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Did you know that more than 60 million people in the United States alone may currently be infected with the toxoplasma parasite? Found throughout the world, the single-celled toxoplasma gondii parasite is the cause of a disease called toxoplasmosis. Since the immune system wards it off, few people show symptoms of toxoplasmosis, however, in can cause serious problems for people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women.
Cats And Toxoplasmosis
Cats can become infected with toxoplasmosis in the same way as humans, which is by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. In humans, toxoplasmosis can also be contracted by eating infected vegetables that have not been cleaned. In addition, toxoplasmosis can be transmitted by receiving an infected blood transfusion or organ transplant, though this is rare.
Eating birds, mice, or other animals infects the most common means for cats to become infected with toxoplasmosis with the toxoplasma parasite. For indoor cats, eating uncooked scraps of meat is the most common means of infection.
After a cat ingests the toxoplasma parasite, it excretes toxoplasma oocysts in its feces. In fact, it excretes millions of them every day for up to two weeks. These oocysts become infections after one or two days. Feces usually don’t remain on cats for two days, so humans aren’t generally infected by contact with the cat. Instead, humans become infected by accidentally swallowing the cat’s feces. This occurs by accidentally touching the feces, then touching the mouth. Accidentally touching the feces can occur during gardening or when cleaning the cat’s litter box.
Signs Of Toxoplasmosis In Cats And Humans
Since cats rarely show signs of being infected with toxoplasma, it is difficult to determine what cat feces can transmit the parasite.
Although they may not develop signs until later in life, children can become infected with a toxoplasma infection at birth. It is estimated that approximately 3,000 children in the United States are born with a toxoplasmosis infection every year. Some of the signs of toxoplasmosis are hearing loss, mental retardation, vision loss, and even death. It is, therefore, extremely important for a woman who is attempting to become pregnant to be tested for toxoplasma gondii prior to her pregnancy.
Since many adults do not experience symptoms of toxoplasma and don’t realize they are infected, it is important to be tested. However, some adults do have symptoms that can last over a month such as aches and pains in their muscles, swollen glands or even flu-like symptoms.
Although eye damage may occur in individuals with healthy immune systems, individuals who have a weakened immune system can experience damage not only to their eyes but also to the brain and other organs.
Preventing Toxoplasmosis
To prevent a toxoplasmosis infection in a cat, it is best to keep it indoors where it cannot eat rodents and birds. In addition, cats should only be feed cooked meat or meat that has been processed and commercially canned for cats. There is currently no vaccine to prevent toxoplasmosis.
Owning A Cat: For Those With Risk Factors
People who are at a greater risk for toxoplasma such as those who are pregnant or who have a weakened immune system, can still safely keep a cat as a pet. In order to avoid becoming infected with toxoplasma, however, care must be taken to keep the cat healthy and free from toxoplasma.
The best way to prevent an infection in the cats is to keep it indoors and to feed it dry or canned cat food. A new cat who may have previously spent time outdoors or who might have been fed raw meat should not be brought indoors. Stray cats and kittens should also be avoided, as should the outdoor areas they tend to frequent. This includes sand boxes, where outdoor cats tend to defecate often.
Since failure to keep the litter box clean increase the chances of feces getting stuck to the cat’s fur thereby spreading toxoplasma, even a person with a healthy immune system and who is not pregnant should clean the litter box daily. If you are able to, wear gloves when cleaning the litter box. It’s of the utmost importance to always wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water after cleaning the litter box. |