Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by a micro-organism and is found worldwide.

The reproductive cycle or toxoplasma gondii takes place in the cat. The cat excretes the eggs of the organism in its faeces. These contaminate the soil, and in turn infect sheep & cattle, rats and birds. The eggs hatch inside the host animal and form cysts in their tissues. The cat is re-infected by killing and eating an infected rodent or bird - hence the cycle continues.

Humans can become infected by eating contaminate foods such as uwashed garden vegetables, inadequately cooked meat, or more commonly from handly cats and emptying "kitty litter" trays.

Children are especially prone to infection from sucking their fingers after playing with infected cats or playing in infected soil.

The cysts which form in the human host usually cause no real harm and produce at most only mild symptoms like swollen glands. Treatment is seldom necessary, as recovery is nearly always complete. Infection seems to confer a life long immunity.

Infection is more serious however if it occurs during pregnancy and can have very serious effects on the baby.

Pregnant women should:

• Avoid handling cats, especially emptying litter trays
• Wear gloves when gardening
• Make sure other family members, especially young children wash their hands thoroughly after playing in sandpits or garden dirt
• Avoid eating raw meats
• Always wash vegetables and fruit