Toxoplasmosis, 2017

Toxoplasmosis is an illness caused by the coccidian protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are the primary reservoir for T. gondii. 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 2017, 9 cases were reported, similar to the 7 reported in 2016, and 9 reported in 2015. Two cases had immunocompromising conditions.

Seven cases were diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis, 1 with generalized toxoplasmosis, and 1 was diagnosed with cerebral toxoplasmosis. There were no pregnant cases. The median age of cases was 42 years (range, 14 to 60). Six cases were male. Two cases were white, 5 were black, and 2 were of unknown race; 8 cases were non-Hispanic and 1 was of unknown ethnicity.

• For up to date information see>> Toxoplasmosis
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2017