Despite its scary name, toxoplasmosisis a relatively mild disease. Unless we are talking about a pregnant woman. The combination of toxoplasmosis and pregnancy is extremely dangerous, because there is a huge risk of infection of the fetus. And this can lead to irreversible consequences...
What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis (lat.Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite (Toxoplasma). Toxoplasma live in the intestines of cats and other animals, as well as in the soil where these animals defecate. Therefore, we can get an infection by changing the cat litter box, gardening, putting something in our mouth with dirty hands, or eating undercooked meat and poorly washed vegetables. Most often, toxoplasmosis is mild and does not manifest itself in any way. Sometimes its symptoms are similar to a common acute respiratory viral infection. And, in general, this infection is not treated in any way. Therefore, almost half of our population has already suffered from toxoplasmosis, without even knowing it. After the initial infection, a person develops lifelong immunity due to the fact that specific antibodies are produced in the blood. There are cases when toxoplasmosis becomes chronic. Moreover, chronic toxoplasmosis can be either acquired or congenital, if the disease has overtaken the child in the womb. Both cases are characterized by:
- Low-grade fever
- Increased fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- From the internal organs - enlargement of the liver, spleen, lymph nodes
- Also, with chronic toxoplasmosis, it is possible to damage other organs and systems
Toxoplasmosis often remains in the expectant motherunnoticed, but infection of the fetus may occur. And although the risk of transmission of infection is rare in early pregnancy, the consequences can be very serious (brain damage, severe eye damage, miscarriage). And in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, the risk of infection of the fetus is higher, but the consequences are much less serious for the unborn child, because its immune system is more effective.
Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis
Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is necessary in the event thatwhen a woman is "in position" and, of course, when planning a pregnancy. For this, serological screening is carried out to detect antibodies to toxoplasma (immunoglobulins M and G) in the blood. Moreover, being seropositive in this case is much better than getting negative test results. After all, this means that the expectant mother and her child are protected from the infection and its negative consequences. If the results of the serological test are negative, the pregnant woman may be recommended to undergo screening every month until the very birth. The presence and amount of immunoglobulins in the blood will tell the doctor how long ago the toxoplasmosis infection occurred (if any). For example, a situation when the subject does not have IgG, and only IgM is detected, indicates an acute course of the disease. If the opposite is true, it means that the disease was suffered quite a long time ago and does not pose any danger to the woman. And if both types of immunoglobulins are present, it will be necessary to take tests again to study these titers in dynamics. After all, the more IgG in the blood, the less time has passed since the infection. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) with the study of the DNA molecule of the pregnant woman is also highly accurate. But this type of analysis only confirms or denies the presence of the infectious agent and does not give an idea of how long ago the infection occurred.
Have you been diagnosed with toxoplasmosis?
If you have been diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, andpregnancy is still only in the plans, consider yourself lucky. Of course, you will have to wait a little with motherhood, but your future child will be safe. But the problem, if the infection occurred during pregnancy, will have to be solved with a doctor, and urgently. Unfortunately, if toxoplasmosis is detected during pregnancy in the early stages, the obstetrician-gynecologist will categorically insist that the woman have an abortion. You have every right to refuse an artificial termination of pregnancy and receive appropriate treatment. But, alas, the chances of bearing and giving birth to a healthy child are very, very small. Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy in the late stages have more favorable prognoses among doctors. Firstly, the baby begins to form its own immune system, and it can at least somehow resist the infection. Secondly, starting from the second trimester, the pregnant woman can already be prescribed full treatment, which significantly reduces the risk of possible complications. Chronic toxoplasmosis and pregnancy do not cause any particular concern among doctors. In this case, pathogens (infectious agents) do not circulate in the mother’s blood, and, accordingly, there is no risk of them penetrating through the placenta.
How is toxoplasmosis treated?
First of all, doctors carry out treatment like thisso-called etiotropic drugs (antibiotics): rovamycin (spiramycin), tindurin, sulfonamides. As a rule, it is necessary to take two courses of medication, 5 days each with a week's break between them. Before re-prescribing drugs for toxoplasmosis, the doctor may prescribe a pregnant woman prophylactic intake of folic acid. After birth, the child of an infected mother is also required to undergo treatment. During the entire first year of life, the baby will be prescribed pyrimethamine, spiramycin, sulfadiazine and folic acid.
What is dangerous for intrauterine infection with toxoplasmosis?
Before making a difficult decision aboutpossible abortion, a woman should remember that she can undergo additional examinations of the fetus for toxoplasmosis. Such studies include: ultrasound diagnostics, amniocentesis and umbilical cord puncture. Immediately after birth, a baby whose mother was infected during pregnancy should also be thoroughly examined. Particular attention should be paid to consultations with a neurologist and ophthalmologist. As studies show, in about ¼ of all cases of intrauterine infection of a child, the retina of the eye occurs. As a result, the child will not be able to have full vision. At the same time, it is not at all necessary that the disease will manifest itself immediately after the birth of the baby. Eye damage and its relapses can occur at any time during the life of a new person. In addition, during the first year, the infant will have to undergo regular serological screening.
How to protect yourself from toxoplasmosis?
If you took a test during pregnancytoxoplasma, and it is negative, then it is time to think about how to protect yourself from this infection in the next 9 months. In fact, it is not that difficult. It is enough to follow simple hygiene rules. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, eat meat and fish that have undergone high-quality heat treatment. Wash fruits and vegetables with laundry soap and even a brush (or sponge), even if you plan to peel them (this also applies to citrus fruits, bananas, melons and watermelons).
Get rid of the cat?
Many ladies (as well as their mothers, grandmothers andcaring husbands) try to get rid of pets soon after the news of the "interesting" situation. There are three reasons for this: the risk of allergies in the child, fear of rivalry between the cat/cat and the child, and the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. In fact, parting with your beloved fluffy pet is not at all necessary. Especially if it has lived with you for more than 5 years - studies show that almost all owners of these pets are immune to toxoplasmosis. But it is still necessary to follow safety rules: wash the cat's paws after going outside and to the toilet, wash your hands after interacting with the pet, do not allow the animal to jump on the baby's bed. It is believed that you can also become infected with toxoplasmosis through open wounds. For example, if you are scratched by a sick cat. But most doctors say that this risk is minimal - toxoplasmosis can only be caught from cat feces. Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy are not a reason to panic, because strong emotions are contraindicated for expectant mothers. But you shouldn’t treat this disease lightly either. Try to find a “golden mean” and listen to your doctor. We recommend reading:
