Cat: Caution for Pregnant Women

Cats are one of the most popular pets in Nepal. They have long been adored for their companionship, love and loyalty. Their soothing purrs and warm licks make us feel relaxed. Thats why cats are appealing pets to many. However, cats pose a threat to pregnant women. They play an important role in the spread of Toxoplasmosis, a Zoonotic disease, which if acquired first time during pregnancy, may lead to abortion, still birth or severely handicapped child. Toxoplasmosis is zoonosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite. Cats are the only host of this parasite that can directly spread Toxoplasma gondii into the environment by releasing millions of infective units (oocysts) in their feces. Cats get Toxoplasma infection by ingesting infected mice, birds or other small animals, however, cats rarely show clinical illness. The parasite is then passed in cats feces in an oocyst form that contaminates litter boxes, sand boxes, soil or water in the environment. The parasite becomes infectious only 1 to 5 days after it is shed in feces.

But, Toxoplasmosis is severe disease when acquired by pregnant women. Generally, if a woman has been infected before becoming pregnant, the unborn child will be protected by mothers immunity. However, if a woman is pregnant and becomes newly infected with Toxoplasma during or just before pregnancy, she can pass the infection to her unborn baby (congenital transmission).However, mother does not show any clinical symptoms. The damage to the unborn child is often more severe, the earlier in pregnancy, the transmission occurs. Potential results can be Miscarriage Still born child A child born with signs of Toxoplasmosis (e.g., abnormal enlargement or smallness of the head)

Infants infected before birth often show no symptoms at birth but may develop them later in life with potential vision loss, mental disability, and seizures. Thus, all pregnant women should be screened for Toxoplasmosis with blood test during pregnancy period. Toxoplasma IgG and IgM seronegative pregnant women should be monitored throughout the pregnancy to ensure that they do not acquire and develop Toxoplasmosis. Do not panic! You do not have to give up your cat if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Pregnant women who are exposed to cats should follow these simple tips to avoid/ reduce exposure to Toxoplasmosis. Avoid changing cat litter if possible. If no one else can perform the task, wear disposable gloves and wash your hands with soap and warm water afterwards. Have someone else clean litter box. Ensure that litter box is changed daily. The Toxoplasma parasite does not become infectious until 1 to 5 days after it is shed in cat's feces. Keep outdoor sandboxes covered when not in use to keep cats from defecating in them. Wear gloves when gardening and during contact with soil or sand because it might be contaminated with cat feces that contain Toxoplasma. Wash hands with soap and warm water after gardening or contact with soil or sand. Feed your cat commercial dry or canned food. Never feed cat raw meat because this can be a source of Toxoplasma infection. Keep cat indoors so they do not become infected by ingesting small animals. Avoid adopting stray cats, especially kittens. Do not get a new cat while you are pregnant. Nowadays, it has become clear that owning a cat does not mean a pregnant woman will be infected with the parasite. It is unlikely that she would be exposed to the parasite by touching an infected cat because cats usually do not carry the parasite on their fur. In addition, cats kept indoors (that do not hunt prey or are not fed raw meat) are not likely to be infected with Toxoplasma. However, if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant or have a weakened immune system, it is utmost important to protect yourself from infection.