The prevalence of oocyst shedding in cats is very low (0-1%), even though at least 15-40% of cats have been infected with Toxoplasma at some point. This means very few cats at any one time are actually able to pass their infection on to people.
In addition, cats kept indoors (that do not hunt prey or are not fed raw meat) are not likely to be infected with Toxoplasma. But, if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or have a weakened immune system, it is important to protect yourself from infection.
Owning a cat does not mean you will be infected with the parasite. It is unlikely that you would be exposed to the parasite by touching an infected cat because cats usually do not carry the parasite on their fur.
Overview: Toxoplasma gondii infection is common in cats, but the clinical disease is rare. Up to 50% of cats, especially free-roaming ones, have antibodies indicating infection and the presence of cystic stages.
Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the United States it is estimated that 11% of the population 6 years and older have been infected with Toxoplasma. In various places throughout the world, it has been shown that more than 60% of some populations have been infected with Toxoplasma.
One in 150 Australians have retinal scars caused by the Toxoplasma parasite, according to new Flinders University analysis.
The chances of getting toxoplasmosis for the first time during pregnancy are thought to be very small. Even if you do become infected for the first time during pregnancy, this doesn't necessarily mean your baby is in danger. In many cases the infection doesn't spread to the baby.
"Toxoplasma gondii is a very rare cause of disease in cats." Such disease may be acute (rapid in onset) or more chronic with periods of illness interspersed with periods of some recovery. It is important to remember that Toxoplasma gondii is a very rare cause of disease in cats.
The most common symptoms of toxoplasmosis include fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Other symptoms may occur depending upon whether the infection is acute or chronic, and the location of the parasite in the body.
Interestingly, most people acquire toxoplasma by eating undercooked meat or contaminated produce. A pregnant woman can also become infected by inadvertently ingesting contaminated cat feces or inhaling litter dust while cleaning the litter box.
Toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-MOE-sis) is an infection with a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. People often get the infection from eating undercooked meat. You can also get it from contact with cat feces. The parasite can pass to a baby during pregnancy.
Eating undercooked, contaminated meat (especially pork, lamb, and venison) or shellfish (for example, oysters, clams or mussels). Accidental ingestion of undercooked, contaminated meat or shellfish after handling them and not washing hands thoroughly (Toxoplasma cannot be absorbed through intact skin).
Cats who have been infected with toxoplasmosis will frequently have no symptoms. A smaller number of cats might develop diarrhea, or respiratory problems, or even problems with their eyes. The majority of cats, though, will be permanently infected with the parasite and show no outward signs of illness.
Incubation period is 5–23 days. Symptoms may include influenzalike symptoms or a mononucleosis syndrome with prolonged fever, lymphadenopathy, elevated liver enzymes, lymphocytosis, and weakness. Rarely, chorioretinitis or disseminated disease can occur in immunocompetent people.
Peak shedding occurred, on average, 6.9 days after inoculation. All cats shed similar amounts of oocysts after primary inoculation regardless of T gondii strain and genotype, while only 1 of 10 cats shed oocysts after the 12-month re-infection and 5 of 7 cats shed oocysts after the 36-month re-infection.
It's unlikely that your cat will give you toxoplasmosis. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "people are more likely to get [toxoplasmosis] from eating raw meat or from gardening."
Cats usually get toxoplasmosis from eating wild animals or undercooked meat infected with the parasite. Toxoplasma gondii also lives inside infected cats' feces, where it can infect other cats or animals that swallow it.
Healthy people (nonpregnant)
Most healthy people recover from toxoplasmosis without treatment.
The risk of passing the infection to your baby depends on how far along in your pregnancy you were when you were infected. The later in your pregnancy that you get infected (third trimester), the more likely it is that your baby will also get infected.
It is diagnosed using a blood test, which can be done at any stage before or during pregnancy and will not harm your baby. This blood test looks for antibodies – the body's natural defences – to the infection. It may take up to 3 weeks for these antibodies to be present following an infection.
While some cat feces do have the potential to cause serious or even fatal complications in a developing fetus, the fact remains that women do not need to avoid cats altogether during their pregnancy. Staying clear of the litter box will dramatically lower the risk of toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasma and Cats:
Cats that eat raw meat or rodents can be infected, and the parasite lives in the cat's feces for only two weeks. If infected cat feces is buried in soil, Toxoplasma gondii eggs can live up to 18 months.
Change cat litter boxes daily. Toxoplasma takes more than one day to become infectious. If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, ask someone else to change the litter box. If this is not possible, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterwards.