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Toxoplasmosis from Cats

Desmond79

I heard about the possibility of toxoplasmosis, from Cats, and how it affects our mental well-being.

I plan to talk to the Vet; appointment next Monday.

Parents

  • It can also be contracted from eating undercooked meat, which is why it is very prevalent in France. For anyone with a reasonably healthy immune system it is not dangerous. After infection there is a phase of rapid proliferation of the parasite, which usually gives 'flu'-like symptoms. Once the immune system starts reacting to the parasite it encysts and the infection becomes dormant. Cysts can form in the brain or other organs. It is only when the immune system becomes compromised that the infection can reactivate. This is typically in AIDS infections and people taking immunosuppressant drugs following transplants. There is some evidence that infection can control behaviour in the host, leading to increased risk-taking behaviour. As felines are the definitive hosts, where the T. gondii parasites have their sexual stages, it is thought that increased risk-taking in prey species improves the chances of the prey being caught and eaten by a member of the cat family.

    It is also dangerous to the foetus if the mother catches toxoplasmosis for the first time, while pregnant.

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  • It can also be contracted from eating undercooked meat, which is why it is very prevalent in France. For anyone with a reasonably healthy immune system it is not dangerous. After infection there is a phase of rapid proliferation of the parasite, which usually gives 'flu'-like symptoms. Once the immune system starts reacting to the parasite it encysts and the infection becomes dormant. Cysts can form in the brain or other organs. It is only when the immune system becomes compromised that the infection can reactivate. This is typically in AIDS infections and people taking immunosuppressant drugs following transplants. There is some evidence that infection can control behaviour in the host, leading to increased risk-taking behaviour. As felines are the definitive hosts, where the T. gondii parasites have their sexual stages, it is thought that increased risk-taking in prey species improves the chances of the prey being caught and eaten by a member of the cat family.

    It is also dangerous to the foetus if the mother catches toxoplasmosis for the first time, while pregnant.

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