What is Toxoplasma gondii?
Over 40 million people in the United States alone carry the parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. The CDC observes that in some places of the world up to 60% of populationsopen_in_new are infected by it, particularly those with hot, humid climates and lower elevations. As often as they are found in the human body however, studies have shown that cats, both domesticated and wild, are the definitive hostopen_in_new for this intracellular protozoan parasite for two reasons: first, the parasite can only sexually reproduceopen_in_new within cats, and second, because of their tendency to ingest the undercooked and spoiled meats which most commonly carry it.
Toxoplasma gondii have also been found in unpasteurized sheep and goats’ milkopen_in_new, and Toxoplasmosis outbreaks have been documented in Brazil and the United States. Since free-range animals are more likely to spread the disease — and natural farming is becoming more in demand — there is a potential for increasing proportions of T. gondii-infected meat and/or dairy-producing livestock.
Where is it Found?
What Does it Infect?
How Does it Spread?
Preventing the Spread of Toxoplasma gondii
Toxoplasma gondii can be neutralized by the following means:
- Cook meats and poultry to the following internal temperatures:
- Whole meats to 145°F
- Ground meats to 160°F
- Poultry to 165°F
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
- Steer clear of uncooked oysters, mussels, and clams
- Wash hands before and after food prep
- Carefully wash all kitchen utensils, dishes, cutting boards, and countertops thoroughly
- Do not drink untreated water or unpasteurized goat’s milk
- Wear gloves when gardening
- Change the litter in your cat box as often as possible
- Keep outdoor sandboxes covered (to prevent infection by stray cats)
- If pregnant: avoid cats and cat litter
Get More Protection with UV Disinfection
In addition to the above preventative measures, germicidal ultraviolet (UV-C) water disinfection can inactivate Toxoplasma gondii in well water, municipal water supplies, and wastewater. Meat processing facilities can benefit from UV water and surface disinfection. Shop our products at AtlanticUltraviolet.comopen_in_new.
Learn about these applications:
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Our germicidal lamps produce ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness. Read our FAQ blog post to learn more. See dosage data below.
Toxoplasma gondii: Classification & UV-C Dose for Inactivation
| Organism: | Alternate Name: | Type: | Disease: | UV Dose*: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toxiplasma gondii | T. gondii | Parasite | Toxoplasmosis | 13.0 mJ/cm2 |
* Nominal Ultraviolet dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganisms. See sources below.
People at High Risk of Infection
You’re more likely to contract an infection from Toxoplasma gondii if you:
- Eat undercooked contaminated meat and shellfish
- Accidentally ingest the parasite by handling contaminated food
- Touch cat feces or anything that has come in contact with it
- Touch contaminated soil
- Drink contaminated water
- Are immunocompromised or an infant
Toxoplasma gondii Symptoms
While most of the people who have unknowingly ingested Toxoplasma gondii suffer no ill effects due to the powerful human immune system, immunocompromised people ingesting the parasite often experience a disease known as Toxoplasmosis, which can have severe consequences. The CDC has therefore placed it on its list of 5 parasitic diseasesopen_in_new requiring public health action.
The most common symptoms associated with Toxoplasma gondii are as follows:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Body aches
- Eye pain
- Poor vision – floaters
- Dehydration
Possible Complications from Toxoplasma gondii
For the immunocompromised, Toxoplasma gondii infections can cause:
- Lung infection
- Breathing problems
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Seizures
For infants, Toxoplasma gondii infections can cause:
- Fluid on the brain (Hydrocephalus)
- Blindness
- Heart disorders
- Jaundice
Sources on Toxoplasma gondii
The above information can be found on the following pages.
- CDC: Toxoplasmosis: General Factsopen_in_new
- Mayo Clinic: Toxoplasmosisopen_in_new
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Toxoplasmosisopen_in_new
- ScienceDirect: Environmental transmission of T. gondii: Oocysts in water, soil and foodopen_in_new
- National Library of Medicine: Environmental risk factors for Toxoplasma gondiiopen_in_new
- Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii in wastewater and surface wateropen_in_new
Dosage Source
Sensitivity of Bacteria, Protozoa, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms to Ultraviolet Radiation. Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Volume 126, Article No. 126021. August 20, 2021.
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