Toxoplasma gondii

What is Toxoplasma gondii?

Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled, microscopic parasite that is a major culprit in serious foodborne illness. It’s estimated that more than 60 million men, women and children in the United States carry the parasite, but their immune systems usually keep the parasite from causing illness. Still, the infection caused by the parasite is the third leading cause of death due to foodborne illness.

What are the illnesses associated with Toxoplasma gondii?

Toxoplasmosis is the illness specifically caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite.

How is Toxoplasma gondii transmitted?

The Toxoplasma gondii parasite can be transmitted to people if they eat undercooked, contaminated meat or contaminated fruits or vegetables, or by drinking water contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii.
Cats also play a big role in spreading the parasite. Cats that go outdoors eat infected birds, rodents or other small animals, then shed the parasite in their feces. A human who cleans the cat’s litter box may accidentally ingest Toxoplasma gondii from contact with the cat box.

What foods are most at risk for Toxoplasma gondii contamination?

• Undercooked meat, particularly pork, lamb and venison
• Unwashed fruits and vegetables
• Contaminated water

What can you do to help avoid Toxoplasma gondii?

• Cook food to safe temperatures, and use a kitchen thermometer to measure the internal temperatures of meats
• Peel or wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
• Freeze meat for several days before cooking to reduce chances of infection
• Avoid drinking untreated water, particularly when traveling to less developed countries
• Keep cats indoors, and wear disposable gloves when changing the cat litter box and wash hands thoroughly afterward
• Feed cats only canned or dried commercial cat food, not raw or undercooked meats
• Don’t get a new cat during pregnancy or handle stray cats

Who is at the greatest risk for Toxoplasma gondii infection?

Anyone who ingests Toxoplasma gondii is at risk of developing toxoplasmosis but some groups are at greater risk of developing severe illness and complications from the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Women who are newly pregnant are at risk of damaging their developing child with the parasite and individuals with compromised immune systems are at serious risk of developing potentially life threatening health issues.

What are the symptoms of Toxoplasma gondii poisoning?

Onset of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite is sporadic and varies amongst the population. Most people who have Toxoplasma gondii show no symptoms of the parasite infection.  For individuals who develop toxoplasmosis the symptoms include:

• Swollen glands
• Fever
• Muscle pains
• Headache

What are the complications that can occur from a Toxoplasma gondii infection?

Severe toxoplasmosis can cause damage to the brain, eyes, or other organs. Some infants infected with the parasite are born with birth defects and even if they are born healthy, a Toxoplasma gondii infection can develop later in life from an infection occuring during infancy. Severe cases of toxoplasmosis are more likely to occur in individuals who have compromised immune systems, but people with healthy immune systems can experience eye damage from toxoplasmosis. For an unfortunate few individuals, an infection of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite results in death.

Advocating for Food Safety

The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. The food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages, including clients in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.