In most cases, toxoplasmosis is an infection that does not cause any symptoms, because when the body is healthy it is able to fight the protozoan, transmitted by domestic animals, before symptoms appear.
However, when the infection is acquired by pregnant women or patients with autoimmune diseases, symptoms such as:
- Constant headache; Fever above 38ยบ C; Excessive tiredness; Pain in the muscles; Sore throat;
In addition, in people with weakened immune systems, such as patients with HIV, undergoing chemotherapy or who have received a transplant, this infection can also cause more serious signs such as difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, confusion and seizures.
Symptoms of infection in the baby
Although toxoplasmosis rarely causes symptoms during pregnancy, it can infect the pregnant woman and pass on to the baby, especially if the infection is not detected and treatment is not started properly. See how the treatment should be done during this phase.
Thus, if toxoplasmosis infects the baby, depending on the gestational age, it can cause abortion, premature birth or congenital toxoplasmosis. This last complication can cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Frequent seizures; Yellow skin and eyes; Hair loss; Mental retardation; Eye inflammation.
Usually, these symptoms take some time to appear, with some children beginning to develop only during adolescence, for example.
What to do in case of suspicion
If there is a suspicion of being infected with toxoplasmosis, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner to have a blood test to confirm the infection and to start the appropriate treatment.
However, in the case of pregnant women, it is recommended to have the exam regularly and to take some care during pregnancy, such as the ones we have indicated.
