What is Toxoplasmosis

Canadian Hairless Cat
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a Toxoplasma parasite. Toxoplasma infection is very common worldwide. Among adults in the US and UK, about 16~40% have been infected, with some surveys showing up to 70%, while in continental Europe and Latin America, 50~80% of adults have been infected, with the rate as high as 90% in France. Surveys conducted in 23 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions in China from 1985 to 1990 mostly found infection rates below 10%, significantly lower than foreign countries.
Most healthy people infected with Toxoplasma have no symptoms or very mild symptoms and do not know when they were infected. Only a few people experience initial (or primary) infection with fever, lymph node swelling, headache, muscle and joint pain, and abdominal pain. After several days or weeks, symptoms decrease as the body develops immunity. The cysts formed remain in the body for several months, years, or longer, generally resolving on their own. However, patients with severe immune deficiency, such as AIDS patients, can have serious consequences if infected. Pregnant women can transmit the infection to the fetus, which may result in serious outcomes. (Source:PetsZone)