How does toxoplasmosis spread to humans?
People can be infected by: Accidental ingestion of oocysts after cleaning a cat’s litter box when the cat has shed Toxoplasma in its feces. Accidental ingestion of oocysts after touching or ingesting anything that has come into contact with a cat’s feces that contain Toxoplasma.
Does toxoplasmosis make you love cats?
Bizarrely, new research raises that question, finding that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which lives in cats, actually makes cats attractive — rather than scary — to their natural prey (in this case, rats). … gondii is probably better known as a major cause of food-borne illness (toxoplasmosis).
What disease does Toxoplasma gondii cause?
Toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-MOE-sis) is a disease that results from infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, one of the world’s most common parasites. Infection usually occurs by eating undercooked contaminated meat, exposure from infected cat feces, or mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy.
Is there a cure for Toxoplasma gondii?
Many congenital toxoplasmosis cases can be cured with medications. Even children who had severe infections at birth may never show signs of severe long-term damage if they are diagnosed and treated early. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can contribute to a poor prognosis.
Do all cat owners have toxoplasmosis?
As many as 30 to 50 percent of all cats, dogs, and people have already been exposed to toxoplasmosis, meaning their bodies have already made antibodies to it.
How do you know if you have Toxoplasma gondii?
Most people who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii are not aware of it because they have no symptoms at all. Some people who have toxoplasmosis may feel as if they have the “flu” with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that may last for a month or more.
Can parasites change your personality?
For most people who consume it, it causes mild to moderate flu like symptoms but in some people, it can also alter personality,cause mood disorder, vision changes, even seizures.
What percentage of cat owners have toxoplasmosis?
Infection is more common in pets that go outside, hunt, or are fed raw meat. The prevalence of oocyst shedding in cats is very low (0-1%), even though at least 15-40% of cats have been infected with Toxoplasma at some point.
How do I know if I have Toxoplasma gondii?
Most people who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii are not aware of it because they have no symptoms at all. Some people who have toxoplasmosis may feel as if they have the “flu” with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that may last for a month or more.
What antibiotic treats toxoplasmosis?
Sulfadiazine. This antibiotic is used with pyrimethamine to treat toxoplasmosis.
