Infection with toxoplasma (the simplest intracellular parasites) of a person leads to serious changes in his body, in particular, from the nervous system. In the world there are a huge number of people infected with Toxoplasma (more than five hundred million people, which is comparable to the number of people infected with hepatitis B). This disease is called toxoplasmosis. Treatment is carried out after obtaining the results of serological tests. The source of infection is domestic (mainly cats) and wild animals. There is also no less risk of infection when eating improperly prepared foods: if meat dishes and eggs have not undergone sufficient heat treatment.
A disease caused by toxoplasma often proceeds easily. But there is a danger of death on the basis of people with a weakened immune system, as well as the fetus of an infected pregnant woman, since toxoplasma can penetrate the placenta. In this case, it is almost impossible to avoid fetal death. Very serious problems (damage to the eyes, nervous system and other organs) occur with the health of the child born if a pregnant woman was diagnosed with toxoplasmosis. Treatment is not carried out, since it is indicated (even if there are no clinical manifestations, but the results of serological tests are positive) in the first trimester of pregnancy, its interruption due to a possible severe damage to the fetus. Therefore, during pregnancy, women should avoid contact with infected animals, especially cats.
Distinguish between congenital and acquired (acute or chronic forms) parasitic disease of a person, which is called toxoplasmosis. Treatment is not for everyone, only in those cases when signs of the disease are expressed. Acute acquired toxoplasmosis is accompanied by high fever, an enlarged spleen and liver are characteristic of this form. For the chronic form of toxoplasmosis (which is observed more often), subfebrile temperature, headache, enlarged liver and lymph nodes are characteristic. There is also a decrease in performance, damage to the heart, eyes, nervous system and other internal organs. Often toxoplasmosis proceeds in a latent (latent) form.
At any age, a person can acquire this disease, and it will be chronic. In infants, the disease is congenital. Toxoplasmosis in infants usually affects all body systems. At the same time, symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness are observed. Internal organs (spleen and liver) may be enlarged, jaundice is possible. Often a rash appears on the child’s body. The following conditions are characteristic of the baby: lethargy, drowsiness, and a decrease in muscle tone is also observed. Perhaps the manifestation of strabismus.
Acquired toxoplasmosis is accompanied by increased fatigue, decreased performance and weakness. The appearance of chills and an increase in temperature to 38.5 ° C are characteristic of this condition. Headache, joint and muscle pains are observed . The patient's lymph nodes increase (in the third week after infection). Pneumonia, encephalitis, endocarditis (heart damage), damage to the mucous membranes of the eyes, endocrine system may develop, the liver and spleen increase. In women, the menstrual cycle is disrupted. Toxoplasmosis in men entails impotence. There are problems with the gastrointestinal tract (bloating, pain, sluggish appetite). All these signs help to identify toxoplasmosis.
The factors that contribute to the ingestion of toxoplasmas and increase the risk of the disease should be remembered. Children from a young age should be taught the rules of sanitary culture and personal hygiene. They are simple but obligatory. This is washing hands after contact with cats and other animals, as well as after cleaning their excrement or cat's toilet. When cooking meat dishes (pork, lamb, venison), dishes and hands must be washed with special detergents, and the cutting board for raw meat (despite being carefully processed each time) should be separate, that is, fruits should not be cut on it , vegetables, bread or any other products. Otherwise, the risk of getting chronic or acute toxoplasmosis is not ruled out. Treatment is selected individually. Repeating antibiotic and chemotherapy courses does not give the required results, but at the same time leads to an immune imbalance.