Toxoplasmosis in Adults: Symptoms, Transmission, Lung Involvement, Treatment, and Prevention

By SWA

Toxoplasma gondii: This is the scientific name of the parasite that causes the disease.

Toxoplasmosis is a common infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It often goes unnoticed in healthy adults, but it can lead to complications in individuals with weakened immune systems or in pregnant women, where it poses a risk to the unborn child. Though symptoms are rare in most adults, the infection can, in uncommon cases, affect organs such as the lungs, causing respiratory illness.

Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis in Adults

Around 80% of healthy adults infected with Toxoplasma gondii do not show any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are usually mild and flu-like, and may include:

  • Fever

  • Fatigue or general weakness

  • Muscle and joint pain

  • Headache and sore throat

  • Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck

  • Skin rash

  • Occasional gastrointestinal symptoms

In rare cases, especially in people with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can affect the lungs. When this happens, the condition is referred to as pulmonary toxoplasmosis.

Pulmonary Toxoplasmosis (Lung Involvement)

Though uncommon in healthy individuals, Toxoplasma gondii can settle in the lungs, especially in immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.

Symptoms of Lung Involvement

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fever

  • Chest pain

  • Fatigue

  • In severe cases: interstitial pneumonia, a condition where the lung tissue becomes inflamed and scarred

The presence of the parasite in lung tissue may trigger inflammatory responses, including the formation of fibrous structures (fibrils), which can reduce lung function and are difficult to detect without targeted diagnostics.

Causes and Transmission

Toxoplasma gondii can enter the human body in several ways:

  • Eating raw or undercooked meat, especially pork, lamb, goat, wild game, or poultry

  • Contact with cat feces, for example during gardening or cleaning a litter box

  • Consuming unwashed fruits or vegetables contaminated with infected soil or cat feces

  • Rarely, via organ transplants or blood transfusions

Since the parasite often remains latent and does not cause obvious symptoms, many people may be infected without knowing it.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Toxoplasmosis

Pulmonary toxoplasmosis can be difficult to identify, as it often mimics other respiratory conditions like pneumonia or tuberculosis. Diagnostic tools may include:

  • Chest X-rays or CT scans

  • Blood tests for Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG and IgM)

  • PCR testing of respiratory fluid samples

  • Lung biopsy, in unclear or severe cases

Treatment Options

In healthy adults, no treatment is usually necessary, as the body controls the infection and develops lifelong immunity. However, treatment is essential in certain cases:

  • Eye infections

  • Severe or persistent symptoms

  • Weakened immune systems

  • Pregnant women

  • Infants with congenital toxoplasmosis

  • Lung involvement

Standard treatment includes:

  • Pyrimethamine + Sulfadiazine, combined with Leucovorin to protect bone marrow

  • If allergic to sulfa drugs: Pyrimethamine + Clindamycin or Atovaquone

Early diagnosis and treatment are especially important for preventing complications in the lungs and other organs.

Prevention Measures

Preventing toxoplasmosis is straightforward with proper hygiene and food safety practices:

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat or soil

  • Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables

  • Avoid undercooked or raw meat

  • Wash fruits and vegetables well, especially those grown close to the ground

  • Avoid contact with cat feces, especially for pregnant women

  • Wear gloves while gardening

Conclusion

While toxoplasmosis is usually mild or asymptomatic in healthy adults, it can lead to serious health issues in certain groups. Pulmonary toxoplasmosis, although rare, is a serious complication that requires prompt medical attention. Awareness, proper hygiene, and early diagnosis are key to managing and preventing this infection — especially for people at increased risk.

Reference:

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Toxoplasma gondii
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/laboratory-biosafety-biosecurity/pathogen-safety-data-sheets-risk-assessment/toxoplasma-gondii-pathogen-safety-data-sheet.html

© 2000-2025 Sieglinde W. Alexander. All writings by Sieglinde W. Alexander have a fife year copy right. Library of Congress Card Number: LCN 00-192742

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