Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 22, 2018, at 12:35:35
In reply to To Ed_Uk - my cat had a tick last weekend, posted by Jeroen on March 22, 2018, at 12:17:48
>how can I get a test for Toxoplasma?
Hi J.
Toxoplasmosis is a very common infection in Europe, especially in people who have cats. A large proportion of cats have it, and it comes out in the cat poo.
Usually, toxoplasmosis does not cause any symptoms in humans, unless they have a weak immune system or are pregnant. Sometimes, it cases symptoms like the flu.
Some people think there is a link between toxoplasma and the development of psychosis. This is an area of current research.
It is quite likely that you have been infected at some point because it's so common, but that doesn't mean it is the cause of any of your problems. It is just one possibility.
Doctors usually only test for toxoplasmosis in people with immune system suppression (eg. Advanced HIV infection). Occasionally, pregnant women are tested if they are at risk. The test uses a small blood sample to test for two different types of antibodies.
You could certainly ask your doctor about it, especially as you've had many cats, but I'm not sure what they'd say.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1097287
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20180212/msgs/1097568.html