Toxoplasmosis affects cats that ingest raw meat or prey (most commonly rodents) that contains parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Kittens can become infected in the womb and die before birth. Although infection is very common in cats, most cats do not get sick. Kittens are at the highest risk.
Toxoplasmosis - Infection Dangerous for Cats and Humans
Toxoplasmosis is the most common parasitic infection worldwide. It is estimated to affect several billion people. The organism that causes toxoplasmosis is Toxoplasma gondii - a single-celled organism. The cat is the only animal in which sexual reproduction of the organism occurs, so cats are the only domestic animal that have the potential to shed the
infected eggs.
The symptoms of toxoplasmosis often include fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, and weight loss. Pneumonia, liver disease, and infection of the central nervous system are more devastating. Many afflicted cats do not survive.
Toxoplasmosis in dogs and cats can cause chorioretinitis (a form of uveitis caused by a bacterial infection which can lead to loss of vision), anterior uveitis (inflammation of the iris), or both. Eye lesions are a common manifestation of generalized toxoplasmosis. A diagnosis is made through blood tests. Infections involving only eyes can be treated successfully.
Role of Dogs in Transmitting Toxoplasmosis
Dogs may act as a mecanical factor in transmitting Toxoplasmosis to humans by rolling in foul-smelling substances and by ingesting fecal material. Just remember that 50% of stray dogs and cats carry T.gondii antibodies, which means that they have been infected and may transmit the parasite to you. Reports show that dogs in shelters, dogs living in close contact with wild birds and rodents in rural areas, and dogs fed raw meat are at mich higher risk for being infected by T.gondii. Since 2000 there have been identified incidents of dermatitis in a dog associated with an unidentified Toxoplasma gondii-like parasite.
Toxoplasmosis presents a serious health risk for people. Infection is especially dangerous for people with supressed immune system and pregnant women. Swollen glands and fever are the most common findings in those who have any symptoms. Infected infants may show various symptoms including jaundice, encephalitis, mental defects, and eye disease.
How you can protect your cat and yourself against toxoplasmosis:
- Do not eat raw (or undercooked meat).
The most common source of infection to people in the U.S. is through undercooked or raw meat, especially pork. Proper cooking or freezing will kill the parasite if it exists.
- Avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products
- Avoid handling free-roaming cats or any that show signs of illness
- Protect your cats from infections by keeping them indoors, and do not feed them raw meet or unpasteurized dairy products
- Change your cat's litter every day.
If infected, cats can release infected eggs in their feces for up to one to two weeks. Once infected cats cease shedding infected eggs, it is extremely rare for them to shed eggs at any other time in their lives. An egg must be in the environment for 1 to 5 days before it can cause an infection.
Cats that will live in households with pregnant women should be tested for the presence of toxoplasma antibodies. A positive-testing cat is probably immune to infection. A negative-testing cat is susceptible to infection, and if exposed might shed the organism in the feces for a week or two afterward. In either cases, be sure to reduce your cat's chance of exposure by following the list of recommendations.
References:
1. Dermatitis in a dog associated with an unidentified Toxoplasma gondii-like parasite; Dubey JP, Pimenta AL, Abboud LC, Ravasani RR, Mense M.