Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a dangerous infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the reservoir of
the parasite. Untreated, these infections can lead to blindness. But if your immune system is weakened,
especially as a result of HIV / AIDS , toxoplasmosis can lead to seizures and life-threatening illnesses such as
encephalitis — a serious brain infection

Animal-to-human (zoonotic) transmission

• Cats play an important role in the spread of toxoplasmosis.

• They become infected by eating infected rodents, birds, or other small animals.
• The parasite is then passed in the cat’s faeces in an oocyst form, which is microscopic.

Kittens and cats can shed millions of oocysts in their faeces for as long as 3 weeks after infection. Mature cats are less likely
to shed Toxoplasma if they have been previously infected. A Toxoplasma-infected cat that is shedding the parasite in its
faeces contaminates the litter box. If the cat is allowed outside, it can contaminate the soil or water in the environment as
well.

Who is most at risk?

• Immune compromised people
• Pregnant Women
• Infants born to mother with active infection

Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis infection

• Swollen lymph glands, especially around the neck.
• Muscle aches and pains.
• Headache.
• Fever.
• Generally feeling unwell.
• Seizures (generally in babies)

How to Prevent Toxoplasmosis Infection

Help your cat stay healthy. Keep your cat indoors and feed it dry or canned cat food, not raw meat. Cats can
become infected after eating infected prey or undercooked meat that contains the parasite. Avoid stray cats
or kittens. Although all stray animals need good homes, it's best to let someone else adopt them. Most cats
don't show signs of T. gondii infection, and although they can be tested for toxoplasmosis, it may take up to a
month to get the results. Have someone else clean your cat's litter box if you are pregnant. If that's not
possible, wear gloves and a face mask to change the litter. Then wash your hands well. Change the litter daily
so that excreted cysts don't have time to become infectious.