What is toxoplasmosis?Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. While the parasite is found throughout the world, more than 40 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. The Toxoplasma parasite can persist for long periods of time in the bodies of humans (and other animals), possibly even for a lifetime. Of those who are infected however, very few have symptoms because a healthy person’s immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems. Show How do people get toxoplasmosis?A Toxoplasma infection occurs by one of the following:
What are the signs and symptoms of toxoplasmosis?Symptoms of the infection vary.
Who is at risk for developing severe toxoplasmosis?People who are most likely to develop severe toxoplasmosis include:
What should I do if I think I am at risk for severe toxoplasmosis?If you are planning to become pregnant, your health care provider may test you for Toxoplasma gondii. If the test is positive it means you have already been infected sometime in your life. There usually is little need to worry about passing the infection to your baby. If the test is negative, take necessary precautions to avoid infection (See below). If you are already pregnant, you and your health care provider should discuss your risk for toxoplasmosis. Your health care provider may order a blood sample for testing. If you have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor about having your blood tested for Toxoplasma. If your test is positive, your doctor can tell you if and when you need to take medicine to prevent the infection from reactivating. If your test is negative, it means you need to take precautions to avoid infection. (See below). What should I do if I think I may have toxoplasmosis?If you suspect that you may have toxoplasmosis, talk to your health care provider. Your provider may order one or more varieties of blood tests specific for toxoplasmosis. The results from the different tests can help your provider determine if you have a Toxoplasma gondii infection and whether it is a recent (acute) infection. What is the treatment for toxoplasmosis?Once a diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is confirmed, you and your health care provider can discuss whether treatment is necessary. In an otherwise healthy person who is not pregnant, treatment usually is not needed. If symptoms occur, they typically go away within a few weeks to months. For pregnant women or persons who have weakened immune systems, medications are available to treat toxoplasmosis. How can I prevent toxoplasmosis?There are several steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming infected with Toxoplasma gondii.
If you have a weakened immune system, please see guidelines for Immunocompromised Persons. For further information on safe food handling to help reduce foodborne illness visit the Fight BAC! ® websiteExternalexternal icon. If I am at risk, can I keep my cat?Yes, you may keep your cat if you are a person at risk for a severe infection (e.g., you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant); however, there are several safety precautions you should take to avoid being exposed to Toxoplasma gondii, including the following:
Your veterinarian can answer any other questions you may have regarding your cat and risk for toxoplasmosis. More on: Handwashing Once infected with Toxoplasma is my cat always able to spread the infection to me?No, cats only spread Toxoplasma in their feces for 1-3 weeks following infection with the parasite. Like humans, cats rarely have symptoms when infected, so most people do not know if their cat has been infected. Your veterinarian can answer any other questions you may have regarding your cat and risk for toxoplasmosis. For more information on toxoplasmosis in cats: https://www.capcvet.org/guidelines/toxoplasma-gondii/Externalexternal icon Back To Top Can you get sick from eating caterpillar poop?The greatest potential risk comes not from the excrement, but from the areas the caterpillars have been feeding on. If they've damaged part of the leaf, microbes, possibly some human pathogens, could move in.
What is caterpillar poop good for?It Makes Plants Stronger
The chitin in caterpillar frass makes plants stronger by helping plants resist nematodes and root rot, as well as trigger the autoimmune system of plants.
What is caterpillar poop made of?Caterpillar frass is composed of molecules derived from the host plant, the insect itself, and associated microbes, and hence it provides abundant cues that may alter plant defense responses, says lead researcher Swayamjit Ray, a doctoral student in the intercollege Plant Biology program.
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