Question 1

can toxoplasmosis live on the carpet?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: It lives in dirt/dust/soil.  If your carpet is full of that, then yes.

Question 2

how common is toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Fairly: According to the CDC, about 60 million people in the US have this parasite in their body. Risk of getting sick increases in pregnancy or if immunity is low. People are exposed by eating undercooked vegetables or meat or from cat litter.

Question 3

how can i get toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Undercooked meat: Most people (and even some doctors) think it is cats.  But cats are not a major reason for toxoplasmosis in this country.  Undercooked meat is the most common way people acquire toxoplasmosis.  Eat your meat well-done!

Question 4

is toxoplasmosis testing complicated?

Accepted Answer

Toxo testing: No. A blood test is performed. Serologic (igg and igm) blood testing is the most common initial diagnostic test for acute toxoplasmosis.

Question 5

in what way can you get toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Cat feces: Litter boxes are the most obvious. Unfortunately, cats get around, so their feces are almost everywhere in soil. Cows can inadvertently eat cat feces when in pasture. You can get toxo from eating undercooked meat, drinking unpasteurized milk, or handling soil without gloves or washing hands. And, of course, from cleaning up after your cat.

Question 6

what are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis in baby?

Accepted Answer

Often asymptomatic: 70-90% of infants infected in utero are asymptomatic in newborn period but develop visual impairment, learning disability, and mental retardation become apparent several months to years later.  Symptomatic infants present with rash, enlarged liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and microcephaly or hydrocephalus.

Question 7

what is my chance for getting toxoplasmosis from kittens?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Kittens may become infected from eating raw meat, catching rodents, etc.  It is less likely than getting it from a mature animal, but possible.

Question 8

is toxoplasmosis curable?

Accepted Answer

Toxoplasmosis: There are medications, often a combination, that is given when someone has contracted the infection, and has symptoms.  Some have such mild infections that treatment is not needed.

Question 9

can toxoplasmosis be fatal?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: For most healthy people, toxoplasmosis is not fatal - in fact, 80-90% of healthy people don't ever get symptoms of the disease.  However, if you are pregnant or are immunocompromised (aids), you are at risk from complications including death.  That being said, death from toxoplasmosis here in the U.S. Is still uncommon (about 750 people die each year that we know of).

Question 10

is toxoplasmosis (even latent) curable?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you are a generally healthy person in most cases there is no treatment necessary for toxoplasmosis unless your symptoms are severe or very persistent. When treatment is chosen pyrimethamine combined with either sulfadiazine or clindamycin is prescribed. Folinic acid is also prescribed to help prevent side effects from pyrimethamine. Best of luck with your health!

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Can toxoplasmosis live on the carpet

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Can toxoplasmosis live on the carpet?

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Is toxoplasmosis (even latent) curable?

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