Question from M. Demeester: I cycle 15,000 to 20,000 kilometres a year as a motivated hobby cyclist. In May/June last year, I was very tired and my legs and arms also felt tired. After a blood test, I was diagnosed with the infectious disease toxoplasmosis. A year has now passed and unfortunately the blood count has not changed. The doctor says that I should wait for the body's own reaction (production of the body's own defence substances), but that I can continue to train (especially basic training), which I am doing. My questions: Is there no treatment for toxoplasmosis? Should I stop training for a while and take a long break? Would it be useful to have further examinations (which ones and with which doctor)?
Answer from Dr Robert Eifler: Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by parasites. After ingestion via the gastrointestinal tract, the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii invades mainly muscle cells, less frequently heart muscle or brain cells. The main carriers of the disease are cats and older cat faeces. Antibodies can be detected in the blood just one week after infestation. If the levels remain constantly high, immunity is lifelong. The detection of antibodies therefore does not automatically mean that treatment is necessary. Around a third of the population is infected - without symptoms. If these symptoms occur, such as mild fever, fatigue and swelling of the lymph nodes, you should rest and not exercise. Treatment with sufonamides and antimalarials should only be given if the symptoms are severe. Since in your case the infection occurred a year ago and you currently have no symptoms, you can train at all intensities without hesitation.
