Symptoms and Diagnosis A severe headache that does not respond to pain relievers is often one of the first symptoms of toxoplasmic encephalitis. Nausea, dizziness, and vomiting also may result from brain involvement. Toxoplasma infection is difficult to diagnose, particularly since not all patients show signs or symptoms of infection. Often, a positive response to therapy is used to confirm the diagnosis. An alternative regimen that recently has been found to be effective combines oral clindamycin and pyrimethamine.
Folinic acid is administered with both therapies to help prevent some of the side effects.
After treatment is completed, patients must receive maintenance therapy for life to prevent a recurrence. Drugs used in treatment, such as pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine, are used at a reduced dosage. Some research indicates that clindamycin in combination with pyrimethamine may be effective for maintenance therapy in those unable to tolerate sulfadiazine. Prevention Many physicians recommend treatment to prevent the onset of toxoplasmosis in individuals with a positive blood test for T. gondii and a T-cell count under 100. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and wash hands after handling raw meat or vegetables.