Toxoplasmosis

Overview

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a very small parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Most healthy people who get it never feel sick, but it can cause serious problems for pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Toxoplasmosis is common worldwide, but most people who have it don't know because they never feel ill.

Anyone can get toxoplasmosis, but it poses the greatest risk to pregnant people, unborn babies, and people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV or receiving certain medical treatments.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms at all
• Mild flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, body aches, and a slight fever
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits

Symptoms in children

• Most children over one year old have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms.
• Babies infected before birth may have a rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, an unusually small or large head, or seizures.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults often have no symptoms, but they may feel more tired or unwell if their immune system is weaker.
• If older adults have a weakened immune system, toxoplasmosis can cause confusion, fever, cough, or vision problems.

Causes

Main causes

• Eating raw or undercooked meat, especially pork, lamb, or venison, that contains the parasite
• Contact with cat feces, such as changing a litter box or gardening in soil where cats have been
• Eating unwashed fruits or vegetables contaminated with the parasite
• Drinking contaminated water (rare)
• Transmission from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy

Risk factors

• Being pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Having a weak immune system, for example from HIV, organ transplantation, or certain medicines
• Eating raw or undercooked meat
• Handling cat litter or spending time with outdoor cats
• Working with soil or farming without wearing gloves

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you are pregnant and have flu-like symptoms or think you may have been exposed
• If you have a weakened immune system and develop a fever, confusion, or trouble breathing
• If you have sudden vision changes or severe headaches

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you feel unwell with swollen glands, tiredness, and muscle aches that last more than a few days
• If you have concerns about possible exposure during pregnancy or before becoming pregnant

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, diet, and any contact with cats or soil. They can also do a blood test to look for signs that your body is fighting the parasite.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test for toxoplasmosis antibodies
• A repeat blood test two to three weeks later to see if the infection is recent
• If pregnant, a sample of amniotic fluid may be tested
• An eye exam if you have vision problems
• Imaging tests like a CT or MRI scan if there are signs of brain involvement

What to expect at your appointment

Toxoplasmosis can be a complex diagnosis. Your doctor might need to do more than one test. While waiting for results, try not to worry — many people have antibodies from a past infection that is already over.

Treatment

Healthy people with no symptoms usually do not need any treatment. People with symptoms or at higher risk — including pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems — may need medicines to stop the parasite from causing damage. Treatment choices depend on your overall health, pregnancy status, and how severe the infection is.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink enough fluids
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers for fever or aches — ask your pharmacist or doctor which is safe for you
• Wash your hands well after handling raw meat, soil, or cats

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe antiparasitic medicines, sometimes in combination with a vitamin supplement to help reduce side effects. These medicines do not cure the dormant form of the parasite but they can treat the active infection and reduce risks. Your care team will explain the exact plan and how long you need to take it.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a treatment for toxoplasmosis itself. In rare cases, surgery might be needed for complications such as serious eye damage, but this is very uncommon.

Living with this condition

Most people recover fully and have no lasting problems. If you are in a high-risk group, you may need regular check-ups while your immune system is being monitored. Follow your doctor's advice and take all medicines exactly as prescribed.

Lifestyle tips

• Cook all meat thoroughly until there is no pink inside
• Wash your hands after handling raw meat or touching cats
• If you are pregnant or have a weak immune system, avoid changing the litter box — or use gloves and wash hands well
• Wear gloves when gardening and wash produce before eating

Diet and exercise

There is no special toxoplasmosis diet, but eating a balanced, healthy diet helps your immune system stay strong. Gentle exercise is fine if you feel well, but rest when you need to. Always ask your doctor before starting new physical activity if you have a more serious infection.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A toxoplasmosis diagnosis — especially during pregnancy — can bring anxiety and worry. It is normal to have questions and concerns. Talk to your doctor about what the results mean for you and your baby, and ask for extra support if you feel overwhelmed.

Prevention

Yes, toxoplasmosis is very preventable. You can reduce your risk by cooking meat fully, washing fruits and vegetables, washing your hands, wearing gloves when gardening, and being careful around cat litter.

Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine to prevent toxoplasmosis in people.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for toxoplasmosis is not standard for all pregnant people. If you are pregnant and concerned, ask your doctor about whether testing might be helpful for your situation.

Complications

If left untreated

• In pregnancy, the infection can be passed to the baby and cause vision loss, hearing problems, or developmental delays
• In people with weakened immune systems, it can cause brain infection, which is life-threatening if not treated
• Some people develop eye disease called ocular toxoplasmosis, which can lead to blurred vision or scarring
• Rarely, it can cause lung problems or heart muscle inflammation

Long-term outlook

For most healthy people, toxoplasmosis goes away by itself and causes no long-term problems. If you are pregnant or have a weak immune system, getting the right care early makes a big difference. With treatment and careful follow-up, the outlook is often very good.

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