Gourt > Health > Animal > Mammals > Cats > Conditions and Diseases > Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It infects most animals and causes human parasitic diseases, but the primary host is the felid (cat) family. Cats get infected by eating infected rats. Rats get infected by accidentally absorbing cat faeces. The parasite subtly alters the rat's behavior. Whereas healthy rats avoid areas that smell like cat urine, infected rats may actually seek these areas out.
People usually get infected by eating raw or undercooked meat, or more rarely, by contact with cat faeces.
At least one third of the world population may have contracted a toxoplasmosis infection in their lifetime but, after the acute infection has passed, the parasite rarely causes any symptoms in otherwise healthy adults. However, people with a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible, such as people infected with HIV. The parasite can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and neurologic diseases and can affect the heart, liver, and eyes (chorioretinitis).
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FIV and Toxoplasmosis - Diagnosis, treatment and prevention; connections between the conditions.
Meta Description: [ Guidance for those with cats afflicted with FIV to increase understanding of toxoplasmosis, clarify treatment options, and help them evaluate their veterinarian's knowledge. ]
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Meta Description: [ The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University is a leader in academic and clinical veterinary medicine. With world-class research facilities and recognized strengths in the physical and life sciences, the college of veterinary medicine has contributed to the Cornell fabric since the fo... ]
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