Recently, an article in Biology Letters indicated that there may be a correlation between the incidence of Toxoplasma gondii and brain cancer. Unfortunately, though this study is far from being conclusive, it is causing some panic in some circles. I?ve even heard some people citing this study as a reason to eradicate the feral cat populations.
What Is Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a protozoal infection (an infection caused by a one-celled organism) caused by an organism called Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are a natural host for the organism and typically are infected without showing signs of infections. The organism can be shed through the feces of infected cats, but is typically shed for only a short amount of time.
The primary danger of toxoplasmosis is to an unborn fetus. When infected during pregnancy, toxoplasma can cause fetal death or deformity for the unborn fetus. For this reason, pregnant women are best advised to avoid handling the litter box or to wear gloves when cleaning the box. Caution must be used when gardening and performing other activities that involve digging in soil as well.
Can Toxoplasmosis Really Cause Brain Cancer?
Quite honestly, we don?t know at this point. However, this study, though it does indicate that there may be a need for more research in the area, falls far short of actually proving that toxoplasmosis can cause brain cancer.
The folks over the Worms and Germs blog (published by the University of Guelph) have addressed the issue of toxoplasmosis and brain cancer also. Please see their post for more information.
What Does the Study Really Say About Toxoplasmosis and Brain Cancer?
The only thing that the study really does say about the correlation between toxoplasmosis and brain cancer is that localities that have a higher incidence of toxoplasmosis also have a higher incidence of brain cancer. I think the most important thing to remember here is that this does not indicate a direct correlation between the two. There are many other factors that may well correlate as well and the correlation between toxoplasmosis and brain cancer could easily be coincidental.
What Should Cat Owners Do?
Firstly, don?t panic. The chance that your cat is going to cause you to develop brain cancer is slim at best, if it exists at all.
Pay attention to sanitary practices in the same way you do to help prevent the flu or other contagious diseases. Toxoplasmosis is spread through fecal contamination. So take precautions to avoid this type of contamination.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often.
- Wash all fruit and vegetables before consumption.
- Cook all meat thoroughly before eating.
- Consider wearing gloves when handling your cat?s litter box.
- Consider wearing gloves when gardening or otherwise digging in the dirt.
- Cover children?s sandboxes to prevent stray cats from using them as a litter box.
While we don?t know for certain if toxoplasmosis is a factor in the development of brain cancer, we do not that, if it happens, it happens rarely. There is no need to fear your cat or be frightened to handle him.
Photo Courtesy of Dzilam/Flickr.com
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