This is all about toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Cat feces and kitty litter are a major source of toxoplasmosis since cats are a natural host for this parasite that reproduces in their intestines. Toxoplasmosis can also be found in raw or undercooked meat or in contaminated soil. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that only about 15 percent of women of childbearing age are immune to toxoplasmosis. The infection caused by the parasite is minor in healthy individuals, but the risk lies in the fact that this infection could be passed on to your baby.
An estimated four hundred to for thousand cases of congenital toxoplasmosis occur in the United States each year. Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or death shortly after birth. Congenital toxoplasmosis can also affect your baby’s brain, causing mental retardation, seizures, blindness, and death.
Don’t fear: most cases of congenital toxoplasmosis can be prevented by educating women of childbearing age and pregnant women to avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, and wear gloves while gardening and, if possible, have someone else change the kitty litter. (If you’re pregnant and you have to clean the cat’s commode, try to wear gloves and be sure to wash carefully.)
Next: How to use a condom?
Previous: Can babies be born with teeth?
"Should pregnant women avoid cats and kitty litter?" was posted on Friday, November 9th, 2007 at 11:34 pm.