Latent Toxoplasmosis Essay

In latent toxoplasmosis, bradyzoites are present in the tissue as cysts. Individuals with latent toxoplasmosis are asymptomatic. Despite the lack of symptoms, it is important to keep in mind that a chronic, lifelong infection has been established. If an individual with latent infection becomes immunocompromised later in life, he or she may be at risk for disease reactivation and increased morbidity and mortality without appropriate treatment.18, 28

Acute, or primary, toxoplasmosis is caused by the invasion of tachyzoites into neural and muscle tissue. Acute toxoplasmosis is often asymptomatic in healthy individuals, although some patients may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, malaise, and myalgia. Signs and symptoms of acutely
The risk of transmission is lowest in the first trimester (10 - 15%) increases as the pregnancy progresses (risk in third trimester approximately 60 - 90%); however, first trimester infection is associated with increased fetal neurological dysfunction leading to physical and mental disabilities. Congenital toxoplasmosis is also associated with increased miscarriages and stillbirths. Clinical manifestations include cerebral calcifications, chorioretinitis and other forms of ocular inflammation, deafness, hydrocephalus, psychomotor retardation, seizures, and microcephaly due to the pathogen’s interference with normal brain development. Additionally, the infant may be born with signs of systemic infection, such as fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and rash. Congenitally infected infants may also show no signs or symptoms of toxoplasmosis at birth but may develop them later in life. Conversely, infants displaying signs and symptoms of acute infection at birth may become latent and asymptomatic. It should be noted that mothers with latent infection cannot transmit the infection to the fetus, as bradyzoites are not transmitted