Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic organism carried by cats that can cause toxoplasmosis in humans, especially those with compromised immunity or pregnant women. The parasite can be transmitted through contaminated meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and handling cat feces. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, and severe cases can lead to cognitive impairment, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Treatment depends on the individual’s overall health, and pregnant women can be given antibiotics to reduce the risk to the unborn baby. Regular hand washing and proper food preparation can reduce the chances of infection.
Toxoplasma gondii is a common parasitic organism frequently carried by domestic and feral cats that can cause an infection in humans, known as toxoplasmosis. Individuals with compromised immunity, an existing chronic condition, and pregnant women are at increased risk of developing toxoplasmosis after exposure. Treatment for the infection depends on the individual’s overall health and, in some cases, may require lifelong drug therapy.
Known as T. gondii, this common single-celled parasite is known to infect various animals, including birds. The wild or domesticated feline is the preferred host of this organism, as it can only reproduce in cats. The life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii begins as soon as it enters the cat’s system, usually through the consumption of infected prey, such as a mouse. Other methods of transmitting Toxoplasma gondii include ingestion of contaminated or uncooked meat or infected dirt. Once introduced into the cat’s system, the parasite burrows into the feline’s intestinal wall where it forms oocysts, or reproductive cells.
In most cases, the oocysts remain attached to the intestinal walls where they mature into infectious cells which are eventually shed and passed during stool elimination. Once outgrown, mature cells survive for several months in soil or leaf litter. When infected feces are passed outdoors, the cells contained in the fecal matter often survive to be ingested by another animal, at which time the process begins again.
If a human is infected with Toxoplasma gondii, the organism can directly affect the individual’s brain and muscle function. When a healthy individual becomes infected with the parasite, his or her immune system neutralizes the threat and the parasite goes to sleep. The inactive organism remains present in the body for life, creating greater immunity in the event of future exposure. Although the infection triggered by Toxoplasma gondii cannot be transmitted through person-to-person contact, there are other methods.
Individuals who consume contaminated meats or unpasteurized dairy products can be exposed to the parasitic organism. Receiving blood or organ donations from an infected individual can put the recipient at risk of being infected with Toxoplasma gondii. Handling feline feces or waste without washing hands afterwards can also put an individual at risk for infection. Additional risk factors for parasite transmission include eating fruits and vegetables that have not been properly washed and using contaminated cutting tools and cutting boards that have not been washed after preparing raw meat.
Those who have contracted toxoplasmosis may experience a variety of flu-like symptoms. The presence of body aches, tiredness and fever can be indicative of the presence of infection. Additional symptoms may include headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Individuals who have compromised immunity due to chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that weaken immunity can develop more severe symptoms that can include cognitive impairment, seizures, and difficulty breathing. Pregnant women who contract toxoplasmosis can remain asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms, but can pass the infection on to their unborn baby.
Once the organism is introduced into the human body, the immune system immediately begins producing proteins, known as antibodies, in response. If an infection is suspected, blood tests may be done to measure antibodies and confirm the presence of toxoplasma gondii. Pregnant women who think they may have been exposed to the parasite can be screened for infection in the absence of signs or symptoms. Ultrasound and amniocentesis may be done to determine whether active toxoplasmosis infection has been passed on to the fetus. Individuals who develop a severe reaction to the infection, such as toxoplasmic encephalitis, may undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the condition of their brains and check for cysts or lesions.
Healthy individuals generally require no treatment for toxoplasmosis. Those who develop symptoms associated with acute toxoplasmosis may require antibiotics and antimalarial drug therapy, which can trigger side effects that can include liver toxicity and bone marrow suppression. Individuals with weakened immunity may require lifelong toxoplasmosis therapy to clear the infection and prevent recurrence.
Pregnant women can be given antibiotics to clear the infection and reduce the risks to the unborn baby. Newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis may be given antibiotic drug therapy to clear the infection and reduce the risk of reinfection. Any damage that has occurred due to the presence of infection can be permanent.
Complications associated with toxoplasmosis generally occur in those with weakened immunity and can include recurrence of the infection and encephalitis. Individuals can reduce their chances of infection by washing their hands regularly, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and cooking all meats, and properly cleaning all food preparation surfaces. Also, hands should always be washed with soap and warm water after cleaning a litter box or handling cat feces.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
