TOXOPLASMOSIS – CONCLUSION
Pyrimethamine appears to be the most successful drug in the treatment of toxoplasmosis when it is given in conjunction with one of the sulpha drugs although sometimes sulphonamide is used alone.
Some of the broad spectrum antibiotics are also effective. Pyrimethamine may cause vitamin  and folic acid deficiencies and so these essential food factors may need to be given at the same time.
Cortisone and its derivatives have been used to reduce the inflammation, when the eye is involved.
Because of wide publicity given to this infection, many women are anxious to know if their unborn baby will be at risk. A blood or skin test should reveal whether a woman has come into contact with the parasite.
Those women who have negative tests would be wise to avoid contact with cats during their early pregnancy. They place themselves particularly at risk if handling trays that may contain cat faeces or gardening in soil contaminated by the faeces. It appears that the parasite may be able to live in suitable soil for about a year.
Some experts believe that most cases of human infection come not from the cat but from eating infected meat which has not been properly cooked. Those who like their meat rare run a considerable risk from a variety of infections. Freezing is unlikely to kill the parasite, whereas adequate cooking does.
There is as yet no vaccine available for immunisation against this disease.
*180/71/1*
