Toxoplasmosis is called an extremely dangerous parasitic disease , the causative agent of which is toxoplasma. These microscopic protozoa are capable of affecting various organs of the human body, leading to damage to the eyes, skeletal muscles and heart. Questions about why toxoplasmosis develops, what it is and what its symptoms are, are very relevant. After all, an infected person needs medical attention.
Toxoplasmosis: what is it and what are its causes?
As already mentioned, toxoplasma is a microscopic representative of protozoa that parasitizes inside cells. Like many other parasites, it has a relatively complex development cycle. The final owner in this case are representatives of the cat family, including ordinary domestic cats. In their intestines, parasites multiply, forming cysts, which, together with fecal masses, enter the external environment.
It is worth noting that mature cysts are extremely stable and can remain viable for several years while in the external environment. Infection of a person, as a rule, occurs when in contact with a cat or when eating unwashed fruits, vegetables, and improperly prepared meat. Occasionally, infection is observed during contact with the blood of a sick animal, which often occurs among workers in a meat processing plant. Possible mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and childbirth.
Toxoplasmosis: symptoms
In people who, incidentally, are only intermediate hosts of parasites, the clinical picture depends on many factors. Penetrating through the gastrointestinal tract, cysts enter the small intestine, from where, along with the current, the lymphs migrate to the lymph nodes, where they grow. In the future, parasites can spread to different organs, affecting the cells and disrupting their normal functioning. As a rule, the incubation period lasts up to three weeks.
The main symptoms of the disease depend on where the parasite accumulation is located. If they penetrate the eyes, damage to the retina and choroid is observed. Often parasites spread to the myocardium, which is fraught with pericarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle and is accompanied by chest pain and severe shortness of breath.
In those cases when the accumulation of microorganisms is in the lymph nodes, their inflammation, increase and soreness are observed. Along with this, the spleen and liver increase.
There is meningoencephalitic toxoplasmosis. What it is? This form of the disease is accompanied by damage to the nervous system, which leads to the appearance of meningitis, vasculitis and encephalitis. Sometimes the spinal cord and peripheral nerve fibers are affected.
With a generalized form of the disease, to one degree or another, all of the above disorders are inherent in combination with weakness, pain and aching muscles, fever.
If the patient has not been given appropriate treatment, chronic toxoplasmosis develops. Such a transition is possible due to the presence of persistent cysts, which are deposited in the cells of the body, where they can be inactive for years. A weakened immune system leads to activation of the cyst life cycle, which provokes a relapse of the disease.
Toxoplasmosis: what is it and how to get rid of it?
In some cases, the infection subsides on its own. But most often the patient needs medical attention, especially when it comes to a pregnant woman. To begin with, symptomatic treatment is carried out , which depends on the symptoms present - for this purpose, painkillers, anti-inflammatory, antihistamines and other drugs are used.
To eliminate parasites, therapy is carried out with the help of Sulfadiazine and Pyrimethamine. If necessary, immunocorrection using vitamin complexes, immunomodulators and other general strengthening agents is indicated.