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