Question 1

if toxoplasmosis test while pregnant didn't clearly indicate if infection was active or latent , should child(now 9) be tested? signs of mood disorder.

Accepted Answer

No: The damage is done in the womb & it would be obvious at birth.  And it would not be running as a treatable infection for nine years. Please be careful as well about the early diagnosis of a lifetime-stigmatizing diagnosis of "mood disorder" in a nine year old -- both parenting and growing up are painful and confusing for all of us; talk with a physician with common sense who knows kids. Good luck.

Question 2

is toxoplasmosis airborne?

Accepted Answer

Sort of: The airborne transmission you are thinking of is if a pregnant woman changes the litter for an infected cat; the close proximity to the infected litter dust could lead to transmission.  By far, the most likely transmission is from consumption of undercooked meat.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

how is toxoplasmosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Medication: This condition can be treated with a few different medications. Key is confirming the diagnosis before embarking onto medications. This article may help answer your questions.

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasmosis/

Question 6

can toxoplasmosis be hard to get?

Accepted Answer

No: Just bad luck really, you can acquire it from undercooked pork, or from cat feces (more common with outdoor cats).

Question 7

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 8

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 9

can my cat give my child toxoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Especially if this is an outdoor cat. If the child plays with the litterbox and puts hand to mouth before washing them well, that child can get toxoplasmosis. However, the illness is not bad when it is acquired after birth.

Question 10

where can i find toxoplasmosis testing?

Accepted Answer

Anywhere: It can be ordered by any doctorn and sent to any commercial laboratory.

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Doctor answers about:

Toxoplasmosis signs

A member asked:

If toxoplasmosis test while pregnant didn't clearly indicate if infection was active or latent , should child(now 9) be tested? signs of mood disorder.

A member asked:

Is toxoplasmosis airborne?

A member asked:

How common is toxoplasmosis?

A member asked:

How can i get toxoplasmosis?

A member asked:

How is toxoplasmosis treated?

A member asked:

Can toxoplasmosis be hard to get?

A member asked:

Is toxoplasmosis testing complicated?

A member asked:

In what way can you get toxoplasmosis?

A member asked:

Can my cat give my child toxoplasmosis?

A member asked:

Where can i find toxoplasmosis testing?

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