Toxoplasmosis is an infection that comes from parasites found in animal feces or undercooked meat. Many people can come into contact with toxoplasmosis and no serious side effects will occur, in fact they won't even know they were in contact with it. But, pregnant women and those with a poor immune system should be aware that serious complications may occur if they come into contact with toxoplasmosis. Also, the general population may become quite ill depending on their individual system.
Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular parasite called toxoplasma gondii.
It affects approximately one third of the population and causes minor illness in most people. It is most commonly contracted by eating undercooked contaminated meat. Some people will carry the parasite in their intestines and not have any symptoms or problems, others won t be so lucky. Encephalitis, swelling and infection of the brain, is the most common with AIDS patients. The patient will experience fever, headaches, neurological abnormalities, and seizures.