8 symptoms of toxoplasmosis (and how to confirm the diagnosis)

In most cases of toxoplasmosis, no signs or symptoms of infection are identified, as the body is capable of fighting the parasite. However, in some cases, it is possible that some symptoms may be identified, such as a constant headache, fever, excessive tiredness or difficulty breathing, for example.

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis are more common in people with a compromised immune system due to illness, other infections, medication use or a recent transplant, for example.

However, it is also possible to observe more serious symptoms of the disease in people who have not received the correct treatment, as the parasite is capable of spreading throughout the body, entering tissues and remaining in the body without causing signs or symptoms until conditions arise that favor its reactivation and, consequently, the appearance of more serious signs and symptoms of the infection.

Toxoplasmosis symptoms

The main symptoms of toxoplasmosis are:

1. Constant headache;
2. Fever;
3. Excessive tiredness;
4. Muscle pain;
5. Sore throat;
6. Difficulty breathing;
7. Mental confusion;
8. Seizures.

The intensity and severity of symptoms can vary according to the person’s immune system, and mental confusion and episodes of seizures are more common in people with weaker immunity.

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in the baby

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis in babies occur when the parasite crosses the placenta and reaches the baby, which can lead to some symptoms depending on gestational age, such as:

• Frequent seizures;
• Microcephaly;
• Hydrocephalus, which is the accumulation of fluid in the brain;
• Yellow skin and eyes;
• Hair loss;
• Mental retardation;
• Inflammation of the eyes;
• Blindness.

When the infection occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, although the risk of infection is lower, the complications are more serious and the baby is born with the changes, in addition to there being a greater risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

However, when the infection is acquired in the third trimester of pregnancy, there is a greater probability of infection of the baby, however in most cases the baby remains asymptomatic and the symptoms of toxoplasmosis develop during childhood and adolescence. See more about toxoplasmosis in pregnancy.

How to confirm the diagnosis

To confirm the infection, the doctor must evaluate the symptoms presented by the person taking into account lifestyle habits, health history and laboratory test results. Initially, a blood count and measurement of C-reactive protein levels may be indicated to check for changes indicative of infection.

However, to confirm the diagnosis of the infection, it is necessary to carry out tests that identify antibodies produced against the virus. T. gondiithis is because as the parasite can be present in different tissues, its identification in blood, for example, may not be so easy.

Therefore, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is made through the measurement of IgG and IgM, which are antibodies produced by the body and which increase rapidly when there is infection with this parasite. It is important that IgG and IgM levels are related to the signs and symptoms presented by the person so that the doctor can conclude the diagnosis. In addition to IgG and IgM levels, molecular tests, such as PCR, can also be performed to identify infection by the T. gondii. See more about IgG for toxoplasmosis.