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Toxoplasmosis
Infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the only definitive host (where the parasite reproduces). A zoonotic disease — transmissible to humans, especially dangerous for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
Key Facts
- Cats are the ONLY definitive host — parasite matures and reproduces only in cats
- Infection from eating infected prey, raw meat, or contaminated soil
- Most healthy cats show no symptoms and may carry the parasite for years
- Symptomatic cats: depression, lethargy, muscle pain, fever, appetite loss, cough, eye inflammation
- Kittens, pregnant cats, and immunocompromised cats most susceptible
- Zoonotic: pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter boxes
- Oocysts shed in cat feces for several weeks after initial infection
- Oocysts need 1-5 days outside the cat to become infectious — fresh feces are not immediately dangerous
- Diagnosis: blood work, fecal analysis, serology, tissue biopsy
- Treatment: antibiotics; cats generally respond well within 1-2 days
- Prevention: keep cats indoors, clean litter boxes daily, avoid raw diets
- No vaccine currently available