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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.
Meer informatie
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasma gondii (protozoon), parasitic disease
oral (undercooked meat of infected animals, cat feces, transmission of an infected mother to fetus through placenta)
hyperpyrexia, lymphadenopathy, lymphocytosis, encephalitis, pneumonitis, myocarditis, myositis
Fetal toxoplasmosis:
severe birth defects (blindness, hydrocephalus, mental retardation)
Immune suppression (children, older people).
