Can I catch Toxoplasmosis from a Cat Scratch?

Question

Are there any vets or doctors out there? I am 12 weeks pregnant, and yesterday my friends cat scratched me... It was more like a puncture wound. Anyway, I am going out of my mind, worrying about Toxoplasmosis which can cause miscarriage and still birth. I called the Vets, who said, you have to "eat" the parasite and it can't be transmitted via a scratch. But,then the doctor called me back to say it IS possible to catch it, and to come in for a blood test! I am so scared, can any one advise?

Answer 1

The vet is absolutely right- you cannot catch Toxoplasmosis from a cat scratch! On the whole, vets know a lot more about zoonotic disease (disease transmissible from animals to humans) than doctors do, as we have to study it through our entire course!

Toxoplasma infection occurs, as the vet told you, by accidental ingestion of the parasite. In children, this occurs most commonly by ingesting oocysts (the 'eggs' of the parasite). As an adult, you are far more likely to become infected by eating undercooked meat, especially lamb products. If you've ever owned cats for any period of time or ever played in the dirt or sandpit as a child, you've probably already been exposed in any case, which means that there is pretty much zero risk to your baby. The blood test will let you know if you've already got antibodies against toxoplasmosis.

There are a few general precautions you can take-
* If you do any gardening, make sure you wear gloves and wash your hands well after.
* Rinse any fresh vegetables, etc., thoroughly
* Don't eat any meat unless well cooked

I hope that's set your mind at rest.

Answer 2

Toxoplasmosis Cat Scratch

Answer 3

Apparently there is some kind of a learning curve here I read all these statement and the curve that is adversely effecting your comprehension has made you slide off the facts. try to stay on just the facts. not what you want to believe just because you may be a 90% tor a ninety presenter.
FACT #1 toxoplasmosis can only reproduce sexually in the intestines of a cat which is its only definitive host . that statement right there means this “without cats it cannot reproduce or regenerate itself” Therefore in a world without cats! There would be no toxoplasmosis infections causing birth defects. 10% good or 90% bad.

Fact #2 --- There is no cure for the drain infection; there is nothing so far that can kill this parasite in the brain with out killing the infected person brain.

FACT #3--- The government knows this the government infected 1000 pregnant women without their knowledge then the CDC keeps the records of these and study them through pregnancy to death and then study their babies from conception to death.

Fact #4 less than 10% of these babies displayed superior mental awareness. This is what the government is after (the few with superior mental awareness)
(< 100 out of 1000)
Fact #5 the other 90% are crazy as a mongoose and very in degree of anti-social and mental disorders. (< 900 out of 1000)

Fact #6---mumps, measles, encephalitis, chicken pox, and the shingles are a form of toxoplasmosis infections.

Fact #7 what is it you don t understand please? Poster states get the cats tested and treated. If the infection cannot be cured have them put down, If it is true what you say your cat has nothing to worry about right. That is what you said. That your cats don t have it? However, for 25dollars we can find out.

Fact #8---- This testing of pets is just to protect the children, the babies who cant protect them selves.

Fact #9 ---- Toxoplasmosis is the most common parasite on the planet due to the fact that there is cat poop everywhere people let their CATS roam all over no leash. They poop in box get it on their feet track it on table tops and counters; they lick their butt, then lick their fur then lick their feet. they have a gay time of it.
Fact #10 –OOcyst the passing stage last six month in feces--Toxoplasmosis can live for 18 months out side of the cats stomach on surfaces. Soap and water bleach does not kill toxoplasmosis, much like cryptosporidium. It builds a protective around itself.

You are correct I would say and I wish to apologize to the 90 % I realize they may be infected and have problems comprehending scientific reports and the such. Which is what the government wants out of the 90% presenters. Which Presenters means to display or present for viewing. I myself have tested positive for Toxoplasmosis so I am in complete agreement with the poster of this query.

Answer 4

You won't get toxoplasmosis - stop worrying. My partner was scratched several times when she was pregnant and our child was fine. Have the test though to put your mind at rest - within a week you'll be walking on sunshine again! By the way, take advantage of sleep as much as you can right now, 'cos you're not likely to get any for about 6 months following the birth!

Answer 5

ok im not a vet or a doctor, but i am a cat breeder

as far as i am aware you have to eat the paraste that is found in there waste, this is why its best not to deal with litter trays when you are having a baby.
as far as i am aware you couldnt get it from a scratch, i would defo clean the wound well, and always make sure you wash hands after meeting a pet.
have the test but i am pretty sure its direct contact with waste from the cat.
try not too worry the doctor is right to test just to be safe

Answer 6

It's in their poop, if you wash your hands you're safe.

Most cats don't even have it. Most people have already been exposed to it from working in the garden (it's in the dirt outside) and are immune.

There's a very small chance at catching it from cleaning the litter box, but the cat would have to be a carrier and not many of them are. (You can use it as an excuse though to have someone else do the litter box duty, LOL!). If a pregnant person with a cat was concerned about cleaning the box, they only need to use rubber gloves, but really you only need to wash with soap and water.

If you washed off the scratch, you're safe.

Answer 7

You need to be in contact with cat or dog faeces to risk toxoplasmosis so you should be absolutely fine. If you are still worried (and doesn't the slightest thing worry us when we are pregnant) then give your midwife a call.

Answer 8

toxoplasmosis is transmitted via the feces, not through a scratch. However, cat scratches are prone to infection and you should keep it clean and get advice from your gyn about whether or not they want you to maybe take antibiotics.

Answer 9

You can get toxoplasmosis by:

* Accidentally swallowing cat feces from a Toxoplasma-infected cat that is shedding the organism in its feces. This might happen if you were to accidentally touch your hands to your mouth after gardening, cleaning a cat's litter box, or touching anything that has come into contact with cat feces. Eating contaminated raw or partly cooked meat, especially pork, lamb, or venison; by touching your hands to your mouth after handling undercooked meat.
* Contaminating food with knives, utensils, cutting boards and other foods that have had contact with raw meat.
* Drinking water contaminated with Toxoplasma.
* Receiving an infected organ transplant or blood transfusion, though this is rare.

Answer 10

Have a look at this article, it is highly unlikely that you have Toxoplasmosis. But get yourself checked straight away to be on the safe side.

http://www.womens-health.co.uk/toxo.asp