Toxoplasmosis: An Overview

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic illness caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite lacks host specificity and is widely distributed. It exclusively infects cats during the sexual stage, although it can parasitise any mammal during the asexual stage, including humans and cats. This disease is spread by drinking unfiltered water, water that contains oocysts, and water from recreational facilities. Myalgia, sore throat, myocarditis, maculopapular rash, fever, meningitis, polymyositis, muscle discomfort, malaise, pneumonia, and psychomotor abnormalities are among the symptoms of this illness. During an acute systemic infection, infected people may experience asymptomatic cervical lymphadenopathy. Different tests like Sabin-Feldman dye test, ELISA test, TORCH and PCR could be used to diagnose Toxoplasmosis. To treat toxoplasmosis, pyrimethamine is used in combination with sulfadiazine or clindamycin. There is currently no human vaccine to prevent toxoplasmosis. Hands should be properly cleaned with soap and water after handling meat, poultry, or shellfish to prevent the spread of toxoplasma to humans.