Diseases
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasma is a single-celled parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis when infected.
Transmission and symptoms
Toxoplasmosis is a common infectious disease primarily affecting cats. The causative agent is the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, for which cats are the main host. Clinical manifestations in cats are rare, with diarrhea being a sporadic symptom. Cats only shed large amounts of the parasite's eggs (oocysts) during the initial infection, after which they typically develop lifelong immunity.
Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted to humans in various ways:
- Through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, especially from pigs, sheep, goats, or wild animals, containing infected tissue.
- Through the consumption of food contaminated with cat feces. Cats are the definitive host of the parasite.
- Through the placenta from an infected mother to the fetus (congenital).
- Through blood transfusions or organ transplants.
Further informations
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite belonging to the group of Apicomplexa.
Transmission mainly occurs through three routes:
- Through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, especially from pigs, sheep, goats, or wild animals, containing infected tissue.
- Through the consumption of food contaminated with cat feces. Cats are the definitive host of the parasite.
- Through the placenta from an infected mother to the fetus (congenital).
There are also other, less common transmission routes, such as blood transfusions or organ transplants.
Fever (hyperpyrexia), lymphadenopathy, lymphocytosis, encephalitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, myositis
Fetal toxoplasmosis:
Severe birth defects (blindness, hydrocephalus, mental underdevelopment)
Immunsuppression:
Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as HIV patients, children, elderly individuals, or those taking immunosuppressants, have a higher risk of severe toxoplasmosis.
Handling cats:
Individuals who frequently come into contact with cats, especially their feces, have an increased risk of contracting Toxoplasma gondii.
