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Toxoplasmosis and The Immune System: Why People With Weakened Immunity Are at Risk

A strong immune system is one of the most crucial factors influencing an individual’s overall health. It is the body’s defence against bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens that exist all around us. A well-functioning immune system identifies and eliminates harmful invaders before they can cause serious illness, thus helping you stay healthy and resilient every day. Among such threats is a disease called toxoplasmosis. While healthy individuals often show no symptoms of infection, in people with weakened immunity, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV/AIDS, or pregnant women, toxoplasmosis can lead to severe complications.

In this article, we have identified the high-risk groups for toxoplasmosis infections and have provided essential information that will help you understand how the disease spreads, recognise its symptoms, and take preventive measures.

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. When this parasite enters an individual’s body, the immune system is alerted, and it consequently launches an attack to destroy it. This process results in the creation of cysts where the parasite can live in a dormant state. In healthy individuals with a strong immune system, this confers lifelong immunity against the disease.

Impact of Toxoplasmosis on Immunocompromised Individuals

Once cysts form as part of the immune response, the Toxoplasma gondii parasite can exist in an individual’s body for many years. While this offers lasting protection in healthy individuals, the situation is far more serious for immunocompromised people suffering from illnesses that have taken a toll on their immune systems. Serious complications may develop from toxoplasmosis in cancer patients and HIV-infected people if this parasite enters their body or is reactivated after the initial infection.

Immunocompromised people at risk of toxoplasmosis are:

● People undergoing cancer treatment, whose immune systems may be compromised.

● People who have been diagnosed with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) because this virus primarily targets the immune system and destroys it.

● People who have undergone organ transplantation or are currently on immunosuppressant medications to reduce the chance of organ rejection.

It is vital to understand the various aspects of toxoplasmosis and HIV, and cancer patients need to be made aware of the severity of the complications that may arise from exposure to this disease. As toxoplasmosis is very often found in the brains of people with weak immunity, these people are at a high risk of getting brain diseases like encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain’s active tissues. This is why it is vital to learn about the transmission modes for the Toxoplasma gondii parasite and how to recognise the signs and symptoms of toxoplasmosis infections in immunocompromised individuals so that treatments can be immediately started.

How Does Toxoplasmosis Spread?

Cats are the primary hosts of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. It goes through its entire reproduction cycle in wild and domestic cats, especially the ones that hunt and feed on raw meat. Cats can shed immature eggs—an intermediate stage in the parasite’s life cycle—in their faeces (poop). Once released into the soil, these eggs enable the parasite to spread through the food chain, moving from contaminated soil or water to plants, animals and eventually humans. When a new host is infected, the parasite continues its reproductive process.

You may get toxoplasmosis by:

● Cleaning out a cat’s litter box without adequate protection.

● Gardening in soil that may have cat poop without wearing gloves.

● Handling or eating unwashed and raw fruits and vegetables.

● Drinking unboiled or unfiltered water.

● Drinking unpasteurised milk, as the animal could have toxoplasmosis.

● Eating improperly refrigerated or undercooked meat.

● Using utensils or kitchen tools that have come into contact with raw meat.

● Getting an organ or blood transfusion from an infected person (a rare case).

Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Immunocompromised Individuals

Toxoplasmosis is potentially fatal for people with weakened immune systems who fail to recognise its symptoms and undergo appropriate treatments. However, the survival rates increase if treatment is taken on time. Here are some of the symptoms of toxoplasmosis that are visible in people with weak immunity:

1. Toxoplasma chorioretinitis, also known as ocular toxoplasmosis, is an infection in the eye’s retina and choroid. This manifests as changes in vision, pain in the eyes and the presence of specks called floaters, which seem to drift across your vision. If not treated promptly, this could lead to loss of vision.

2. Toxoplasmic encephalitis is a dangerous inflammation of brain tissue. This may cause headaches, confusion, general weakness, loss of motor skills, seizures, etc., and may lead to coma.

3. Lung infections, with respiratory issues, fever, cough, etc.

4. Facial paralysis.

5. Skin rashes.

6. Swollen lymph nodes.

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Tests to Diagnose Toxoplasmosis

If individuals with weakened immune systems or their caregivers observe any of the symptoms mentioned above and there is a cat in the home, then it may be advisable to undergo testing. Here are a few of the tests that can be recommended by healthcare providers to diagnose toxoplasmosis:

1. Blood Tests: Blood tests will be used to look for T. gondii antibodies and DNA.

2. Lumbar Puncture: A lumbar puncture, whereby a needle is used to draw cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from your lower back, may be performed if the infection is suspected to have spread to the brain or spinal cord.

3. Brain Imaging: A CT scan or MRI may be used to detect the presence of any irregular structures that may have been created by the infection.

4. Biopsy: In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed, and a small piece of tissue, usually from the brain, may be used to detect the presence of the parasite.

Treatments for Toxoplasmosis

For healthy individuals with a strong immune system, treatments are usually not necessary. However, for people with weak or compromised immune systems, a combination of antiparasitic medicines and antibiotics, such as pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, will be prescribed. In addition to this, folinic acid may also be prescribed to lessen any side effects that may arise with the use of anti-parasitic medications. These treatments help halt the parasite’s growth and reproduction in the body.

Prevention of Toxoplasmosis

If you or your loved ones have a weak immune system, then here are a few precautionary measures that can be taken to minimise the risk of infection with toxoplasmosis:

● Keep your pet cat indoors and do not feed it any raw or undercooked meat.

● Do not adopt stray cats, and if you do, have them checked by a vet.

● Clean the cat’s litter box daily and use protective gloves and masks.

● Wear gloves while gardening and wash and sanitise your hands afterwards.

● Eat raw fruits and vegetables that have been washed properly.

● Follow appropriate refrigeration methods while storing meat.

● Eat properly cooked meat.

● Drink pasteurised milk and filtered drinking water.

● Wash kitchen tools and utensils properly before using them.

Conclusion

People with weak immune systems need to be extra vigilant when it comes to their health. It is best to follow appropriate safety precautions at all times, be proactive, and get tested if any signs or symptoms of toxoplasmosis begin to appear. With careful attention and timely action, it is possible to overcome the effects of toxoplasmosis infection and live a long, happy and fruitful life.

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FAQ

1. What is toxoplasmosis, and how does it affect the immune system?

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by exposure to the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. It may lay dormant in cysts and then get reactivated later in people with weak immune systems.

2. What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised individuals?

In immunocompromised individuals, it may cause serious health issues like encephalitis, toxoplasma chorioretinitis, lung infections, etc.

3. How can toxoplasmosis affect someone with HIV or AIDS?

Toxoplasmosis can cause severe complications, especially for people with HIV or AIDS. In such cases, toxoplasmosis may affect their lungs and brain, and it may become fatal if not diagnosed and treated early.

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