. have the parasite. Most of them don't get sick. But the parasite causes serious problems for some people. These include people with weak immune systems and babies whose mothers become infected for the first time during pregnancy. Problems can include damage to the brain, eyes, and other organs.
You can get toxoplasmosis from :
- Waste from an infected cat
- Eating contaminated meat that is raw or not well cooked
- Using utensils or cutting boards after they've had contact with contaminated raw meat
- Drinking infected water
- Receiving an infected organ transplant or blood transfusion
Most people with toxoplasmosis don't need treatment. There are drugs to treat it for pregnant women and people with weak immune systems.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
toxoplasmosis