Around one in three people worldwide have been infected with a microscopic parasite called Toxoplasma gondii – or simply “toxo” – which can cause toxoplasmosis. After the initial infection, toxo settles into our muscles and brain, where it can remain for life.

A parasite that lives in our brain for life – that sounds worrying.

Yet, the vast majority would not even know they are infected, as it rarely poses clinical problems in healthy people who aren’t pregnant. In fact, our bodies do a remarkable job of protecting us against a barrage of infections, without us even knowing, toxo included.

So, why has toxo received so much attention? And are you at risk even if you don’t have a cat?

Do we get toxo from cats?

Cats can carry toxo and pass it on to humans through their faeces. They are the only “definitive hosts” in which the toxo parasite can reproduce.

But this doesn’t mean it’s only cat owners who are at risk.

Worldwide, eating undercooked meat that contains toxo is a major source of infection.

It’s also important to note that cats only shed toxo when they are infected for the first time and are then immune afterwards, meaning they no longer shed and pass it on. Most infected cats show no symptoms, but if they develop the clinical disease toxoplasmosis, they may lose their appetite and experience fever and lethargy.

Many people first hear about the risk of toxo infection in relation to pregnancy.

Expectant........

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