Toxoplasmosis

Description
Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan infection. It is contracted by eating raw or undercooked meat, or through contact with cat faeces. Apart from transmission from mother to unborn child, person-to-person spread does not occur. Toxoplasmosis in pregnant women can affect the unborn child. It may cause rashes, damage to the child's nervous system, liver or other organs or, rarely, death. Usually, though, the newborn baby is not affected at all. In Australia, very few cases of affected newborn children have occurred. Toxoplasmosis acquired after birth usually results in either no symptoms or mild illness. When mild illness occurs, common symptoms are enlarged lymph nodes, muscle pain, intermittent fever and generally feeling ill. Toxoplasmosis infection is confirmed by a doctor's examination and blood tests. No immunisation is available.


Incubation Period
Uncertain, but probably from several days to months. Infectious period Infected meat is not safe until cooked properly. Freezing meat does not necessarily make it safe. Cat faeces containing toxoplasma can become infectious 24 hours after being passed.


Infectious Period
Infected meat is not safe until cooked properly. Freezing meat does not necessarily make it safe. Cat faeces containing toxoplasma can become infectious 24 hours after being passed. Cook meat adequately. Hands, knives and other kitchen utensils should be thoroughly washed after being in contact with raw meat. Dispose of cat faeces and litter daily (as it can become infectious after 24 hours). Wear gloves when handling cat faeces or litter trays. Disinfect litter trays daily by scalding with boiling water. Pregnant women without antibodies to toxoplasma should avoid cleaning litter trays and avoid contact with cats of unknown feeding history. Cover children's sandpits when not in use and keep stray cats away from the sandpit. Feed cats dry, canned or boiled food. Discouraged them from hunting and scavenging.


Controlling the Spread of Infection
As person-to-person spread does not occur, do not exclude infected children or adults. Cook meat adequately. Hands, knives and other kitchen utensils should be thoroughly washed after being in contact with raw meat. Dispose of cat faeces and litter daily (as it can become infectious after 24 hours). Wear gloves when handling cat faeces or litter trays. Disinfect litter trays daily by scalding with boiling water. Pregnant women without antibodies to toxoplasma should avoid cleaning litter trays and avoid contact with cats of unknown feeding history. Cover children's sandpits when not in use and keep stray cats away from the sandpit. Feed cats dry, canned or boiled food. Discouraged them from hunting and scavenging.


Treatment
Medication is available for significant infections. In most people, infection passes unnoticed.


Comments
It is important for pregnant women to avoid infection as it may seriously affect the unborn child. (Infections acquired after birth can be treated using medication prescribed by a doctor.) Pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter trays or contact with cats (particularly if the feeding history of the cat is unknown). To avoid contact with cat faeces when gardening, wear gloves and wash hands afterwards. These precautions can be relaxed if the woman is known to be immune to toxoplasmosis infection.'

Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is intended as a guide only. Wollongong Medical Centre is not liable for any problems that may arise from incorrectly or otherwise applying information found in this website.


Further General Information

The following web site has information on infectious diseases: www.health.nsw.gov.au/infect/ or contact the Division of Population and Planning on 4255-2200.

For information on a large range of medical conditions and problems visit www.mayoclinic.com