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How Cats Can Transmit Infection
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Toxoplasmosis |
Cats commonly carry the protozoan Toxoplasmagondll. This is the
cause of Toxoplasmosis. A form of the parasite is present in the cat's faeces. In
most cases, the infection causes few or no symptoms, but if a woman is infected
during pregnancy, the parasites can gain access, via the placenta, to the
foetus. [ Litter Training ]
Toxoplasmosis can only be transmitted to humans
through ingestion or digestion of the cat's feces. Ingestion of particles
of infected feces is rare. People are much more likely to get feces under their
fingernails while scooping the litter (unless they use gloves) or to get a
small chunk of feces on their plate from a cat allowed on tables and countertops
that may have feces stuck between their toes.
The parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, toxoplasma
gondii, also cannot infect humans if it is outside of the cat for less than
24 hours, as the oocysts don't have enough time to develop to an infective
stage. Pregnant women are fine as long as they scoop within every 24 hour time
frame and wear latex or rubber gloves. Face masks are also easy to find for
those especially concerned. Keep in mind too, that 90% of Americans show
antibodies to toxoplasmosis, indicating that almost all Americans have been
exposed to the parasite, rarely showing symptoms. People with bone marrow and
kidney transplants, advanced HIV disease, and pregnant women should be more
careful, but don't need to cease scooping. Also, cats can only carry the
parasite for up to ten days after infection.
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