I am just in the process of being diagnosed with this http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2385187/pdf/ulstermedj00124-0071.pdf

I have not been feeling right for a few months and have enlarged lymph nodes in my neck. One of which is very noticeable as it has swollen to about two inches or so and my neck is painful.

At first they were looking at cancer as an ultra sound and MRI scan have shown that most of the lymph nodes are swollen but the biopsy taken doesnt show any cancer thank goodness at this stage but did indicate possible toxoplasmosis .

They have sent off bloods to a specialist unit to get this confirmed but if that doesn't confirm I will possibily have to have the largest some removed to go to be looked at.

So my question is should I get the cats and dogs tested to see if they need are infectious but reading some information they at only likely to be infected for a short window where they produce the oocysts. But not sure if it remains dormant and reproduces them if not treated.

My consultant is very surprised I potentially am infected as I am not in the category of people that would show clinical signs if the disease.

I could have got it from the animals or meat or even from the garden so difficult to really identify the cause but not sure if it is worthwhile getting them tested as none of them are eyeing signs if being unwell , just me !!

 

The most usual carriers of this are cats and sheep, which is why pregnant women are told to avoid cat litter trays, lambing and pregnant ewes and white cheeses..

Lucy - are you the person who deals with the cats' litter trays?     Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection, usually contracted through handling cat litter - although it can also be contracted through eating raw goats cheese or raw/rare meats.

Lucy - are you the person who deals with the cats' litter trays?     Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection, usually contracted through handling cat litter - although it can also be contracted through eating raw goats cheese or raw/rare meats.

We don't have cat little trays as they all go outside .

I eat rare beef a lot so that could be a contender !

Hmmm....could be!   Rare venison maybe???   Or game (think that rabbit/hare can be a problem too!)

Just read your other post Lucy - I wonder if there is any connection between the raw feeding and this?    Not that it makes any difference - but like you, I always want to know what causes what.

Could be but I freeze a lot and if fed fresh raw I alway wash my hands thoroughly .

It is not from preparing any of our meals either as ou know Mike does all the cooking :-D

Only rare beef and don't eat game apart from rabbit but haven't  had any for ages

I have had a positive result so I am being referred to a specialist in infectious diseases so wil see what they say.

Do you wear gardening gloves? As you don't have litter trays I was wondering whether you could have been infected by the soil?

Yes gloves worn.

It could have been anywhere really as you would be able to say exactly where I got it from  but liking rare meat having cats and loving gardening I suppose I was at high risk.

It is tha fact I am showing certain symptoms that is unusual but I will see what the specialist says