by Sun Meilan

Created on: February 22, 2012

It has long been known that cat feces can be harmful to humans, particularly pregnant women, who can then pass on the resulting parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, to their baby. However, new research shows that the risks may be more widespread than first thought; sea otters are now known to pick up the parasite as more and more humans, and therefore their cats, settle near shorelines. Precautions need to be taken to ensure that toxoplasmosis is contained as far as possible.

What is toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, of which cats are the primary carrier. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that around 22% of the US population have toxoplasmosis and in other countries, the percentage could be as high as 95%. 

There are no symptoms in the majority of people. Those with healthy immune symptoms may suffer from some minor symptoms, such as enlarged lymph nodes, headaches and a fever. However, immunosuppressed people could suffer from more serious symptoms, including blurred vision, confusion and seizures. In pregnant women with the infection, it may cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Babies who are born with the infection may suffer from brain and nervous system problems, as well as other issues, if it is not treated as soon as possible. 

Fortunately, there are treatments available, including antibiotics and folic acid supplements. Special care needs to be taken by pregnant women in particular, because acceptable antibiotics may not completely get rid of the parasite. However, research suggests that the sooner they are treated, the less likely it is to be passed on to the baby.

Ways in which cats can cause toxoplasmosis in humans

Toxoplasmosis is usually passed to humans by eating or handling undercooked meat, handling cat feces or soil contaminated by cat feces, or from a mother to her baby. Cats become infected in the first place by eating infected wild animals and birds; the parasite is then passed in their feces “in an occyst form, which is microscopic.” Cat litter, or soil, can then become contaminated and passed to humans who handle it. Cats, particularly kittens, can continue to shed occysts for up to 3 weeks after infection, although once infected for the first time, they are less likely to shed if infected again.  

However, research by experts at the US Institutes of Health has discovered another way that humans can be infected. Infected cats near shorelines

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