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  |  General Health  |  Diseases and conditions  |  Toxoplasmosis: concerns prior to pregnancy
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Toxoplasmosis: concerns prior to pregnancy

by Peg Plumbo

question
I am hoping to conceive soon, but I have three cats and I'm concerned about toxoplasmosis. My cats are clean, indoor animals with up-to-date shots. Are they likely to have toxoplasmosis? I wash my hands immediately after cleaning their boxes. Can I be tested for it and, if I've been exposed, can I eliminate it prior to conception?

answer
Toxoplasmosis is an infection with a protozoan parasite. Infection during pregnancy can possibly spread to the foetus causing serious damage to the brain or the eyes of the unborn child. You should have no worries about toxoplasmosis, unless the cats' mother had the oocysts which could have been transmitted to them as kittens. The "lifestyle" which your cats now lead puts them and you at NO risk for the virus to cause harm to your future baby. And remember that hand washing is the best deterrent to this disease in the home.

Your cats can be screened for this virus at your vet's. You, too, can be screened for antibodies (the majority of people have antibodies and are not at risk of this disease) or you could be checked for acute disease during your pregnancy with two blood tests to see if you have come into recent contact with the virus.

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