TOXOPLASMOSIS

an opportunistic infection caused by the microscopic protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, found in undercooked meat and cat feces. Symptoms may include headache, lymphadenopathy, malaise, muscle pain and fever. A common manifestation of the disease toxoplasmic encephalitis (cerebral toxoplasmosis), characterized by brain swelling, dementia, confusion, lethargy, seizures and coma; the eyes, heart and lungs may also be affected. Toxoplasmosis is treated with pyramethamine, usually in combination with other drugs; TMP-SMX may be used as prophylaxis.