MENINGOENCEPHALITIS TOXOPLASMA

Meningoencephalitis Toxoplasma

Meningoencephalitis Toxoplasma, or called Toxoplasma, is a kind of infection by one of the most common parasites called Toxoplasma gondii parasite. This harmful organism is usually found in feces of animals, particularly in cats, as well as in contaminated and undercooked meat. Toxoplasma can endanger both the pregnant mother and her child in her womb since it can be transferred to the child.

Other than these, the parasite caused by Toxoplasma can also be transferred to anyone through the following means:

  • Contaminated food and drinks
  • Using contaminated utensils in cooking food
  • Unwashed fruits and vegetables
  • Organ or blood transfusion from someone who has the Toxoplasma parasite

In most cases, Toxoplasma won’t do any serious harm to individuals with a strong immune system. However, those who have inferior immunity or having a condition that weakens their immune system like AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy may be affected greatly by the infection.

Healthy people usually don’t show any signs of Toxoplasma infection but the following are among the general symptoms that one can experience:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fatigue
  • Body ache
  • Fever
  • Headache

People who are positive for HIV/AIDs are susceptible to infection caused by the Toxoplasma parasite and may experience more serious symptoms such as the following:

  • Seizures
  • Poor coordination
  • Blurred vision which may be caused by severe ocular toxoplasmosis or an inflamed retina
  • Lung problems akin to tuberculosis
  • Headache

A baby who acquired Toxoplasmosis infection from the mother who is also infected with the said disease during her pregnancy might show the following signs and symptoms after his or her birth. There are instances when these signs won’t develop at birth and only shows up later on:

  • Eye infection
  • Seizures
  • Enlarged spleen or liver
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)

Diagnosis

Pregnant women may undergo screening for toxoplasmosis. Physicians will do a blood test to determine the levels of antibodies. When these antibodies increase, there is a possibility that  the body is currently fighting off the parasite. There is also a specialized test that can be conducted to accurately diagnose whether you have toxoplasmosis or not. Retesting is also done after the initial test, which may have a negative result since there is a chance that during the first test, you were not infected yet, so there is no change in your antibodies.

In severe cases, when the infection turns to riskier conditions, MRI Scan and Brain biopsy may be conducted, especially if the disease evolves into encephalitis.

For babies, the following tests are also done:

  • Ultrasound scan
  • Amniocentesis

 

Treatment

The following medications are usually given to those who are afflicted with toxoplasmosis:

  • Sulfadiazine – an antibiotic that works effectively along with pyrimethamine
  • Pyrimethamine – this drug might have a side effect that may affect your body’s absorption of folic acid. This is why it is prescribed together with folic acid supplements.

For pregnants women, using Spiramycin before the 16th week of your pregnancy to treat toxoplasmosis can prevent your baby from having neurological conditions caused by the said infection. The above medications can also be used, including folinic acid for pregnant women and infants after the 16th week.

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