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Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats acquire the infection from eating infected birds or rodents or by ingesting oocysts in contaminated soil. Cats and people can get the infection from eating raw or undercooked pork, beef, mutton or veal that contains Toxoplasma tissue cysts. Faeces of infected cats are also a source of infection. Cats and humans can transmit toxoplasma infection in utero to their unborn offspring.

Cats are a source of infection only when they are young and only for a few weeks after they first become infected. An older cat in the household isn't any more of a threat than other environmental factors.

Feline toxoplasmosis usually occurs without clinical signs (subclinical infection). Clinical signs in cats may include:

Cough
Depression
Diarrhoea
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite (anorexia)
Lymph nodes may enlarge
Rapid breathing/respiratory distress
Swelling of abdomen
Vomiting
Weepy eyes (ocular discharge)
Weight loss
Kittens may exhibit encephalitis, liver insufficiency or pneumonia
Prenatal infection may be responsible for abortion, stillbirths, unexplained perinatal deaths (kittens die before weaning)

Serological tests (including ELISA) will show whether the cat has ever been exposed. A positive test in a healthy cat signifies the cat has acquired active immunity and is unlikely to be a source of human contamination.

Finding Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in cats stool indicates the cat is infective to other cats and people.

The most serious danger to human health is congenital toxoplasmosis. About 50% of the human population shows serological evidence of having been exposed in the past. Men and women with protective antibodies are probably immune to infection.

The disease is a particular hazard when a pregnant woman without prior immunity is exposed to it, but if simple precautions a taken there is no danger.

Maternal toxoplasmosis can result in abortion, stillbirth and birth of babies with central nervous system infection. Pregnant women should take precautions to avoid contact with faecal material from cats.

Treatment in cats includes antibiotics to treat the active infection and prevent the intestinal phase of oocyst shedding.

Public Health

Prevent the disease by keeping your cat from roaming and hunting.

Wear disposable plastic gloves when handling cat litter.

Remove stools from the litter box daily.

Dispose of the litter carefully so others don't contact it.

Clean and disinfect the litter tray weekly with boiling water or use disposable litter liners.

Cover children's sandboxes when not in use.

Cook all fresh meat, maintaining a temperature of at least 70C (150F).

Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling raw meat.

Clean all kitchen surfaces that have been in contact with raw meat.

Wear gloves when gardening to avoid touching soil where a cat may have defaecated.

Don't buy a new kitten when you are pregnant.

References

Carlson DG & Giffin JM, Cat Owners Home Veterinary Handbook, New York: Howell Book House, 1995

Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000

Wilks CR & Humble MW, Zoonoses In New Zealand, Massey University, 1997

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