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Toxoplasmosis

Introduction & Risk factors

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Toxoplasmosis is a common disease found in birds and other warm-blooded animals including most pets, livestock, and human beings. The infection is caused by a parasite called toxoplasma gondii. It was first discovered in 1908. The parasite is found throughout the world but it is more prevalent in the USA. Nearly one-third of all adults in the U.S. and in Europe have antibodies to Toxoplasma, which means that they have been exposed to this parasite. Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person's immune system usually checks the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have a less active immune systems should be cautious as it can cause serious health problems.

There are two populations who are at high risk for infection with Toxoplasma:

Infants born to mothers who became infected with Toxoplasma for the first time during or just before pregnancy.

Persons with severely weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS, those taking certain types of chemotherapy, and those who have recently received an organ transplant.


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Posted by:  Rachel123  Posted on: 07/31/2011
I am healthy 37yr women, I first got toxoplasmosis in my left eye in 2005 then again in 2006 and is currently being treated for it again since June 2011.on all three occasions was treated with antibioctic and eye drops. I was first told that could return up to three times in my life, now it has return for the third time I have been told that it can return as many times as it likes, this concerns me as it has already affected my vision and I am worried i may lose my sight if it returns again . I have learnt more about it on google than I have from my eye specialist and doctor.not sure if I should get a blood test done or other test but no one has recommended that I do. now it's in the paper that it may be connected to brain cancer,dont know if it can spread from eye to brain..hope not.Had a lot of cats as a child thats seems to be when I may of come incontact with it. Rachel


Posted by:  Robinjr17  Posted on: 11/08/2011
Hi Rachel....I am a 43 year old woman with toxoplasmosis in my eye. It has happened twice also and I have no other real symptoms except extreme stress and aniety from a crazy divorce. I hate reading the things online because they sound so hopeless..... Did you get your whole eyesight back?




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