Toxoplasmosis is spreading.
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. This disease is most common in locations with a hot and humid climate as well as inadequate sanitary and food conditions.
Because the parasite is more hazardous to fetuses when infected during pregnancy, the majority of epidemiological data collected worldwide focuses on women of reproductive age.
In Italy, which is considered a medium-incidence country, about 5 out of 1000 pregnant women develop the virus.
What are the signs and symptoms?
There are two stages of Toxoplasma gondii infection.
The first, known as primary toxoplasmosis, is mostly asymptomatic, which is why most afflicted persons are unaware they are infected.
In some situations, the parasite can be discovered directly infectious in the blood and lymph nodes, causing normal flu-like symptoms:
lymph nodes swollen
tiredness
fever ,headache
a painful throat, joint ache, and an enlarged liver and spleen
Toxoplasmosis testing
It is therefore critical to detect the existence of toxoplasmosis before pregnancy using a simple test known as the Toxo-test.
The test is performed by drawing a blood sample, which allows researchers to look for IgG and IgM antibodies to the parasite, determine the disease's final stage, and classify the woman as protected, susceptible, or at-risk.
In addition, other serological testing are performed in specialized facilities.
Treatment and prevention of toxoplasmosis
There is no requirement for particular medication treatment for non-immunocompromised adults or pregnant women.
Within a few weeks, the infection resolves on its own.
If, on the other hand, the mother contracts toxoplasmosis while pregnant, particular antibiotic treatment can prevent the infection from spreading to the unborn.
Spiramycin, an antibiotic that is well tolerated by both mother and foetus, is the most widely utilized therapy.
When amniocentesis reveals fetal infection in the middle of the second semester, spiramycin must be replaced with a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, along with folic acid supplementation.
Individuals with HIV or AIDS receive the same treatment; however, therapy must never be discontinued in this circumstance.
There is currently no toxoplasmosis vaccination that offers complete protection.
However, there are a number of behaviors and easy guidelines to follow that can dramatically lower the risk of developing this condition.
