Pregnant women should be careful of various infectious diseases such as colds and flu, but ‘toxoplasmosis’ is considered one of the infectious diseases to be careful of.
In this article, we will explain the symptoms and prevention of toxoplasmosis, as well as the risks if pregnant women become infected.
What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a protozoan called Toxoplasma. This protozoan is a tiny, single-celled organism that can parasitize almost all mammals and birds.
Livestock
Pigs, cows, sheep, chickens, horses, etc.
Wild animals.
Deer, rats, whales, etc. Moreover, we can see many infections. The final host is a feline animal, and it reproduces by living inside the body of the final host. Toxoplasmosis is transmitted to humans by eating raw meat from infected animals or touching cat feces. Recently, there have been increasing reports of infections caused by Toxoplasma living in soil or water, and it is common for women to contract Toxoplasma for the first time during pregnancy. If infected, it can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, causing congenital toxoplasmosis.
Symptoms of toxoplasmosis.
Even if a healthy adult is infected with Toxoplasma, in most cases, no symptoms appear. Even if symptoms do appear, they appear. There is a fever. Feeling tired. Lymph nodes are swollen. Most symptoms subside to a mild cold. If infected again, antibodies Since infection occurs, re-infection is rare. However, if infected to an immunodeficient person, such as a fetus, infant, or AIDS patient, it can cause serious symptoms such as encephalitis or pneumonia. Encephalitis can cause headaches, speech problems, convulsions, confusion, coma, and other symptoms. It can cause the same symptoms and, in the worst case, can lead to death.
It can also affect the heart, liver and eyes.
What are the risks of being infected with Toxoplasma during pregnancy?
If a pregnant woman is infected with Toxoplasma for the first time, the fetus may be infected through the placenta, resulting in congenital toxoplasmosis. The possibility of fetus infection is low in the early stages of pregnancy and increases in later stages, but the risk of severe infection increases during pregnancy. The earlier it is, the higher it becomes.
Therefore, pregnant women should be especially careful about Toxoplasma infection.
Congenital toxoplasmosis symptoms.
Typical symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis include hydrocephalus. Visual impairment. Calcification within the skull. Psychomotor dysfunction. It can cause miscarriage and stillbirth in early pregnancy. Additionally, toxoplasmosis has various effects on fetal organs. It can cause symptoms such as lymph node swelling, jaundice, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, liver dysfunction, and thrombocytopenia. If infected in the second half of pregnancy, no major symptoms may appear, but lesions are found in the eyes several years after birth. In some cases, the risk of eye effects due to congenital toxoplasmosis is known to continue until around puberty.
If you become infected with Toxoplasma during pregnancy.
By testing for antibodies, you can find out whether you were infected with Toxoplasma during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is found to be infected, a more detailed test is performed to determine the time of infection. If infection is possible after pregnancy, taking a drug called acetylspiramycin can reduce the risk of infection to the fetus. The drug reduces the risk of infection to the fetus. You can’t make it zero, but you can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing serious symptoms.
If pregnancy is confirmed, perform an antibody test as soon as possible, and if toxoplasma infection is suspected, take medication as directed.
How to prevent toxic plasma?
The following is a consideration of the opportunities for becoming infected with Toxoplasma, but action is needed for each.
Consume raw meat.
Toxoplasma can be hidden in pork or chicken. Therefore, you can become infected if you eat raw meat such as chicken or raw meat, or processed meat such as raw ham or salami. When eating meat, cook it well and pregnant women should refrain from eating raw ham or salami.
Additionally, thoroughly wash cooking utensils that have touched raw meat, and be careful not to transfer them to raw food ingredients such as salads.
Infection from pets.
Toxoplasma often lives in cats, and you can become infected by touching their feces. Take measures such as wearing disposable gloves when disposing of poop.
Gardening.
Toxoplasma excreted by cat feces may be hidden in the ground. Even in homes without cats, caution is needed as cats can enter the garden. Be sure to wear gloves when gardening.
Can toxoplasma be disinfected?
Toxoplasma, which is transmitted through cat feces, is a growth stage called ‘ocyst’ among Toxoplasma.
Disinfectants such as general alcohol or Hyter are said to be ineffective against these oocysts. It is known that it takes about 24 hours for oocysts excreted with cat feces to have the ability to infect humans, so dispose of the feces as quickly as possible, at least 24 hours later. Let’s do it within.
In addition, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases stated that it is advisable to disinfect containers used in the bathroom with hot water once a day. Pregnant women and other people who may be seriously affected by Toxoplasma infection should avoid touching cat feces as much as possible and avoid contacting other family members. Let’s implement this.
Lastly: There is a risk that Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy may lead to congenital disease in the baby or miscarriage!
If you are infected with Toxoplasma during pregnancy, your baby may develop congenital toxoplasmosis through the placenta, which can cause vision problems or miscarriage. During pregnancy, try to prevent it by avoiding activities that may cause infection, such as eating raw meat or cleaning up cat feces.