​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Toxoplasmosis ( Toxoplasma gondii)

​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Toxoplasmosis ( Toxoplasma gondii) 
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite.Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic organism classified as a member of the Coccidia class. Universally distributed.
 Transmission can occur through three distinct pathways: consumption of undercooked meat contaminated with cysts, exposure to oocysts found in cat feces, and transplacental transmission. Cats act as the primary host, while humans and other animals function as intermediate hosts.

While infection is prevalent, the majority of persons do not show any symptoms. An acute illness has a resemblance to mononucleosis. Congenital infections can manifest as either asymptomatic or severe, presenting with symptoms such as encephalitis, hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, brain calcifications, microcephalus, spontaneous miscarriage, and stillbirths. Immunocompromised patients may experience reactivation illness, which can manifest as encephalitis and multifocal lesions in the central nervous system.

Following infection by the cyst form, trophozoites proliferate and infiltrate the intestinal wall, where they are absorbed by macrophages. The trophozoites persist and proliferate within macrophages, circulate, and infiltrate various tissues, where they develop cysts that can remain alive for extended periods of time. Trophozoites spread through the placenta during the acute infection.

 The diagnosis involves the use of serology, identification of trophozoites during the acute phase, and analysis of tissue biopsy specimens for cysts.
Typically, the combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is employed for the treatment of reactivation and congenital prevention disease. Antibodies have the ability to prevent the transmission of diseases from a mother to her fetus through the placenta. Pregnant women should refrain from handling cat litter boxes.
Prevention also encompasses the appropriate preparation of meat through thorough cooking.

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