Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that is found in cats and some raw meat. The parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, can live in cat faeces and in infected meat until cooking, drying or prolonged freezing kills it.

Cat faeces are a source of infection because oocysts, the infective stage of the parasite, develop in the cat's intestines and are excreted into the litter tray or onto the ground. These oocysts become infectious within as little as a day and resist most disinfectants. Under the right temperature and humidity conditions, they may live for more than a year in the soil. Other known sources of the infection include raw or under cooked meat, raw goat's milk, raw eggs, insects such as flies and cockroaches that have been in contact with infected cat faeces.

This disease has serious implication for the unborn child although transplacental transmission can only occur during the acute phase of the infection of the mother. Symptoms of Toxoplasmosis are vague and should be confirmed with a blood test. A prior infection confers lifetime immunity. Symptoms can include rash, lymphadenopathy, fever, and malaise. More serious symptoms involve the central nervous system, myocarditis and pneumonitis.

By taking the following suggested precautions while pregnant you will avoid this disease

· If you own a cat and are intending to become pregnant request a blood test for Toxoplasmosis. If you test positive then you are immune to the disease.
· If you are already pregnant ask that the test be included with your prenatal blood tests.
· Have the vet test your cat for Toxoplasmosis.
· Cook all meat thoroughly.
· Always wash hand after handling raw meat.
· Wash all fresh fruit and vegetables before eating.
· Don't feed your cat raw meat or undercooked meat.
· Keep your cat in at night so it does not have the opportunity to eat infected mice ect.
· Don't empty the cat's litter box. If you must, use disposable gloves and clean litter box daily.
· Wear gloves when working in the garden.
· Avoid close contact with cats other than your own.
· Keep children's sandpits covered when not in use to prevent cats from defaecating in them.

Reference:
Mosby's Medical and Nursing Dictionary

Article prepared by Akal Khalsa

Akal Khalsa is a Sydney based midwife and provides midwifery services including: homebirths, pre-conception consultations, childbirth preparation, nutritional advise and breastfeeding support.

For more information Contact Akal.