Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled parasite. Although commonly found in cats, it can also infect other animals and humans. While the parasite reproduces in animals, humans can become infected through indirect contact.
Humans typically become infected not by direct contact with animals, but through:
Contact with contaminated cat feces
Consuming undercooked or raw meat from infected animals
Contact with contaminated kitchen utensils, surfaces, or unwashed produce
Drinking unpasteurized milk
Pregnant women, in particular, should avoid cleaning cat litter boxes and eating undercooked or raw meat, as toxoplasmosis can lead to serious health complications for the unborn baby.
How Is Toxoplasmosis Transmitted?
The parasite can enter the body if hands or food are contaminated with infected animal waste or tissue and then come into contact with the mouth. Cats that hunt or are fed raw meat are more likely to carry T. gondii. The parasite can also survive in unwashed fruits and vegetables or on kitchen utensils used for raw meat.
Although most healthy individuals’ immune systems can suppress the parasite, it may remain dormant in the body. If the immune system becomes weakened—due to illness or medications—the parasite can reactivate and cause serious complications.
Who Is at Risk?
Toxoplasmosis can affect anyone worldwide but poses greater risk to people with weakened immune systems, including:
Individuals with HIV/AIDS
Patients undergoing chemotherapy
People taking steroids or immunosuppressive drugs
Pregnant women
Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis
Many people with toxoplasmosis have no noticeable symptoms. When present, symptoms may resemble the flu:
General body aches
Swollen lymph nodes
Headache
Fever
Fatigue
In immunocompromised individuals, symptoms may be more severe:
Headache
Seizures
Blurred vision
Pneumonia-like symptoms
Inflammation of the retina (ocular toxoplasmosis), which can lead to vision loss
Toxoplasmosis in Infants
If a woman becomes infected during pregnancy—even without symptoms—the infection may be transmitted to the baby, a condition known as congenital toxoplasmosis.
Risks include:
Miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth
Infected newborns may show signs such as:
Seizures
Enlarged liver or spleen
Jaundice
Eye infections
Later symptoms can include:
Hearing loss
Developmental delays
Severe eye infections
Diagnosis
Toxoplasma IgG: Indicates past exposure to the infection
Toxoplasma IgM: Indicates an active or recent infection
Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should be screened for toxoplasmosis. Since symptoms mimic common viral illnesses, a blood test is required to confirm the infection.
If a pregnant woman tests positive, the next step is to determine whether the baby is infected. At around 15 weeks of gestation, a small sample of amniotic fluid may be collected to test for the presence of the parasite. This is done safely using a thin needle.
Additionally, PCR testing may be used to detect the parasite's DNA in the blood.
Prevention Tips
Do not handle cat litter without gloves
Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat
Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly
Clean all kitchen tools and surfaces that come into contact with raw meat
Pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals should take extra precautions
If exposure is suspected, consult your doctor promptly
For more information or to book a toxoplasmosis test, please contact our Call Center at (012) 910 or via WhatsApp at (055) 4000 910.
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