Question
How serious is toxoplasmosis?
25 June 2007. Related: All topics, Complications and coinfections, Newly diagnosed, Opportunistic infections, Starting treatment.
My father’s boyfriend tested positive for HIV about a year ago
The doctors found out when he had toxoplasmosis in his brain, he had lost a lot of weight and looked very sick; now my father, who tested negative, says that his boyfriend is fine and he definitely looks a lot better now, but doesn’t toxo mean, that he’s actually no longer just positive but that he actually has AIDS?
How much time does that give him? I can’t talk to my father about it, because he acts as if nothing is wrong at all, so I hope you can give me an answer.
I’m really concerned, I don’t want him to die.
Answer
Toxoplasmosis (toxo) is usually a brain-related illness that is very rare in HIV-positive people who have a strong immune system. The risk increases if someone’s CD4 count drops below 100 cells/mm3.
This makes me think that your fathers boyfriend was only diagnosed with HIV when his immune system was already very damaged. This usually means that someone has been living with HIV for many years, but did not know about it.
You are tright that being diagnosed with toxo means that he has AIDS, but the distinction between HIV and AIDS is much less important these days.
This is because a good response to treatment, can mean that your fathers partner can expect his CD4 count to increase back over 200 cells/mm3 where he will be at low risk of other HIV-infections – as long as he gets and access to good treatment and care, and he takes his meds carefully.
He will then hopefully be able to lead a long and health life.
In the US, a CD4 count that is lower than 200 cell/mm3 counts as an HIV diagnosis.
Because all this is new to you, getting information for yourself, your father, and his partner is really important. It may take time for everyone to adjust and accept things – and finding out contact details for local support groups may be a good idea.
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