Toxoplasmosis, 2019

Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by the coccidian protozoan Toxoplasma gondii and cats are the primary reservoir. T. gondii transmission in the United States is primarily foodborne, through handling or consumption of undercooked pork, lamb, or venison containing bradyzoites, the microscopic tissue cyst form of the parasite. People also can be infected through direct contact with cat feces that contains Toxoplasma oocysts or though consumption of food or water that has been contaminated with oocysts.

In 2019, 17 cases were reported (13 confirmed and 4 probable), similar to the 15 reported in 2018. Three cases had immunocompromising conditions. Eleven cases were diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis, 4 with generalized toxoplasmosis, and 2 were diagnosed with cerebral toxoplasmosis. Two cases were congenital while the others were acquired. There was 1 pregnant case. The case’s baby was carried to term and delivered with no apparent complications to mother or newborn. The median age of cases was 32 years (range, newborn to 75 years). Ten cases (59%) were male. Ten were white, 2 were black, 4 were Asian/ Pacific Islander; 11 cases were non- Hispanic, while 1 was Hispanic, and 5 were of unknown ethnicity.

• Find up to date information at>> Toxoplasmosis
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2019