Understanding Toxoplasmosis: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention Tips

Okay, so you are here to learn what is toxoplasmosis and how to avoid it! It does sound scary, doesn’t it? Long words that end that sound like toxic frighten me when I hear them, so let’s take a deep breath before we get into it. There is no reason to throw the cat out, nor draw up a will. However, if you want to know what is toxoplasmosis and how to avoid it, please pull up a chair and read every paragraph, and by all means, click the links. Here we go!

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Medical definition of Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-MOE-sis) is caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which affects the brain, especially of the fetus and newborn. According to Medicine Net, children born with congenital toxoplasmosis can suffer from convulsions, mental retardation, and cerebral palsy. This common disease can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans.

Where is Toxoplasmosis most commonly found?

Toxoplasma gondii is commonly found in cat feces and undercooked (and raw) meat, especially venison, lamb, and pork. FDA mentions that it can also be present on unwashed fruits and vegetables and in contaminated water and dust.

Geographically, toxoplasmosis is most common in areas with warm, moist climates. According to American Pregnancy Association, more than 50% of the population in Central and Southern Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia are infected with toxoplasmosis. The places that are most conducive for its transmission include veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and meatpacking operations.

How common is Toxoplasmosis in the United States?

Toxoplasmosis is regarded as one of the most neglected parasitic infections because of its high prevalence. Cornell Feline Health Center mentions that more than 60 million people in the U.S. are thought to be infected. However, only a handful of them are aware because the immune system usually does well against this parasite.

Talking about felines, T gondii is much more common in outdoor cats. This is because these active hunters consume undercooked or raw meat. According to I Cat Care, 20-60% of cats will be infected with this parasite. Fortunately, only a few of these will ever show clinical signs.

How is Toxoplasmosis most commonly transmitted?

CDC explains that people can become infected with Toxoplasmosis in the following ways.

• Eating undercooked, contaminated meat (pork, venison, etc.) or shellfish (oysters, clams, etc.).
• Using contaminated knives, utensils, and cutting boards that came in contact with the parasite.
• Drinking water contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii.
• Touching or accidentally ingesting anything that has come into contact with infected cat feces. For example, cleaning the litter box of a cat who has toxoplasmosis.
• Accidentally ingesting contaminated soil. For example, eating unwashed fruits or vegetables from a garden.
• Mother-to-child (congenital) transmission.
• Receiving an infected organ transplant or infected blood via transfusion, though this is rare.

Most cats get toxoplasmosis from eating wild animals or infected, undercooked meat. Pet MD says that Toxoplasma gondii can also live inside infected cats’ feces and infects other animals that swallow it.