Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii)
Toxoplasma gondii is a single protozoal parasite that causes a disease called toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is found all around the world and, in the United States alone, an estimated 60 million people may be infected. People that do contract the parasite rarely ever show symptoms because their healthy immune systems keep the parasite from causing any illness.
For those who are immunocompromised, such as pregnant women, geriatric people, HIV positive people and people receiving chemotherapy are at more risk for infection, which can cause serious health problems.
Toxoplasmosis is a serious risk in pregnant women. It can cause miscarriage, still born birth or may cause the baby to be born with the disease. Women who are pregnant can get Toxoplasma gondii from a multitude of sources such as ingesting raw or undercooked meats, gardening (soil can be contaminated by cat feces), eating foods that have been contaminated by utensils, indirectly ingesting cat feces while cleaning the litter box, and also mother to fetus (congenital) transmission. Your cat is not the only source of infection. If you think you may have toxoplasmosis or are at risk for getting this disease you should see your doctor and ask about a possible test to check for the disease.
Pregnant women and their babies can be treated for the parasite with medicine but the parasite will not be completely eliminated from the body. The parasite will remain in the cell tissues, just in a less active stage. Your doctor will be able to discuss treatment options with you and the long term outcomes.
To prevent this disease, be sure to properly cook meats to the FDA recommended minimum internal temperature (listed at foodsaftey.gov), and let the meat rest at least 3 minutes before
consuming. Always wash your hands after handling raw meats and after cleaning your cat’s litter box. In fact, pregnant women can use this as an excuse to take a break from cleaning the litter
box until the baby is born. The feces has to be exposed to air for 24 hours before the toxoplasma protozoa sporulates, so cleaning the litter box daily will minimize the risk of infection. It
is also advised to not adopt or handle stray cats, especially kittens. If you already own a cat this DOES NOT mean you have to get rid of your cat, you just need to be cautious and be aware
of all the risks so you can avoid a possible infection.
If you have any questions or concerns, we will be more than happy to discuss them with you.