Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection passed through animals via a parasite, named Toxoplasma Gondii. This parasite can be transmitted through to humans via contact with infected faeces when handling cat litter, eating infected meat or blood transfusions. It is particularly dangerous when coming into contact with pregnant women, as the infection can be passed through the placenta to the unborn child. Animal Friends is providing you with the tips to stay infection free.
Spotting the symptoms
Often, a primary infection will show no symptoms. There is a delay of around 1-2 weeks between exposure to the parasite and symptoms appearing. This infection can affect the brain, heart, lungs, eyes or liver, and if left untreated can be deadly for people with a weak immune system Complications can occur, which can range from permanent disability such as blindness, as well as learning disorders in babies with congenital toxoplasmosis, to a return of the disease or even spreading of the infection (which causes the most problems for those with a weakened immune system).
Symptoms in healthy people can be enlarged lymph nodes in the head and neck, headache, mild illness with fever, muscle pains and a sore throat. Symptoms in immunosuppressed people can be confusion, fever, headache, retinal inflammation that causes blurred vision and seizures.
Pets can show symptoms of the infection too. Look for signs of fever, lack of appetite, lethargy, diarrhoea and weight loss. Pneumonia, liver disease, and infection of the central nervous system are more devastating. Many afflicted cats do not survive. Toxoplasmosis in dogs and cats can cause chorioretinitis (a form of uveitis caused by a bacterial infection which can lead to loss of vision), anterior uveitis (inflammation of the iris), or both. Eye lesions are a common manifestation of toxoplasmosis, but infections involving only eyes can be treated successfully
Treatment and Prevention
If you are not showing any symptoms of the infection, you will not usually require treatment, as your immune system will be coping with the infection by itself. Medications used to treat the infection include antimalarial drugs and antibiotics.
Preventing the condition is very easy to do with careful planning, and can avoid any unnecessary complications. Avoiding undercooked meats, and freezing meat to -20 degrees Celsius for two days before consumption help avoid ingesting the parasite, and washing your hands before and after handling meat helps reduce the likelihood of transmission from the environment to the food via your hands. Protecting children’s play areas from cat and dog faeces stops transmission through animal excretion, and you should wash your hands thoroughly if they come into contact with possible contaminated soil. Pregnant women should avoid handling cat litter trays and materials that are possibly infected with cat faeces, as well as any materials that may have been contaminated by insects that have come into contact with cat faeces.
Toxoplasmosis is a harmful infection which can be easily prevented if you know what to look for, and remain vigilant when clearing up after your pet. Again, pregnant women need to stay clear of anything which could cause an infection, as it can be harmful to test the baby for toxoplasmosis, making prevention the best cause of action. If your pet is showing any signs of being infected, consult your vet immediately.
Don’t be caught by expensive vet bills and protect yourself with pet insurance –Animal Friends offers a wide range of comprehensive cover to suit your needs. To get a quote phone us on 0845 55 70 300 or visit our homepage.
