Toxoplasmosis

[Darkestlight]

Do you have a cat or something? You know you aren't supposed to change cat litter while you are pregnant.... right? That's usually something they take very seriously it can cause birth defects. They may need to put you on medicine for it.

http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/dpd/parasites/toxoplasmosis/factsht_toxoplasmosis.htm

OK - my ob/gyn called today to say that my toxo test was high.  She wants me to go to a specialists for an u/s to make sure they are ok and we have to retest in 4-6 weeks.  Has anybody else ever dealt with this.  We are totally freaked out but they didn't seem to be too worried - The specialist said we'd wait until I was 12 weeks so we could do all the test at the same time.  You'd think if she was that worried, we'd get in right away, right?

[Trialanderror]

I only know this second-hand from my former sister-in-law: there are several blood tests that determine whether you had - if at all - already been infected before pregnancy - that would be harmless for the baby - or whether you have been infected during pregnancy, which is serious for the baby. There is medication you can get but I am not sure why there would not be a hurry. The latter case is of course serious. My sister-in-law is blind in one eye since her mother`s toxoplasmosis went undiagnosed. Transmission can be cat litter or cat feces on any other object and aslo undercooked meat. Hopefully you have nothing to worry after all.

[Nicole624]

I was told my dr. it is transmitted through cat litter. Something in their feses(sp?) causes it. She said especially if cats live outside it is more likely to be passed. I have 3 cats and have stayed away from the litter. My dr. said dont even go near it b./c of the smell. Thats fine by me!! Good luck and keep us posted!!

[KellyTexas]

I have cats but they are all indoors and healthy - my husband has been changing the litter.  She said she doubted it was my cats seeing as they never go outside and are current on everything and healthy.  My old toxo titer showed I was immune.  They however found a "new" toxo in my system as well.  Now I do work at the animal shelter and strays are brought in all the time, but have avoided it too.  This is freaking me out and I have to freak out until the 16th - nice!!!!

[tina1111]

You can get it several other ways than litter boxes. Gardening is another common one. It lives in the soil, too.