Toxoplasmosis and its effects on children prevention and effective treatment methods

Toxoplasmosis, commonly known as cat disease, is one of those conditions that can cause worry for any mother, especially when a child is at risk. Children can get infected quite easily through contact with cats or by eating contaminated food. In many cases, the symptoms are mild or go unnoticed at first, but sometimes the infection can lead to serious health issues if not treated promptly. In this Dalilak Medical article, we’ll explore the causes of toxoplasmosis in children, its symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, and the best ways to prevent it—so you can protect your child and keep track of their health with confidence.

What is Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Children often get infected through:

Contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked meat.
Transmission from the mother during pregnancy.

Causes of Toxoplasmosis in Children:

Eating raw or undercooked meat.
Exposure to the feces of infected cats.
Drinking contaminated or unsafe water.
Transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Children:

Mild fever or elevated temperature.
Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
Fatigue, weakness, and general tiredness.
In severe cases: problems in the liver, eyes, or brain.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Toxoplasmosis in Children

How is toxoplasmosis diagnosed in children?

Blood test: to detect IgM and IgG antibodies.
Sometimes imaging (such as MRI or CT scans) is used to assess the effect on the brain or eyes.
Early diagnosis is very important to prevent serious complications.

Types of Toxoplasmosis in Children:

Mild toxoplasmosis: few or no symptoms.
Acute toxoplasmosis: noticeable symptoms after exposure to the parasite.
Congenital toxoplasmosis: passed from mother to child during pregnancy, which can cause long-term brain or eye problems.

Treatment of Toxoplasmosis in Children:

Anti-parasitic medications prescribed by a doctor, such as spiramycin or pyrimethamine with sulfadiazine.
Rest and adequate fluid intake to support recovery.
Regular follow-up to monitor any potential complications.

Can Toxoplasmosis be Prevented?

Cook meat thoroughly before eating.
Wash hands properly after handling meat or cats.
Avoid drinking unsafe or contaminated water.
Pregnant women should be monitored carefully to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

Is Toxoplasmosis Dangerous for Children?

In most mild cases: the infection is simple and improves with treatment.
In newborns or children with weak immunity: it can cause serious problems in the eyes, brain, or liver—so early diagnosis is essential.

Can a Child Get Toxoplasmosis More Than Once?
Yes, but it is rare. The infection usually provides partial immunity, so a second infection is less common and generally milder.

Is Toxoplasmosis Contagious from One Child to Another?
No, the infection does not spread directly between children.
Transmission usually occurs through contaminated food, water, or infected cats.

Do All Infected Children Show Symptoms?
No, many children may have no symptoms, and the infection is often discovered accidentally during a blood test.

Is Toxoplasmosis Dangerous for Newborns?
Yes, if the infection passes from mother to baby during pregnancy, it may cause problems in the brain, eyes, or liver.

How Long Does Treatment Take in Children?
The treatment duration depends on the severity of the infection but usually lasts between 2 to 6 weeks under medical supervision.

Can Herbs Cure Toxoplasmosis?
Herbs may help support the immune system, but they do not cure the parasite. Medical treatment under a doctor’s supervision is essential.

Do Babies of Infected Mothers Need Special Care?
Yes, newborns must be carefully monitored after birth to detect any possible complications early.

Foods to Avoid for Children with Toxoplasmosis:

Undercooked or raw meat.
Unpasteurized dairy products.
Contaminated vegetables or water.

Causes of Toxoplasmosis in Children

1️⃣ Toxoplasma gondii parasite
The main cause is the Toxoplasma gondii parasite found in the environment, animals, and meat. Infection happens when the parasite enters the child’s body orally or from the mother during pregnancy.

2️⃣ Contaminated food

Raw or undercooked meat, such as minced meat or liver.
Unwashed fruits and vegetables.
Sometimes contaminated water.

3️⃣ Contact with cats

Infected cat feces may contain the parasite.
Children may become exposed by touching contaminated soil, sand, or directly handling cats.

4️⃣ Transmission from mother during pregnancy

If the mother gets infected for the first time during pregnancy, she can pass it to the baby.
This may cause congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns, sometimes leading to severe brain or eye problems.

5️⃣ Weak immune system in children

Children with weak immunity (due to illness or immunosuppressive medications) are at higher risk of severe infection.
They may develop stronger symptoms and more complications.

Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Children

1️⃣ Mild or no symptoms

Most children may not show any signs, especially if they have a healthy immune system.
Sometimes the infection is discovered by chance during a routine blood test.

2️⃣ Flu-like symptoms

Mild fever.
Fatigue and weakness.
Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
Headache or muscle pain.

3️⃣ Severe symptoms or complications
Often seen in newborns or immunocompromised children:

Eye problems: retinitis, vision loss, or even blindness.
Brain problems: microcephaly, delayed mental development, seizures.
General symptoms: jaundice (yellow skin), enlarged liver or spleen.

4️⃣ Congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns
May appear at birth or within the first few months:

Low birth weight.
Severe jaundice.
Enlarged spleen and liver.

Types of Toxoplasmosis in Children

1️⃣ Congenital Toxoplasmosis

The infection occurs before birth, transmitted from the infected mother to the baby.
Cause: The parasite Toxoplasma gondii passes from the mother’s blood to the fetus through the placenta.

Possible complications in children:

Brain problems: microcephaly (small head size), developmental delay, seizures.
Eye problems: retinitis, poor vision, sometimes blindness.
Liver and spleen enlargement, and jaundice (yellow skin).

Symptoms may appear shortly after birth or during the first year of life. In some cases, symptoms remain hidden for years before becoming noticeable.

2️⃣ Acquired Toxoplasmosis

The infection occurs after birth, due to exposure to the parasite through:
- Eating raw or undercooked meat.
- Contact with feces of infected cats.
- Contaminated vegetables or water.

Symptoms in children:

Most healthy children show no symptoms.
Sometimes: fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain.
Rarely: severe complications like brain or eye problems, especially in children with weak immunity.

3️⃣ Toxoplasmosis in Immunocompromised Children

Affects children with immune disorders or those taking immunosuppressive medications.
The infection is more severe and may cause:
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis).
- Severe eye problems.
- Systemic complications affecting multiple organs.

Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis in Children

1️⃣ Medical history and clinical examination

Asking about symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle weakness, vision problems, or neurological signs.
Checking whether the mother had toxoplasmosis during pregnancy (important for congenital cases).
Physical exam of the eyes, liver, and spleen.

2️⃣ Laboratory tests

a. Blood tests:

IgM antibodies: indicate recent or active infection.
IgG antibodies: indicate past infection or immunity.

Results interpretation:

IgM positive + IgG negative → recent infection.
IgG positive → past infection or immunity.

b. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction):

Detects Toxoplasma gondii DNA in blood or amniotic fluid.
Highly accurate for early or congenital diagnosis.

3️⃣ Imaging tests (if needed):

Brain CT or MRI scans for children with neurological symptoms.
Eye examination for retinal inflammation or vision issues.

4️⃣ Amniotic fluid test (for pregnant women):

If infection during pregnancy is suspected, amniocentesis may be performed to check for the parasite before birth.

⚠️ Important Notes:

Early diagnosis in children is crucial to prevent brain or eye complications.
Most children with mild acquired infection may have little or no symptoms.
Immunocompromised children or those with congenital toxoplasmosis require strict monitoring and early treatment.

Stages of Toxoplasmosis in Children

1️⃣ Silent stage (asymptomatic infection)

The child carries the parasite but shows no visible symptoms.
The infection may be:
- Congenital (from the mother during pregnancy).
- Acquired (after birth through contaminated food or water).

Stages of Toxoplasmosis in Children

1️⃣ Silent Stage (Asymptomatic Infection)

Often discovered through routine blood tests or accidentally during screening for other reasons.

2️⃣ Acute Stage (Active Infection)

Symptoms appear days or weeks after exposure to the parasite.

Main symptoms:

Fever and high temperature.
Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck.
Fatigue and general weakness.
Sometimes mild skin rash or sore throat.
In some cases: liver and spleen enlargement.

3️⃣ Chronic Stage (Latent Infection)

After the acute stage, the parasite remains in the body in the form of dormant cysts in the muscles, brain, or eyes.
The child may appear completely healthy with no symptoms.
The danger arises if the child’s immunity becomes weak, as the infection can reactivate suddenly.

4️⃣ Congenital Stage (Congenital Toxoplasmosis)

Occurs when the mother is infected during pregnancy, and the parasite is transmitted to the fetus.

Symptoms at birth may include:

Microcephaly (small head) or hydrocephalus (enlarged head).
Eye problems such as retinitis.
Jaundice or enlarged liver and spleen.
Some children may only show symptoms months or even years later.

Treatment of Toxoplasmosis in Children with Herbs and Nutritional Support

⚠️ Important Note:
Herbal treatment alone is neither safe nor sufficient for children with toxoplasmosis, especially infants or immunocompromised children. Herbs can only serve as a supportive aid for the immune system alongside prescribed medication and under medical supervision.

1️⃣ Herbs that support the immune system:

Garlic: Has antibacterial and antiviral properties; can be added in very small amounts to food.
Ginger: Improves circulation and boosts immunity.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a strong antioxidant; can be used in cooking.
Green tea: Rich in antioxidants, helps the body resist infections.

2️⃣ Nutritious supportive foods:

Leafy greens: Spinach, celery, broccoli – strengthen the blood and immune system.
Vitamin C-rich fruits: Oranges, kiwis, strawberries – enhance immunity.
Beetroot and blackstrap molasses: Improve blood health and support recovery during infection.

⚠️ Key Warnings:

Herbs are not a substitute for medical treatment.
Always consult a doctor before giving herbs or supplements to children, as they may interact with medications.
In congenital or severe cases, medication is essential to prevent complications affecting the brain, eyes, and liver.