Treatment:

Those without symptoms typically do not need treatment.

Medications to treat the infection include an antimalarial drug and antibiotics. AIDS patients should continue treatment for as long as their immune system is weak to prevent the disease from reactivating.

For information regarding treatment of babies and pregnant women, see congenital toxoplasmosis.

Expectations (prognosis):

Acute infection in children may cause swelling of the retina in the eye.

Toxoplasmosis in adults has a good outcome in people with a healthy immune system.

Complications:

• Permanent disability, such as blindness or learning disorders, in infants with congenital toxoplasmosis
• Return of the disease
• Spread of infection in a person with a weakened immune system (can be deadly)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of toxoplasmosis. This disorder requires urgent or emergency care if it occurs in an immunosuppressed person or in a baby, or if confusion, seizures, or other severe symptoms develop.