Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called toxoplasmosis gondii. While this occurs worldwide it is more common in climates that are warm and wet. The source of infection for the human is via cat faeces, because the cat is the host for the agent. It excretes infectious particles called oocysts which undergo a process called sporulation to produce millions more infectious particles called sporocysts. Infection can occur by direct contact with cat faeces, or by eating meat from birds or animals that have been infected by, for example, grazing on land that has been contaminated by infected cat faeces. Similarly children can be infected by playing in a sand pit contaminated by cat faeces. Many people who are infected show no symptoms, but there may be a flu-like illness, swollen glands that last for months or inflammation of the back of the eye - particularly in babies born to infected mothers. After the infection the cysts remain within the body, where they may be reactivated and cause symptoms, particularly affecting the eyes. Treatment will be needed to protect the eyesight. If you’re pregnant, keep clear of cats.
|
