TOXOPLASMOSIS IN THE IMMUNE-SUPPRESSED

[LIVEORDIEHEREIAM]

Just one more thing to add to our never-ending list of concerns. Toxoplasmosis. Even without close contact with cats, you can contract it and you can go years with an infection from it without ever knowing it. I wouldn't bother you with this except that "Serious disease most often affects infants and people with WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEMS", as per Mayo Clinic:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

Eye disease, severe lung disease, brain disease (encephalitis) and several others can develop.

" In various places throughout the world, it has been shown that more than 60% of some populations have been infected with Toxoplasma.", as per the CDC:

cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasm....

So, wouldn't it be nice if our rheumies would test us ALL for this soon after diagnosis! There is a $5USD blood test that detects an active infection. And there is an inexpensive cure, but not for untested people!

[piglette]

My father was the world leading authority on toxoplasmosis, when he retired he handed all his info on to someone else who then went and won the Nobel Prize for it!!

[LIVEORDIEHEREIAM in reply to piglette]

Piglette, that's huge! I can imagine the sense of pride you must have for his work! Bravo!

[piglette in reply to LIVEORDIEHEREIAM]

He did not push himself forward, the other guy did!!

[winfong]

Toxoplasmosis gondii is one of the most fascinating parasites out there: theatlantic.com/magazine/ar...

[LIVEORDIEHEREIAM in reply to winfong]

Wow, winfong! That article is fascinating! I am calling tomorrow for a toxo test! Thanks!