Toxoplasmosis

Question 1

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the (parasite/virus/bacteria), named ________.

Answer 1

Parasite

Toxoplasma gondii

Question 2

Who is at most risk for contracting toxoplasmosis and having severe problems?

Answer 2

immunocompromised people and pregnant mothers, who may be asymptomatic, transfer to fetus (can cause issues such as macrocephaly, miscarriages, stillbirths, etc)

Question 3

What are the vectors for toxoplasmosis?

Answer 3

Food/waterborne, animal to human, mother to child, rare cases - transplants
From undercooked meats, contaminated soil (unwashed vegetables), infected water, feces of infected cats

Question 4

Prophylactic treatment is appropriate for what at-risk population?

Answer 4

Immunocompromised

Question 5

What do we need to be careful about when using IgM to test for toxoplasmosis?

Answer 5

A false positive test

If you directly visualize T. gondii, you have confirmation, though.

Question 6

What population needs to be treated for toxoplasmosis?

Answer 6

Pregnant women and infants, in addition to HIV+ patients

Question 7

T/F: Treatment is usually needed for toxoplasmosis.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What specific item/place should be of special concern regarding contracting toxoplasmosis? (THINK: meow)

Answer 8

cat litter boxes