Toxoplasmosis in cats - IMD Berlin

Evidence of a toxoplasma infection
in humans
Toxoplasmosis in humans can be detected by
the doctor by analysing a blood sample. The
sample is analysed for antibodies against toxoplasma
gondii.
Women who wish to become pregnant should
undergo a medical examination for toxoplasmosis
antibodies.
Women that have already suffered from toxoplasmosis
and possess protective antibodies are
safe from renewed infection.
How can humans protect themselves from
toxoplasmosis?
It is not necessary to remove the cat or to stay
away from it, as contact with cats as such is not
dangerous but only the contact with cat faeces.
1. Gloves should be worn in occupations that
can lead to contact with cat faeces (clean
ing of the cat litter box, garden work).
2. Daily cleaning and disinfection of the cat litter
box with hot water (more than 70°C) reduces
the risk of infection.
3. Vegetables should be thoroughly washed
before consumption and fruit peeled if
possible.
4. Hands should be washed thoroughly after
preparing meat.
5. The consumption of raw or insufficiently
cooked meat or sausages (especially pork,
goat and lamb) and untreated milk should
be avoided.
We offer the following laboratory tests:
For the cat:
from the faeces:
flotation
from the blood:
antibody attestation for toxoplasmosis
IgG and IgM
For humans:
from the blood:
antibody attestation for toxoplasmosis
IgG and IgM
Additional diagnostic examinations if necessary
Institut für Medizinische Diagnostik MVZ GbR
(Institutes for Medical Diagnostics)
Nicolaistr. 22, 12247 Berlin
Telephone: 030-77001-0
Surgery stamp
We are always pleased to provide you with further
information.
Institute for Veterinary Medical Diagnostics
Institut für Veterinärmedizinische Diagnostik
Nicolaistraße 22, 12247 Berlin
Tel.: 030 – 77001 222 , Fax: 030 – 77001 332
Toxoplasmosis
in cats
SERVICE

The pathogen
Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite and is
found in all warm blooded animals and in humans.
Definitive hosts are only cats that discharge the
infectious eggs (oocysts) with their faeces. Apart
from the oocysts there are two further infectious
phases, an active propagation phase and a
dormancy period in tissue cysts. Both are present
in the definitive as well as in the intermediate host.
Intermediate hosts are small animals of prey such
as mice, however all other mammals are able to
become intermediate hosts.
Toxoplasmosis in cats
Cats become infected with toxoplasmosis mainly
by ingesting rodents or by feeding on raw meat.
Cats that are solely domestic can also become
infected if they are fed for example raw meat.
Clinical symptoms rarely appear in cats. Occasionally
slight diarrhoea is noticed in affected cats.
As a rule affected cats discharge oocysts with the
faeces in their surroundings only in the event of a
primary infection. The oocysts only become
infectious after 2-4 days in the environment. The
discharge lasts for a maximum of 10 days. Should
the oocysts be ingested by warm blooded animals
(e.g. mice) or humans they can become
infected.
Other mammals do not discharge toxoplasma
gondii. They can however become carriers of
tissue cysts as intermediate hosts. The most common
source of infection for humans is the meat of
the affected animals. Dogs also do not discharge
toxoplasma oocysts with their faeces and are
therefore not carriers of toxoplasmosis.
Does my cat constitute a risk of infection?
The risk of infection for a cat can be estimated by
an analysis of a faeces specimen and a blood
sample:
Should the blood test as well as two tests of the
faeces within a 14 day interval prove negative
then the cat is most probably not yet infected with
toxoplasma. Measures to prevent infection can be
taken by e.g. keeping the cat indoors and not
feeding it fresh food.
Persons at risk (pregnant women or immuno-suppressed
persons) are to avoid contact with cat
faeces should there be evidence of oocysts in the
faeces.
The discharge period of oocysts is most probably
over when antibodies are detected during the
blood test.
How can the cat be protected from
toxoplasmosis?
In principle cats should not be fed with raw meet
or slaughterhouse waste.
A roaming cat that catches and eats mice is
however not protected from an infection.
Toxoplasma – oocysts in the faeces
Toxoplasmosis in humans
Humans also do not discharge oocysts. They can
however, like mammals, become carriers of
tissue cysts as intermediate hosts. In most cases
assimilation however does not ensue from
contact with cats or their excrements. The most
common source for infection is the ingestion of
raw meet (tartar, raw minced pork, raw sausage)
followed by fruit and vegetables that are
contaminated with oocysts. Insufficient hygiene
during garden work may also lead to assimilation
of oocysts.
A primary infection with toxoplasma normally
does not lead to symptoms in a healthy person.
Occasionally fever attacks and flu-like symptoms
can occur (i.a. swelling of the lymph node,
fatigue, exhaustion, headaches).
Should primary infection with toxoplasma occur
during pregnancy, the fetal infection risk and the
clinical pattern depend on various factors. The
later the woman gets infected during the course
of pregnancy the higher the probability of a
fetal infection. The earlier infection takes place
during pregnancy the more severe the consequences
are for the unborn child.