toxoplasmosis julie mcgivern
DESCRIPTION
Cause Toxoplasma gondii - a parasitic protozoaTRANSCRIPT
Toxoplasmosis
Julie McGivern
Cause• Toxoplasma gondii - a parasitic protozoa
Host• Cats• Broad secondary host range
TransmissionIngested via meat, water and soil
contamination
Life Cycle
Geographical DistributionWorld-wide
SymptomsHumans• Flu-like symptoms, damage to the brain, eyes, or other
organs.
Cats • Asymptomatic or pneumonia, liver damage, and loss of
vision
Wildlife (Sea Otters, Moose, Deer, Bears)• Death
Rodents• Neurological disorder
Sheep and Goats• Abortion and weakness
Treatment
• Usually not required• Medications are
available to treat toxoplasmosis in humans
Prevention & Control
•Avoid undercooked meats •Control insects (such as
houseflies)•If you are owned by a cat
– Keep it inside if possible– Don’t feed it raw meat