05 - toxoplasmosis

Question 1

1. When are felines most likely to shed toxoplasma oocysts? For how long?

Answer 1

1. Those who have just been infected (seropositive less likely to shed), two weeks

Question 2

Why it is important to know that sporulation is 1 to 5 days after excretion?

Answer 2

They become infectious after sporulation -> change litter daily!

Question 3

Who is most at risk for serious infection? How is the disease manifested?

Answer 3

Babies (congenital) – most concern

CNS: hydrocephalus, microcephaly, meningoencephalitis, intracranial calcifications, seizures, developmental delay
Ocular: chorioretinitis, micropthalmia, cataracts
Systemic: hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, anemia, jaundice, rash
Hearing loss

Immunocompromised – reactivation or 1°

Encephalitis, pulmonary disease, ocular disease, disseminated disease

Cerebral toxoplasmosis in AIDS

Question 4

What are the most common means of transmission to people?

Answer 4

Undercooked meat (most common), contaminated food or water, vertical (mother to baby), litterbox, flies/earthworms/slugs

Question 5

What precautions would you recommend to your clients?

Answer 5

avoid eating undercooked meat (use irradiated or frozen meat), wash/peel fruits and veggies, clean all utensils after contact with raw meat, wear gloves while gardening, wash hands after contact with soil, keep cats inside/don’t feed undercooked meat, change litter daily, don’t flush litter down toilet