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Immunology => Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) => Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, common parasitic infection in humans, warm-blooded animals, and birds, transmitted by contact with the microorganism Toxoplasma gondii. The disease normally runs a mild course, with a few noticeable symptoms resembling those of the common cold. If contracted by a woman during pregnancy, however, toxoplasmosis can cause serious birth defects. In people whose immune system has been suppressed by age or other diseases, such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), toxoplasmosis can cause severe nervous system disease.
An estimated one-fourth of the adults in the United States have toxoplasmosis antibodies in their body, indicating an infection at some time in their lives. Studies have indicated that about 1 out of every 4000 babies in the United States is born with defects as a result of prenatal infection.
The toxoplasmosis parasite is commonly present in cattle, poultry, and many domestic animals without any harmful effects; however, it continues to live in raw meat after slaughter until the meat is cooked, dried, or frozen for a prolonged period. The two major causes of human toxoplasmosis infection in the United States are the consumption of raw or undercooked meat and contact with the feces of the domestic cat.
A single infection normally ensures immunity. Serious infection by toxoplasmosis can be effectively prevented by the avoidance of raw meat and by ensuring that all rare-cooked meats are heated throughout to at least 60° C (140° F). Contact with infected or unfamiliar cats and cat feces should be avoided, and the cat litter box should be emptied every day because the parasite eggs in cat feces do not become infective until two to four days after excretion.
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