DAVID / 12 Mar 2012 17:24

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Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma
gondii.[1] The parasite infects most genera of warm-blooded animals,
including humans, but the primary host is the felid (cat) family. Animals
are infected by eating infected meat, by ingestion of feces of a cat that
has itself recently been infected, or by transmission from mother to fetus.
Cats are the primary source of infection to human hosts, although contact
with raw meat, especially pork, is a more significant source of human
infections in some countries. Fecal contamination of hands is a significant
risk factor

During the first few weeks post-exposure, the infection typically causes a
mild flu-like illness or no illness. Thereafter, the parasite rarely causes
any symptoms in otherwise healthy adults. However, those with a weakened
immune system, such as AIDS patients or pregnant women, may become seriously
ill, and it can occasionally be fatal. The parasite can cause encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain) and neurologic diseases, and can affect the
heart, liver, inner ears, and eyes (chorioretinitis). Recent research has
also linked toxoplasmosis with brain cancer, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Schizophrenia.


Submitted by DAVID on 3/12/2012 5:19:24 PM