Effect of Toxoplasmosis gondii in cats

What is Toxoplasmosis gondii? 

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan eukaryote (specifically an apicomplexan) that causes the infectious disease toxoplasmosis. 

It is capable of infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals, but felines, such as domestic cats, are the only known definitive hosts in which the parasite may undergo sexual reproduction 

Lifecycle of Toxoplasmosis gondii: 

The life cycle of T. gondii is complex and involves two types of hosts — 

• “Definitive” hosts in which the parasite reproduces and forms eggs (called oocysts) 
• “Intermediate” hosts in which it reproduces by making clones of itself, which cluster inside cysts. 

Wild and domestic cats are the only definitive hosts for the microorganism. 

How does it spread? 

• It can spread via swallowing contaminated soils and feces 
• Eating raw or undercooked meat from animals that have been infected with Toxoplasma 

Infection in cats: 

• When a cat ingests infected prey or raw meat, the parasite is released from cysts into the cat’s digestive tract, where it reproduces and produces oocysts. 
• Infected cats then excrete these oocysts in their faeces by the millions. 
• Oocysts are very hardy and may survive in the environment for well over a year. 
• Some of the T. gondii released from cysts from the infected meat will penetrate more deeply into the wall of the cat’s intestine and multiply as yet another form, called a tachyzoite.

Which cat can be infected? 

• Pregnant cats 
• Cats having FIV ( feline immunodeficiency virus) (vaccines available) 

Symptoms (in cats) 

• Diarrhoea 
• Loss of appetite 
• Jaundice 
• Behaviour changes 
• Seizures 
• Pressing the head against the wall 

 Preventing the infection in cats: 

• Cats should be kept indoors 
• Cats should be given well-cooked food 
• The litter box should be covered and cleaned properly 

Author:

Sristi Banerjee,
School of Smart Agriculture,
Adamas University