Understanding Toxoplasmosis: Spread and Dangers in Pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that is extremely dangerous for pregnant women. Intrauterine infection can lead to severe birth defects in the fetus. Here«s how to stay safe.

What is Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread parasitic disease. It is caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. This is an intracellular parasite capable of asexual reproduction.

The definitive hosts of the parasite are members of the cat family (cats, lynxes, pumas), in whose intestines sexual reproduction occurs. Intermediate hosts include warm-blooded animals (rodents, birds, livestock), as well as humans.

How Toxoplasmosis is Transmitted

As explained by Natalia Kidenko, chief physician of the Novosibirsk clinic «Okto», owners of domestic cats need not worry.

«Contrary to popular belief, the main source of infection is not the cat, but undercooked meat: pork, lamb, venison. Or unwashed vegetables and fruits,» she emphasized.

Humans can get infected from a cat if the animal eats raw infected meat, goes outside, and catches mice or birds.

«If a cat is infected, immature oocysts are present in its feces, which become infectious to humans within the first five days under certain temperature and humidity conditions. Therefore, daily cleaning of the litter box practically eliminates the risk of toxoplasmosis infection. You literally need to swallow mature oocysts, for example, by bringing them in with unwashed hands after cleaning the litter box,» the specialist noted.

Moreover, if a cat stays indoors, doesn«t go outside, doesn»t eat mice or birds, and isn«t fed raw meat, the risk of infection from the pet is minimal.

However, gardening hobbies can be harmful.

«After working in the garden, where, say, someone»s cat has defecated, and you did something there, or picked a flower, plucked grass with your hands, lay on that grass, walked barefoot, and then came home without washing your hands and feet… Such infection is also possible,« the doctor warned.

Who is at Risk from Toxoplasmosis

The greatest danger the disease poses is to the fetus in the mother«s womb.

«For most people, the disease is asymptomatic, but when it comes to expectant mothers, primary infection during pregnancy poses a serious risk,» warns Natalia Kidenko.

At the same time, as the doctor says, if a woman had toxoplasmosis before conception, often without even knowing it, her body develops a strong immunity that protects the future baby.

«If it»s the first trimester, the risk of transmission to the fetus is low—about 6–10%. But the consequences are most serious: severe developmental defects, miscarriages. The second trimester—the risk of infection is high, up to 50%. Serious organ damage is possible: the brain, eyes, liver. This can be seen on ultrasound. The third trimester—the risk of transmission is maximum, up to 90–100% of cases. The child is often born without obvious symptoms that we can assess on ultrasound,« the doctor cautioned.

In such cases, the child may develop vision organ damage, which sometimes only manifests years later.

How to Avoid Infection

To avoid infection, it is necessary to refrain during pregnancy from eating undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk, and unwashed vegetables and fruits.

«It»s better to use a stainless steel cutting board. Or, if it«s wooden, there should be separate boards for raw meat and fish and for products that do not undergo heat treatment. Plastic boards are best thrown away immediately,» advised the doctor.

It is also necessary to always wash hands and feet after contact with soil, and maintain hygiene if cats live at home.

When planning pregnancy, women need to undergo diagnostics.

«When registering for pregnancy, the doctor prescribes tests for antibodies to toxoplasmosis. But interpreting them requires care and medical knowledge, as a positive immunoglobulin M does not always mean a fresh infection and often requires additional tests. If we»re talking about immunoglobulin G, that indicates a past infection in the patient«s history,» notes Natalia Kidenko.

For confirmed primary infection during pregnancy, there is special therapy—antibiotics. Its goal is to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to the fetus and lessen the severity of consequences.

Earlier, NGS.RU reported on what to do if a person is bitten by a cat.