B58.2: Toxoplasma meningoencephalitis

Toxoplasmosis involves pathogens that are mainly found in cat feces, unwashed vegetables and raw meat.

When someone is infected by toxoplasmosis, they usually have only minor symptoms. For example, you may feel weak, or have headaches, or your lymph nodes may swell up. The lymph nodes are small bean-shaped objects. They are found throughout the body. Lymph nodes filter the tissue fluid. They are part of the defense system. Toxoplasmosis may remain in the body. If the defense system is weak, the pathogens may cause more serious symptoms later on. The defense system may be weakened by another illness, for example, or by medicines.

Your brain and the linings of your brain have been inflamed by the toxoplasmosis. On the outside of the brain and spinal cord there are three thin meninges (linings). A tough meninx, the dura mater, is on the outside. Below that are two soft meninges. An inflammation of the brain and brain linings can cause various symptoms. For example, you can get a high temperature and feel very sick. Sometimes you have severe headaches and a stiff neck. You can often find it difficult to tolerate bright light and loud noise. You may suffer attacks of cramp and lose consciousness. Potentially, you will no longer be able to move certain parts of your body properly.