Toxoplasma — A Dangerous Passenger

The intestine of a cat is the natural habitat of Toxoplasma gondii. This extremely small organism is single-celled, yet it belongs to the animal kingdom. Compared to bacteria, its genetic material is arranged in a much more complex way. In addition, toxoplasma leads a rather “eventful” and interesting life.

Toxoplasma reproduces in the intestines of cats. The cat is considered the definitive host of toxoplasma, while all other animals serve as intermediate hosts — essentially acting as “transport” for its movement.

A cat can become infected with toxoplasmosis only once in its lifetime. During this period, it is especially dangerous for humans. An adult cat has usually already had toxoplasmosis and does not face the risk of reinfection.

After infection, toxoplasma is excreted from the cat’s body through feces and, within two days, becomes capable of infecting a new host.

If the parasite does not encounter its next host, but the cat litter is cleaned by a mammal (a human), toxoplasma will “accept” this option as well. While waiting for a new host, toxoplasma can remain active in cat feces for up to five years. This does not necessarily have to involve the cat’s owner — other animals wandering through gardens or yards may also become carriers. The main opportunity to contract toxoplasma is through the consumption of raw products.

There are three ways to become infected with toxoplasma:

1. Eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, as well as meat that has not been sufficiently heat-treated.

2. Through blood contact (for example, among slaughterhouse workers), blood transfusion, or organ transplantation. This is especially relevant for highly virulent strains (the most dangerous types for humans).

3. Primary infection of the fetus during pregnancy, when toxoplasma crosses the placenta.

The likelihood of toxoplasmosis infection is quite high. Approximately one-third of the population are carriers of toxoplasma. Toxoplasma gondii is considered a parasite because it does not live independently in soil or water and does not harm plants; instead, it uses other living organisms for survival. We call organisms parasites when they benefit at the expense of others and may cause harm.

Toxoplasma is especially dangerous if it enters the body of a pregnant woman.

For healthy adults, toxoplasma usually does not cause serious harm. Some people may experience symptoms similar to the flu or a common viral respiratory infection, while others show no symptoms at all. After the acute phase ends, toxoplasma settles in body tissues and becomes dormant. It may remain in the body for life, usually without causing problems. This continues unless reinfection occurs.

If a pregnant woman becomes infected with toxoplasmosis, the situation becomes serious. The pathogen can reach the fetus through the bloodstream. The fetal immune system is not yet familiar with the infection and cannot respond effectively. This happens rarely, but if it does, pregnancy may proceed with complications and can even end in miscarriage. If the infection is detected at an early stage, medication may help. Typically, testing for antibodies to toxoplasma (as part of TORCH screening) is done between weeks 1 and 10 of pregnancy. If an obstetrician-gynecologist asks, “Do you have a cat?” — this is not a casual question. The doctor is clarifying something very important.

The presence of toxoplasma is an additional reason to maintain strict daily hygiene of the cat’s litter box.

Pregnant women are strictly forbidden from cleaning the cat’s litter box.

Handling raw meat is also not recommended during pregnancy, and fruits and vegetables must be thoroughly washed. Other people who carry toxoplasma are not dangerous to others. Only fresh feces from an infected cat pose a real risk. Toxoplasma can be present on surrounding objects and even on the hands of the pet owner.

If you want to prevent toxoplasma infection, follow the golden rule — wash your hands frequently with soap.

The good news is that many infection risks can be controlled. Sometimes it requires very little effort: cleaning the cat litter box on time, thoroughly cooking meat, and carefully washing fruits and vegetables.