This is quite a worrying thought.
Cats are host for T. gondii, the parasite can complete its life cycle and reproduce using the cat as the host. The eggs are called oocysts and are passed through cat feces into the environment, where they can infect additional cats and other warm-blooded creatures. If the conditions are right, the oocysts can persist for quite some time in the soil.
Pregnant women who become infected may pass the infection on to the developing fetus, resulting in birth defects. Symptoms in these children may include nervous system disorders, premature birth, hearing loss, anemia, and retinal damage. You may have heard that pregnant women should avoid litter boxes (or more accurately, cat feces),
3 comments:
Judith Lindley It doesn't worry me, Ann, because I've known the facts for years and so do most people who work with animals. Observe good hygiene when cleaning up after your animals, perhaps have the husband clean the cat box while wife is expecting.
Like · Reply · August 29 at 11:27pm
U are very passionate with cats. in our news, a woman thought she caught it from the sandpit.
Wong Ging Yeen Ann, Right. Toxoplasmosis is transmitted through/by cats. Difficult problem. Very debilitating if pregnant mother infected. Honestly, over the past 35 years of medical practice, I have yet to see one or diagnose one case of Toxoplasmosis. Either, there are very few cases around or I am a damn louzy doctor or both. Most studies centered around serological evidence of infection but clinical infection... not yet. Never seen one active case! Now we are more worried about rats urine infection ... leptospirosis! Quite a few casualties. Sad.
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