What is it about ?
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can infect various animals. This parasite lives in cats. The cat is infested by eating infected animals (for example mice, …). The parasite then multiplies in the intestine of the cat, releasing new eggs in the intestine which are eliminated in the feces and thus end up in nature (soil, vegetables and drinking water). Humans can become infected through contact with cat feces (eg through litter), eating unwashed vegetables, drinking contaminated water, and eating meat that is undercooked. The infection is not transmitted directly from humans to humans.
What is its frequency?
Toxoplasmosis is the most common parasitic infection in humans. Its frequency varies from region to region, depending on agricultural practices, number of cats, food surveillance and hygiene, as well as cultural factors.
Toxoplasmosis is mainly detected in pregnant women and women who want a child. About 1 in 5 women have already been infected with toxoplasmosis. These women have antibodies and are therefore protected. So this means that 4 out of 5 women need to be careful not to get toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.
How to recognize it?
Toxoplasmosis is dangerous only for pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised. A healthy person can be infected without noticing it. The first symptoms appear 10 to 14 days after infection (incubation period). The most common symptoms are swollen, painful or painless glands, which are particularly noticeable in the neck, under the armpits and in the groin. Fever, fatigue, night sweats, sore throat and muscle pain are also possible. In rare cases, the liver and / or spleen may temporarily swell, causing discomfort and pain in the upper abdomen. A mottled rash may appear. In people with weakened immune systems, symptoms are usually more severe. Inflammation of the lungs, brain, and heart muscle (myocardium) can occur, which can be fatal.
We speak of congenital toxoplasmosis when toxoplasmosis is transmitted from the mother to the fetus. At the start of pregnancy, the risk of transmitting toxoplasmosis is lower (1 in 10 in the first trimester, 7 in 10 in the third trimester), but the risk of complications for the child is greater and the consequences are more serious. In the fetus, the infection is always generalized and can affect the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) and eyes, resulting in the inability to see (blindness) and / or mental retardation. An infection during pregnancy does not necessarily result in an infection of the fetus. The doctor will assess the severity of the infection based on a laboratory test.
How is the diagnosis made?
A blood test allows the doctor to determine if you have (had) toxoplasmosis. In women who have a desire to become pregnant or are in their first trimester, a blood test is done to check if they have antibodies against toxoplasmosis. If a pregnant woman contracts toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, the doctor will refer her for further tests.
What can you do ?
Toxoplasmosis can be prevented with good hand hygiene and good food hygiene. The following tips should be taken into account:
- eat only well-cooked meat,
- clean kitchen utensils and wash your hands after handling raw meat,
- preferably wash and / or peel all fruits and vegetables,
- wear gloves when changing kitty litter or gardening, then wash your hands when you’re done.
What can your doctor do?
Toxoplasmosis usually resolves spontaneously. People with severe infection, immunocompromised patients and pregnant women will be given antibiotics. Pregnant women will be referred to a gynecologist for follow-up.
Want to know more?
- Pregnant, what to eat? (videos) – Air of families – ONE – Office of Birth and Childhood
- Hand hygiene – SPF Public health, food chain safety and the environment
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