by momykids
momykids.com – In healthy people, toxoplasmosis parasite does not affect anything. Another case in pregnant women. If not a miscarriage, the fetus is born will be threatened with disabilities.
Often hear, right, pregnant women who miscarried or the baby defects caused by Toxoplasma infection. Actually, according to dr. Indra Anwar, Sp.OG, toxoplasmosis infection can affect anyone. Both men and women can contract the parasite called Toxoplasma gondii that is popular. The statistics also showed that nearly a third of the world’s population, both men and women infected with Toxoplasma. Initially, the disease was found in a rodensial (rodent) in Tunisia in 1908. While the new man was found in Czechoslovakia in 1923.
Expressed by Indra, for normal, healthy people, toxoplasmosis infection does not cause significant interference. The conditions are always “asleep” allows it. Doctors from RS Bunda Jakarta is then revealed, although it has the properties of opportunistic toxoplasmosis parasite. If the immune system strong didiaminya person, the virus does not cause significant interference. It was only when the immune system is weak, the virus will cause danger toxo. That is why, toxoplasmosis infection can occur at any time. Also, there is no guarantee that someone who has been acquitted toxo, three months will remain free of the virus.
In the body, these parasites will damage the core cells, including egg cells. In women, it could be her eggs are already mature and ready to be fertilized destroyed by the parasite Toxoplasma, so pregnancy is unlikely. Furthermore, if these infections occur in pregnant women, other than a miscarriage, toxoplasmosis can cause defects in the fetus. Even if the baby could be born alive, usually accompanied by various disorders and congenital defects such as hydrocephalus or Microcephaly, also impaired vision.
The impact of these infections exist that can be seen once the baby is born, there is also a long time after birth. So, could have been born during the baby looks healthy, but later in development, the symptoms appear like korioretinis eye abnormalities (impaired vision) and strabismus (squint), or hydrocephalus (accumulation of fluid in the brain cavity), and seizures.
What is clear, about 40% of pregnant women at risk of Toxoplasma infection. The earlier attack Toxoplasma, the greater its impact on the fetus. For example, if pregnant women infected with toxoplasmosis parasite in the first trimester, the possibility that the fetus will be infected reached 17 percent. About 60 percent of infected fetuses are experiencing severe toxoplasmosis and 40 percent lighter. If the parasite is attacking the second trimester, then the chances of infection by 24 percent, of which about 30 percent experiencing severe toxoplasmosis. Finally, if the toxo parasite attack in the third trimester, the possibility of a baby infected with 62 percent, but the amount is not one who suffered severe toxoplasmosis. That is, although positive mother, the fetus is not necessarily.
When the parasite to infect the fetus, means that these processes continue in congenital. From the mother’s body, the parasite transmitted through the placenta into the fetus. Then, Toxoplasma gondii penetrated into the fetal brain and nerves without any resistance because these parasites enter before antibodies can destroy the fetus.
THROUGH FOOD AND ANIMAL
Transmission of Toxoplasma infection, according to Indra divided into three different stages or ways. First, through foods such as meat, fruit, or vegetables that have been exposed to toxo parasite. Second, through blood transfusion. Third, through organ transplants.
Please note, animal cat is the definitive host of Toxoplasma virus. In the intestine kucinglah toxo parasite breed. Toxo eggs, amounting to millions of going out with cat feces. “The number could reach 10 million eggs a day. If the egg is ingested by us, it will grow and multiply, then enter the brain tissue, heart, and muscle. There, the eggs will develop into cysts. ”
In the open, toxo parasite eggs can survive for months, especially in the damp soil. The spread will be more severe if the cats free to roam into the house, including to dispose of droppings. Well, contaminated soil and cat feces containing Toxoplasma cysts, later it can only transmit the infection to foods or other animals, like rats. If the rat ruffled food and fruits in the kitchen, the food will be contaminated with this parasite.
Soil can also become a means of transmission of infection for other pets, such as goats, cows, and pigs. Children who used to play in the soil can become infected, if the land is contaminated cat feces that had been infected with toxo.
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These parasites have a unique working power. If you have entered into the animal’s body, then the cyst will be wedged between the fibers of the meat and go into the human body through the intestine. From the intestine, toxo then spread throughout the body, through the blood vessels and lymph vessels.
That way, Toxoplasma infects not only cats but also rabbits, dogs, pigs, birds, goats and other animals. The difference, Toxoplasma cysts in human flesh is not the source of transmission. That is why humans can be attacked by these parasites although not all meat eaters exposed to toxoplasmosis.
As an illustration, a study conducted by Dr. dr. Adi Priyana, Sp.PK, which appeared daily Kompas, October 1, 2003, also concluded, domestic poultry (chicken) in Indonesia, many are exposed to Toxoplasma, and chicken heart is one of the attachment of Toxoplasma gondii. “However, mothers need not worry excessively, because the toxo parasite will die if the meat is thoroughly cooked above 67 degrees Celsius,” said Indra.
TREATMENT IS SAFE
IF expectant mothers suffering from toxoplasmosis detected, then the doctor will perform the treatment by giving appropriate antibiotics, a suitable and safe for pregnant women. “Although there are side effects, usually a doctor will also consider the extent to which the benefits and harm of the drug. If its benefits more, the doctor will give the drug, “said Indra.
Sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine are used at once is the most common drug toxo. However sulfadiazine can cause serious allergic reactions if not suitable. For replacement, doctors usually give clindamycin. In some people, clindamycin may cause stomach upset, while pyrimethamine may lead to less blood. To overcome the effect of pyrimethamine in our marrow, mothers are encouraged also to use the drug leucovorin or folinic acid.
There are other drugs that are less frequently used, such as azithromycin, Fansidar, and mepron. Consult a physician if the drugs we used to drink does not work or even result in side effects that interfere.
It is important to remember, because the shape of the parasite, toxoplasmosis virus in the body can not be eliminated, but can only be controlled so as not to endanger. You do this by doing the appropriate antibiotic treatment. The duration of treatment could take many months.
In addition to drugs, toxo can also be overcome by keeping the immune system. Can pass drugs or natural ways such as eating nutritious foods, exercise and adequate rest. “Some supplements can also help the body’s defense against illness for a long time. To keep the body healthy. ”
DETECTION IN MATERNAL AND FETAL
Unfortunately, by naked eye is very difficult to detect whether a person is exposed to toxo parasite or not, because in adults is usually not accompanied by physical and psychological disorders. Moreover, if the condition of his body healthy and fit. Even if the symptoms appear at most only a few
way as fever, headache, and fatigue. As a result, the disease is often not detected, so the new suspicions arise after a miscarriage or a child born with congenital abnormalities (congenital).
Certainty the existence of these parasites can only be obtained if the mother’s blood is checked in the laboratory. Through the blood that doctors will know whether the mother had already had antibodies to toxo or not. The presence of antibodies in the mother’s body is ever attacked by an indication of toxoplasmosis in the past.
The doctor will examine the levels of IgM and IgG into the prospective mother. When first infected (primary infection), the human body will form IgM (immunoglobulin M) in reaction to the entry of foreign objects into the body (antigen). This IgM gradually disappear within 1-24 months later. But it could arise again if the relevant re-infected.
After the first infection, it becomes IgG (Immunoglobulin G), which is a repellent or immune substances. This substance is a protein with a molecular weight of which suggests that our bodies have been established immunity. IgG will theoretically remain in the body, only levels can rise and fall according to health condition.
One mother said to already have immunity to toxoplasmosis if their blood showed a positive IgG levels. If not immune, then the levels of IgM was negative. That is, women can be attacked anytime parasite Toxoplasma. For mothers who had positive IgG but new infection occurs, then the doctor will check a few weeks later, whether the antibody rise and endanger it or not.
To know the infection toxoplasmosis in the fetus, the doctor will perform checks on the placenta and cord. If the fetus has been infected and suffered disability, the prospective mother will be given the choice, would continue the pregnancy or not. After birth, as well as the mother, presence or absence of known toxo infection from a blood test.
TIPS TO INFECTION TOXO AVOIDED
Pregnant women should do some preventive measures to avoid toxoplasmosis parasite. Here are tips provided by Indra:
1. Wash hands before eating, because maybe it is not aware of your hands have touched objects or items that contain the toxoplasmosis parasite. Wash the vegetables or fruits are also thoroughly before consumption.
2. If the hobby keep pets, like cats or dogs, these pets should be checked regularly to the vet. This was done to determine whether the animals were infected with toxo parasite is active or not.
3. If cats or pets are on the active transmission period (approximately 6 weeks), Leave pets at a pet daycare.
4. Do not leave your pet alone in the hunt for prey outside the house and do not also give him raw meat diet.
5. Do not make direct contact, either by cage or pet feces. Ask someone else to clean it. If forced to clean it yourself, wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly. Because the parasite is very active, do not forget to clean the cage every day.
6. Avoid eating foods that are not cooked or partially cooked. Also, do not drink milk that has not been sterilized.
7. Never eat undercooked meat or meat that has been frozen less than 20 degrees Celsius for two days.
8. Do not worry when they want to eat meat contaminated with Toxoplasma (Toxoplasma gondii). Throughout the meat is cooked, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis was going to die
Dr. Tri Bowo Hasmoro, Sp. And.