Treating Toxoplasmosis

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that is caused by a parasite that lives in cat feces. Women are often exposed when changing the cat litter or working outside in the garden. Undercooked meat is another source of contact with the parasite.

The risk of toxoplasmosis is not extremely high, compared with other problems in pregnancy. According to the CDC, about 1 in 1,000 babies are infected each year. With education and prevention measures, this number could be cut in half.

Currently, women are not screened for toxoplasmosis. In a recent issue of The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers recommended routine screening for the parasite. The hope is that with early diagnosis, the baby can benefit from treatment.

Toxoplasmosis may be more prevalent than we think. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 60 million Americans are carriers of the T. gondii parasite, the cause of toxoplasmosis. The worrisome issue is that many have no symptoms and toxoplasmosis is sometimes not diagnosed until after the baby is born or complications occur.

One of the reasons that toxoplasmosis is not always diagnosed is the symptoms. The symptoms of toxoplasmosis are similar to the flu. Mothers may experience flu like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes and muscle aches. Women often mistake the infection for flu or other virus and don't get the right treatment. If you experience these symptoms, report them to your doctor. In some cases there are no symptoms.

The earlier treatment is given, the better the outcome for the baby. The problems associated with congenital toxoplasmosis can be prevented with early treatment. A blood test can diagnose the parasite in the mother. In some cases, amniotic fluid testing is done to diagnose toxoplasmosis in the baby.

Once toxoplasmosis is detected, antiparasitic drugs are often used to treat the infection. The research isn't clear regarding the effectiveness of these treatments. Some researchers believe that it doesn't make much difference in the outcome, while others stand behind the antiparasitic drugs used to treat it. Research is ongoing in this area.

The good news is that all babies that are exposed to toxoplasmosis in pregnancy are affected. If the mother has her first exposure to toxoplasmosis when she is pregnant, there is a 40 percent chance she will pass it to her baby. That means that in 60 percent of the cases, the baby will not get the parasite. In many of the other cases, the baby is born healthy and without complications.

Related Articles:

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Getting the Flu When Pregnant

Mono in Pregnancy

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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