Most people infected with Toxoplasma gondii have no symptoms because the immune system manages to keep the infection under control. However, in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those on immunosuppressive treatments, the parasite can cause serious health problems.
Cerebral toxoplasmosis, symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral toxoplasmosis can include severe headaches, confusion, blurred vision, seizures, and behavioral changes. Treatment usually involves the administration of antiparasitic drugs and management of associated symptoms.
Prevention of cerebral toxoplasmosis involves avoiding eating raw or undercooked meat, washing fruits and vegetables before eating, and avoiding contact with cat feces, where the parasite may be present. It is also important to avoid drinking non-potable water and to properly sanitize surfaces that may be contaminated with the parasite.
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Cerebral toxoplasmosis – PHOTO: Freepik@paihub
Cerebral toxoplasmosis associated with Parkinson’s disease
There is some research suggesting that Toxoplasma gondii infection may be associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. However, the exact nature of this relationship and the mechanisms involved still remain unclear and the subject of active research.
Some studies have shown that people infected with Toxoplasma gondii have a higher prevalence of parasite-specific antibodies in their blood, and this has been associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease in the future. It has also been suggested that chronic inflammation induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection could contribute to the damage to dopaminergic neurons, which are affected in Parkinson’s disease.
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Dr. Adrian Marinescu, infectious disease doctor, explained, exclusively for DC MEDICAL, what is, in fact, the connection between cerebral toxoplasmosis and Parkinson’s disease.
“There is cerebral toxoplasmosis which means significant damage and there are studies that say it has a link with Parkinson’s. It is not proven, but it is said that there could be an involvement in the future development of Parkinson’s, or in someone who has Parkinson’s disease and it could worsen what he already has,” explained Dr. Adrian Marinescu, infectious disease doctor, exclusively for DC MEDICAL.
The exact link between toxoplasmosis and Parkinson’s disease is not yet fully understood, and many questions remain unanswered. Further research is needed to confirm and better understand this possible association and the mechanisms involved.
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