PROTOZOAL INFECTIONS

Protozoan Life Stages:

Trophozoites:

Cysts:

Feeds and multiplies

Protective membrane/thickened wall

protozoa fall under the generic caterory of >

protozoan disease

Protozoan disease is a major cause of disease where?

How?

Developing world

Invade GI tract, circulating blood, develop within cells

Human protozoan disease of importance

Toxoplasma - Toxoplasmosis

Most common parasitic infection in humans in USA

Toxoplasmosis - 50% have antibodies incidative of chronic asymtomatic infection

What is protective in toxoplasmosis

Healthy immune system

Who are vulnerable to toxoplasmosis

Pregnant women, AIDS

Most definitve host of toxoplasmosis

Cat

Transmission of toxoplasmosis: (4)

Eating undercooked meat (pork, lamb and venison)

Improper handling of cat litter

Transplental spread

Infected transplant organ

What % of infections in immunocompetent host are asymp?

90

Symptomatic infections involve what (4)

Mono like illness with low grade fecer

Malaise

Headache

Cervical lymphadenopathy

What are the four symptoms of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised individuals

Encephalitis

Myocarditis

Hepatitis

Pneumonia

Diagnosis for toxoplasmosis:

Gold standard?

Serological testing

Infection with toxoplasmosis can be prevented by what two things

Cooking meat thoroughly and proper handling of cat litter