Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis should be ruled out before a diagnosis of ME/CFS is made.

Transmission

As the parasite toxoplasma gondii is found in infected meat and in the faeces of infected cats, transmission can occur by ingestion or handling of raw or undercooked infected meat, or by accidentally ingesting something contaminated with cat faeces.

Person-to-person transmission only occurs rarely, such as receiving an infected organ transplant or through pregnancy.

Signs and symptoms

In the majority of cases, toxoplasmosis does not cause any symptoms. In 10-20% of cases however, the following symptoms may occur:

• Fever of 38°C or over
• Aching muscles
• Tiredness
• Feeling sick
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands

If the patient has a weak immune system, the infection may spread and cause further symptoms:

• Headaches
• Confusion
• Poor co-ordination
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Vision problems