Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Cats

Abstract

Overview: Toxoplasma gondii infection is common in cats, but the clinical disease is rare. Up to 50% of cats, especially free-roaming ones, have antibodies indicating infection and the presence of cystic stages. Disease signs: Clinical signs only appear in few cats when they become immunosuppressed – in these situations cystic stages can be reactivated. Commonly affected are the central nervous system (CNS), muscles, lungs and eyes. Human infection: Cats can pose a risk for humans when they shed oocysts. However, this happens only once in their lifetime, usually only for 3–10 days after ingestion of tissue cysts. Thus, cats that have antibodies to T gondii no longer shed oocysts, and do not pose a risk to humans.