HomeHealth TopicsInfectionsToxoplasmosis
Back to Infections
Toxoplasmosis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause serious organ damage in individuals with weakened immune systems and in infants infected during pregnancy.

Overview

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. While more than 60 million people in the U.S. carry the parasite, most do not get sick. However, it can cause serious problems for people with weak immune systems and babies whose mothers become infected for the first time during pregnancy, including damage to the brain, eyes, and other organs.

Transmission

You can contract toxoplasmosis through:

  • Waste from an infected cat
  • Eating contaminated meat that is raw or not well cooked
  • Using utensils or cutting boards that have had contact with contaminated raw meat
  • Drinking infected water
  • Receiving an infected organ transplant or blood transfusion

Treatment

Most people with toxoplasmosis do not require treatment. However, drugs are available to treat pregnant women and individuals with weak immune systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is generally safe to keep a cat during pregnancy, provided you take specific precautions to avoid exposure to the parasite. The primary risk comes from cat feces, which can contain the parasite if the cat has eaten infected rodents or birds. To minimize risk, have another person clean the litter box daily, as the parasite takes at least 24 hours to become infectious in the environment. If you must clean it yourself, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Additionally, keep the cat indoors to prevent it from hunting and feeding on infected prey.
If a mother is infected with toxoplasmosis for the first time during pregnancy, the baby can be born with congenital toxoplasmosis. The severity of the effects depends on the stage of pregnancy when the infection occurs. Infections in the first trimester are less common but can cause severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe brain and eye damage. Infections in the second or third trimester are more common but may result in milder symptoms, such as hearing loss, learning disabilities, or eye inflammation (chorioretinitis) that may not appear until later in childhood. Regular prenatal testing and treatment can significantly reduce these risks.
Proper cooking is the most effective way to prevent toxoplasmosis from meat. The parasite is killed by heat, so you should cook meat to safe internal temperatures. For ground meats, such as beef or pork, the internal temperature should reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). For whole cuts of meat, like steaks or roasts, the temperature should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) followed by a three-minute rest. Freezing meat at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius) for several days can also kill the parasite, but this is not a substitute for proper cooking.
Yes, it is possible to contract toxoplasmosis from gardening if the soil is contaminated with cat feces. The parasite can survive in soil for long periods. To protect yourself, always wear gloves when handling soil or compost, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after gardening. Avoid eating or drinking while gardening, and do not put your hands in your mouth until you have washed them. If you have a cat that uses the garden as a litter box, consider providing a designated litter area or keeping the cat indoors to reduce the risk of soil contamination.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss