{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.
{Author}: Hartmann K;Addie D;Belák S;Boucraut-Baralon C;Egberink H;Frymus T;Gruffydd-Jones T;Hosie MJ;Lloret A;Lutz H;Marsilio F;Möstl K;Pennisi MG;Radford AD;Thiry E;Truyen U;Horzinek MC;
{Journal}: J Feline Med Surg
{Volume}: 15
{Issue}: 7
{Year}: Jul 2013
{Factor}: 1.971
{DOI}: 10.1177/1098612X13489228
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Toxoplasma gondii infection is common in cats, but the clinical disease is rare. Up to 50% of cats, especially free-roaming ones, have antibodies indicating infection and the presence of cystic stages.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Clinical signs only appear in few cats when they become immunosuppressed - in these situations cystic stages can be reactivated. Commonly affected are the central nervous system (CNS), muscles, lungs and eyes. HUMAN INFECTION: Cats can pose a risk for humans when they shed oocysts. However, this happens only once in their lifetime, usually only for 3-10 days after ingestion of tissue cysts. Thus, cats that have antibodies to T gondii no longer shed oocysts, and do not pose a risk to humans.