Toxoplasmosis

It can take anywhere between 5 – 20 days after exposure to T. gondii before a person becomes unwell.

A healthy person who becomes infected with toxoplasmosis will generally either not get sick at all or have a very mild illness. In people who do become sick, swollen lymph glands (especially around the neck), muscle aches, fever and headache are the most common symptoms and the person will get better within days to a few weeks.

People with a very weak immune system - for example those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy - who become infected with Toxoplasma may experience more severe symptoms such as pneumonia, inflammation of the heart muscle or brain and even death.

A healthy immune system will be able to prevent a second infection. However people with conditions affecting their immune systems may suffer from severe illness as a result of T. gondii parasites being released from cysts remaining in the body after the first infection.

Most newborn babies and most unborn babies will have mild or no symptoms if they are infected.

A very small number of unborn babies whose mothers are infectious with Toxoplasma (particularly if it is a first infection during the early stages of the pregnancy) develop a serious illness with symptoms including skin rashes, nervous system and brain damage, mental retardation, liver damage, eye problems and rarely, death.

Blood tests for antibodies against toxoplasmosis can assist in determining if a person is currently infected or has previously been infected with Toxoplasma. Results of the blood tests will be interpreted within the clinical context.

A person who is generally healthy will usually not need treatment for toxoplasmosis as long as their symptoms are mild. People who have severe disease or pregnant women may be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics may also be recommended for babies whose mother developed toxoplasmosis during pregnancy.

Human infection occurs when the parasite is swallowed. This can be from eating poorly cooked food, unpasteurised milk or untreated water contaminated with toxoplasma cysts.

People may also become infected by swallowing cysts picked up from unwashed hands contaminated during gardening or playing in sandpits contaminated with cat faeces; or when cleaning cat litter trays.

Toxoplasmosis is not transmitted from person to person except from an infectious mother to her unborn baby. In rare cases, toxoplasmosis has occurred as a result of organ transplant or blood transfusion from an infectious person.

Simple hygiene measures can reduce the chance of a person catching toxoplasmosis.

• Wash hands thoroughly before eating or putting hands near the mouth; and after handling raw meat, or contact with soil possibly contaminated with cat faeces.
• Wash all food preparation areas and utensils after contact with raw meat, before using them for another food.
• Avoid drinking untreated water.
• Cover sandpits used by children for play when not in use.

People with weakened immune systems and pregnant women should ALWAYS:

• Ensure any meat they eat is well cooked; or frozen at -20°C for at least 24 hours before eating.
• Carefully wash or peel raw fruit and vegetables before eating.
• Avoid changing cat litter. If this is not possible use gloves and wash hands with warm water and soap afterwards.

People with very weak immune systems may be advised to take regular antibiotic medication to prevent infection.

If a person with toxoplasmosis is well enough in themselves to attend, there is no need for exclusion from work, school or child care.

For further information, please contact your local doctor, community health centre or nearest public health unit or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.

Other resources

Handy facts about hygiene brochure

Staying Healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services (5th Edition)

References

Heymann, D. (2015). Control of Communicable Diseases Manual. (20th edition). Washington, DC: American Public Health Association, pp.614-617.