How does Toxoplasma gondii spread to pregnant women?

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that is common among household pets. Many pregnant women worry that Toxoplasma gondii may be transmitted to the fetus in their body and affect the health of the fetus, which makes them struggle with the question of whether to send their long-raised pets somewhere else during pregnancy. So can Toxoplasma gondii be transmitted to pregnant women? How does Toxoplasma gondii be transmitted to pregnant women? Let’s take a look at it together below.

How is Toxoplasma infection spread?

1. Animal transmission

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that can infect any animal that ingests it. Toxoplasma eggs are excreted in animal feces, and contaminated vegetables, fruits, poultry, dairy products, canned foods, egg products, various snacks, and water sources become routes of infection.

Cats and dogs are the most common sources of Toxoplasma infection. Because cats and dogs are the main types of pets, and cats have Toxoplasma and oocysts in their mouths and bodies, contact with cats may lead to infection. Dogs are also hosts of Toxoplasma gondii, but their feces are not contagious. Other animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, or general poultry may carry live Toxoplasma and oocysts. Some insects may also be infected with Toxoplasma after biting humans.

2. Human-to-human transmission

Toxoplasma gondii can also be transmitted between people. Pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii may be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta. In addition, Toxoplasma gondii may also parasitize in women's menstrual blood, men's semen, and human body fluids. Sneezing and sexual intercourse may lead to mutual infection.

How to prevent and treat Toxoplasma gondii

First, pay attention to food hygiene, cook meat thoroughly, and avoid raw meat contaminating cooked food.

Second, cats should be kept at home and fed cooked food or ready-made cat food, and not allowed to hunt outside. Cats become infected by eating infected mice or birds, or by eating food contaminated by cat feces.

Third, pay attention to daily hygiene, clean up cat feces every day, and wash your hands carefully after contact with animal excrement.

Fourth, unless the pregnant woman’s serum test proves that she has been infected with Toxoplasma gondii, she should avoid contact with cats and their feces during pregnancy.

Fifth, there are a variety of simple and effective drug treatments for Toxoplasma infection. Treatment must be carried out according to the doctor's instructions. Timely treatment of infection in pregnant women can reduce the chance of fetal infection.

This article details how Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted and how to avoid Toxoplasma infection. As a pregnant woman, you must actively avoid Toxoplasma infection.