A protozoan parasite ( Toxoplasma gondii) of the domestic cat, that causes the disease toxoplasmosis contracted through contact with cat feces. Toxoplasmosis is marked by tissue alterations in the brain and eye, with lesions affecting the lungs, liver, heart, and muscles. Human infection normally causes only a mild disease, but is more serious when it reaches a developing fetus or infects a person with a weakened immune system.

Toxoplasma is a microscopic parasite that may infect a wide variety of birds and mammals, including humans. Infection occurs when there is contact with the Toxoplasma parasitic egg. * Improperly handling meat and eating undercooked meat may cause illness. Fruits and vegetables from gardens contaminated with cat feces may also result in the illness. * Symptoms can include slight fever, enlarged lymph nodes and other flu-like symptoms. People with weak immune systems may develop more severe symptoms such as pneumonia. find all NHC pages containing: toxoplasma