Yes, toxoplasmosis is curable, and treatment should be started as soon as possible to avoid sequels.
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan known as Toxoplasma gondii and is transmitted through the consumption of food contaminated with the parasite cyst.
Treatment is not always necessary because in immunocompetent patients the immune system is able to eliminate the parasite. In some conditions, treatment is indispensable:
- pregnant women;
- immunodepressed, for example patients with AIDS;
- newborns;
- (myocarditis) or ocular (chorioretinitis).
The treatment is done with two drugs, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, associated with folinic acid and should be done for 4 to 6 weeks. In pregnant women, the drug to be used is spiramycin until the 18th week of gestation and, after the 18th week, treatment with sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine and folinic acid should be done.
Some simple measures should be taken in order to prevent transmission of toxoplasmosis:
- Avoid contact with animal feces, especially cats or other felines;
Maintain adequate hygiene when dealing with food;
Avoid eating undercooked meat and / or poorly washed vegetables;
- Do prenatal care properly and collect the exams requested by your obstetrician;
- If you are pregnant and the serology shows that you have never had contact with the Toxoplasma gondii, should avoid contact with cats and adopt measures of hygiene and care in the consumption of meat and vegetables.
If you experience symptoms of toxoplasmosis, you should seek prompt care or an infectologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are pregnant and have symptoms, you should consult your obstetrician.
