What is Toxoplasmosis (Toxo)?Toxoplasmosis (Toxo) is a parasite or germ that can affect the brain. It is found in raw, undercooked meat or fish, and unpasteurized
milk products. It can also be found in cat feces, and in soil. Some people have been exposed to Toxoplasmosis and carry it in their blood. However, it is not dangerous unless a person has progressive HIV or
another disease or condition which weakens the immune system.
What do I look for?
Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis infection can vary from person to person but can include: headache, fever, difficulty
thinking clearly, dizziness, numbness, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty talking, seizures, and coma.
Can Toxoplasmosis be prevented?
You can reduce your risk of developing
Toxoplasmosis by avoiding raw, undercooked meat or fish, and unpasteurized milk products. You ahould also wear gloves while changing cat litter boxes and gardening.
How is Toxoplasmosis treated?
When a person is diagnosed with an active Toxoplasmosis infection it can be treated with a combination of the following medications: Pyrimethamine (Daraprim), Sulfadiazine, Folinic Acid (Leucovorin),
Clindamycin (Dalacin), and Azithromycin. You will receive some combination of these drugs for life because otherwise the active infection will return.
References
Whitehead, M., and Patterson, B. (1993). Managing your Health: A Guide for People Living with HIV/AIDS. Toronto: CATIE and Toronto People With AIDS Foundation.
Bartlett, J., Sinkbeiner, A. (1991)
. The Guide to Living with HIV Infection. Baltimore: The John Hopkins University Press.
