WHAT Is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the microscopic parasite* Toxoplasma
gondii. This parasite lives in the soil and can infect humans and many species
of animals. It is particularly common in cats, and the parasite’s eggs
pass from their bodies in their feces (FEE-seez, or bowel movements).
Touching dirty litter from a cat’s litter box is one common way that
people contract the parasite. The eggs can stick to a person’s hands and
may eventually end up in the mouth, where the person can inadvertently
swallow them. People also become infected by accidentally eating contaminated
soil or by eating raw or undercooked meat, especially pork,
lamb, and venison, containing the parasite’s cysts*. Thorough cooking
kills the parasite.
In addition, pregnant women can pass the disease to their unborn
babies, leading to congenital* toxoplasmosis, a condition that can range
from mild to severe, and may involve developmental problems and mental
retardation, seizures*, and vision problems.
In rare cases, blood transfusions*, organ transplants, and laboratory
accidents also can cause toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasmosis (tok-so-plaz-MO-sis), often called toxo, is an infection
caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite that animals can transmit to
people. It usually causes no symptoms in healthy people, but it can be
serious in people with weak immune systems and in unborn babies.
Toxoplasmosis is a life-long infection, although usually it is latent
(inactive). Most people with toxoplasmosis have no symptoms or symptoms
that are very mild. The disease can be life-threatening, however, for
people with weakened immune systems* and for babies born with the
disease. Toxoplasmosis also may cause miscarriage* or stillbirth*.