Parasites II

Question 1

Toxoplasmosis Transmission

Answer 1

Undercooked meat

Cat litter boxes

Unprotected sandboxes (used as cat litter boxes)

In utero (number 1 concern)

Question 2

Toxoplasmosis Symptoms

Answer 2

Congenital:
Before 1st Trimester: Stillbirth

After 1st Trimester:
Eye Inflammation  Blindness
Hepatosplenomegaly (liver spleen enlargement)
Hydrocephalus (water on the brain)

After Birth:
Most: none

When present: mild, flu-like

Question 3

Toxoplasmosis Treatment

Answer 3

Various antiobiotics + antiprotozoan drugs

No treatment for fetuses (damage is irreversible)

Question 4

Toxoplasmosis Prevention & Control

Answer 4

MEATS
Cook thoroughly
Don’t eat raw meat

LITTERBOXES
Clean regularly
Pregnant women shouldn’t handle
Protect sandboxes from cats

Wash hands after petting cats

Question 5

Cestodiasis Transmission

Answer 5

Normal:

1. Animals eat eggs; eggs enter blood
2. Eggs hatch as cysticerci (larvae) in animal muscle
3. Humans eat cysticerci-infected meat
4. Larvae mate in human gut; release eggs

Rare:

1. Humans eat eggs; eggs enter blood
2. Eggs hatch and form cysticerci in human muscles or nerves

Question 6

Cestodiasis Symptoms

Answer 6

Most: none

Possible:
Notice proglottids in stool
Abdominal discomfort
Nausea

Rare: cysticercosis (cystecerci in human muscle or nerves)

Question 7

Cestodiasis Treatment

Answer 7

Praziquantel

Niclosamide

Question 8

Cestodiasis Prevention & Control

Answer 8

Thorough cooking of meats

Proper disposal of human waste