Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is a pathogen called Toxoplasma gondii. The main host of these parasites is actually the cat. During their initial infection, cats excrete infectious oocytes.
These oocytes can then enter humans through contaminated food or water. Sporozoites are released in the intestine. These are able to pierce the intestinal wall and then attack various organs.
This initial infection is particularly dangerous during pregnancy.The pathogens can infect the unborn child and cause considerable damage. The central nervous system, the eyes and the female reproductive organs are particularly affected by the infestation. After some time, cysts develop in the muscles, heart and brain.
The congenital, i.e. connatal toxoplasmosis can cause severe organ damage to the liver, lungs, brain and heart muscle. Children can suffer from mental retardation, hydrocephalus, spasticity and epilepsy. In the first trimester of pregnancy, an infection of the unborn child can lead to miscarriage in the worst case.
This occurs in 70 percent of cases. Since toxoplasmosis pathogens are also frequently found in raw meat, pregnant women should avoid eating uncooked meat. In this way, they can significantly reduce the risk of infection with toxoplasmosis pathogens.
If there is a cat in the household, it is not mandatory to give it away. The pregnant woman can also reduce the risk of an infection by strictly observing some rules of hygiene. She should always wash her hands well after contact.
The cleaning of the cat toilet can be left to other members of the family. Otherwise she should wash her hands thoroughly after contact. During a medical examination the mother’s blood can also be checked for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii.
If antibodies are present in the blood, this indicates that the mother has already had contact with the pathogens. In this case the pregnant woman is immune.
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