Meet the parasite
This is the name of the single-celled protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis.
Toxoplasma gondii?
The vast majority of healthy adult cats showing this outward sign of toxoplasmosis infection.
No sign at all (or asymptomatic)
Because the parasite can cross the placenta, this group of humans is at the highest risk for severe complications and should avoid changing litter boxes.
Pregnant women
To prevent oocysts from becoming infectious, cat owners should scoop and clean the litter box at least this often.
Daliy/24 hrs
Cats serve as this type of host for Toxoplasma gondii, meaning it is the only place the parasite can sexually reproduce.
What is the definitive host
This inflammatory eye condition is one of the most common clinical signs of toxoplasmosis in cats.
uveitis
Besides cat feces, humans most commonly contract toxoplasmosis by consuming this undercooked food.
Keeping cats exclusively in this environment drastically reduces their risk of hunting and contracting the parasite.
Indoors
These thick-walled, microscopic structures are shed in a cat's feces and can survive in soil or water for months.
oocysts
Feline toxoplasmosis often mimics this other common viral disease because both can cause lethargy, fever, and breathing issues.
FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)
This medical term describes a disease, like toxoplasmosis, that can be naturally transmitted from animals to humans.
Zoonotic disease (or zoonosis)?
This is the most common class of antibiotics used by veterinarians to treat clinical toxoplasmosis in cats.
Sulfonamides
This is the specific process by which freshly passed oocysts become infectious in the environment, usually taking 1 to 5 days.
Sporulation
Veterinarians use this type of blood test to look for IgG and IgM antibodies to diagnose an active or past infection.
A serology test
In humans with healthy immune systems, toxoplasmosis infection usually causes mild symptoms resembling this common respiratory illness.
Flu
To kill any potential T. gondii tissue cysts, human meat dishes should be cooked to a safe internal temperature or subjected to this sub-zero process.
Freezing
Cats most commonly contract the parasite by hunting and consuming these hosts, which contain tissue cysts.
Intermediate hosts (or rodents/birds)
This specific life-stage form of the parasite multiplies rapidly in cells and causes acute tissue damage during a severe infection.
Tachyzoites
This is the specific medical term for the severe birth defects or health issues a baby experiences when infected with toxoplasmosis in the womb.
Congenital toxoplasmosis
Once a cat recovers from shedding oocysts, they develop this biological defense, making it highly unlikely they will ever shed them again.
immunity(antibodies)