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Toxoplasmosis

What is Toxoplasmosis? 

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a protozoan organism called Toxoplasma gondii. It can infect most animals but cats, pigs, goats, sheep and humans are the most commonly affected species, in fact approximately one third of the US population has already had Toxoplasmosis. It usually causes mild symptoms in humans such as fever, aches, swollen lymph nodes and muscle stiffness. These symptoms are often so mild that they are never noticed. The infection takes about 1-12 weeks to resolve. After one infection immunity makes it very unlikely to get a second unless an individual has a compromised immune system.

How do cats catch toxoplasmosis?

 Cats usually catch toxoplasmosis from eating raw meat (such as mice). Cats can get a mild illness from toxoplasmosis which is similar to mild human disease and is usually not noticed. Occasionally a more severe disease can occur in cats. Your veterinarian may test for Toxoplasmosis if your cat has suspicious signs. Medical treatment is available. The CDC does not recommend routine testing of a healthy cat’s blood or feces for Toxoplasmosis.

How could I catch Toxoplasmosis?

 Most human cases of toxoplasmosis are due to eating or handling of raw meat. Accidental ingestion of cat feces during gardening or litter box cleaning can cause human infection if the cat has been recently infected and is shedding the organism. Once shed in the feces the organism takes 1-2 days to become infective.

What is the risk to pregnant women?

 If a woman who is pregnant becomes infected with Toxoplasmosis the organism can infect the fetus. The mother usually only suffers mild symptoms or none at all but the fetus can suffer severe neurological damage and even death depending on the stage of pregnancy. Doctors will sometimes test the mother for exposure to Toxoplasmosis. If the test is positive then the mother has already had the disease and has little chance of re-infection. If the test is negative then there is no immunity to the organism and the mother must take precautions against infection. It is recommended that all pregnant women take precautions regardless of Toxoplasmosis test results (see below).

What is the risk to people with compromised immune systems?

 Individuals with compromised immune systems are at risk for severe disease and brain damage if exposed to Toxoplasmosis, even if they have already had it. It is recommended that immunocompromised people take the same precautions as pregnant women.

How can toxoplasmosis be prevented? 

Strict adherence to these guidelines is the best defense against Toxoplasmosis. It is especially important for pregnant women and immunocompromised people to follow these.

• Wear gloves to clean the litter box and wash hands afterwards with soap and warm water or have someone with a normal immune system who is not pregnant do the cleaning.
• Wear gloves for gardening and wash hands with soap and warm water afterwards.
• Cook all meats to an internal temperature of 160° F and the center is no longer pink.
• Thoroughly wash all utensils, cutting boards, and hands with soap and hot or warm water after contact with raw meat.
• Wash and cook vegetables, especially those that grow in dirt (carrots, potatoes, onions, etc.), because cats often get into farms and defecate in the soil.
• Do not consume milk or dairy products that are not pasteurized.
• Do not let your cat outside or feed it raw meat.
• Do not bring a new cat into the house.

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