- The ARC - California Edition -

Toxoplasmosis

(From the March of Dimes Tip of the Month Archives)

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that, when contracted by a pregnant woman, can pose a serious risk to her unborn baby. Caused by contact with a microscopic parasitic organism called Toxoplasma gondii, it is one of the most common infections in the world. Most cases go undiagnosed because symptoms, if any, resemble those for the flu.

Maternal infection during pregnancy can be transmitted to the fetus causing lesions of the fetal central nervous system. These lesions may lead to problems including blindness, brain defects and other serious conditions. The risk and severity of the baby’s infection depend partly on the timing of the mother’s infection, i.e., whether she was infected in the first, second or third trimester of pregnancy.

Toxoplasmosis infection is most often picked up through exposure to cat feces or by eating raw or undercooked meat that is contaminated with the parasite. Other sources may include raw goat’s milk, raw eggs, and insects such as flies and cockroaches that may have been in contact with cat feces.

Pregnant women can help prevent toxoplasmosis by avoiding known sources of infection. Tips:
· Don’t empty your cat’s litter box. Have someone else wearing gloves do it.
· Don’t eat raw or undercooked meat, especially lamb or pork.
· After handling raw meat, wash your hands immediately with soap. Never touch your eyes, nose or mouth with potentially contaminated hands.
· Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them.
· Don’t feed your cat raw or undercooked meat.
· Keep your cat indoors to prevent it from hunting birds or rodents.
· Wear gloves when gardening.
· Avoid children’s sandboxes. Cats may use them as a litter box.