Toxoplasma is an infectious disease caused by a parasite. It is one of the most common parasitic diseases. 1/3 of the world's population is infected with this parasite. Infection is especially high in hot and humid regions, and 20-60% of the society in our country is infected with this parasite.
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How does toxoplasma infection occur? How is the disease transmitted?
Cats play an important role in transmission. Cats are intermediate hosts in toxoplasma infection. The parasite matures in the small intestine of cats and is excreted in their feces. Cats release the cyst form of the parasite into the environment with their feces after 3-30 days. Cysts become active after a period of 24 to 48 hours. Individuals who come into contact with cat feces become infected and the parasite spreads through soil and water contaminated with cat feces. It is transmitted through fruits and vegetables grown in these lands and animals grazing on these lands. Toxoplasma remains alive throughout life in animals that swallow the parasites.
The main mode of transmission of toxoplasma is through food.
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Raw and undercooked meat
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Seafood consumed raw (oysters, mussels)
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Vegetables consumed raw and fruits produced close to the ground are important.
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In addition, failure to comply with hygiene rules after contact with soil may also be a cause of contamination.
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Water contaminated with toxoplasma may cause epidemics.
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Another way of transmission is that the mother who contracted toxoplasmosis during pregnancy transmits the infection to her baby. This form of transmission is defined as congenital toxoplasma.
Transmission of toxoplasma infection from person to person is rare.
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Bone marrow transplant
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Organ transplant
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Blood from infected individuals The parasite can be transmitted through transfusion.
The incubation period varies between 4-21 days.
Although congenital toxoplasma findings are serious, acquired toxoplasma findings are not specific.
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Main clinical findings
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Fever
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Weakness
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Muscle pain
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Throat pain
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Enlarged neck lymph nodes Lump is evident.
Ocular involvement may occur in Toxoplasma infections. It occurs most commonly as a result of congenital infection and less frequently in acquired toxoplasma infection. Retinal involvement, visual impairment and loss may develop. The lack of obvious initial symptoms often causes errors in diagnosis, and in cases where diagnosis is delayed, eye loss may result.
The disease generally has a benign course. In patients with weakened immune systems, the infection may be reactivated and have a severe course.
Blood tests are required for the diagnosis of Toxoplasma.
Toxoplasma treatment is planned according to the clinical condition of the patient.
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There is no need for treatment in mild cases. The patient is monitored.
Antibiotic treatment is recommended in patients with weak immune systems and in severe cases. Primethamine-sulfadiazine combination is effective.
There is no toxoplasma vaccine developed for cats. Cats infected with Toxoplasma rarely show symptoms. After the cat is infected, it excretes the parasite with its feces for 1-3 weeks.
Toxoplasma is a common infectious disease.
Cats are intermediate hosts in the spread of the parasite.
With eye involvement. and has a severe course in patients with compromised immune systems.
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