Taxoplasmosis

Taxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Taxoplasma Gondii, first described by Nicholls and Marceaux in 1908, with further discoveries by Jenka in 1923, and definitive findings by Wolfe Cowan and Paige in 1923. It is a single cell parasite, capable of living in humans and other mammals, as well as various strains of birds, but produces eggs only in the linings of the intestines of cats, the definitive hosts, and the primary source of infection in humans. The most common way for one to get Taxoplasmosis, is by ingesting Taxoplasma eggs (oocysts), following the handling of contaminated soil, or cat litter boxes,or through the consumption of contaminated water and food sources, eg. unwashed garden vegetables. Oocysts, are very strong and may remain infectious for more than a year in warm. humid environments.Transmission. can also occur via ingestion of tissue cysts present in the meat of infected cows, sheep and pigs. In some countries this is the main source of the infection. Taxoplasmosis can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby;” Congenital Taxoplasmosis”, very serious, especially when mother becomes infected during pregnancy. There is a risk of miscarriage, or babies can develop lifethreatening complications, like meningitis, and inflammatory diseases of various other organs. As well, the mother might have complications that can be fatal.Rarely is Taxoplasmosis transmitted by blood transfusion, and is not spread human to human., The infection has two stages " Acute Taxoplamosis and Latent Taxoplasmosis. Symptoms of Acute Taxoplasmosis are influenza like,* swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and pain lasting for more than a month, fever etc. AIDS and other immuno-deficient patients, have more severe symptoms that can cause brain damage (encephalitis) and eye damage ( nechrotizing Retinochoroiditis). Additional symptoms include coma, partial paralysis, tremors weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion etc.Infants may have symptoms such as poor