Toxoplasmosis Implicated in Mental Health Diso... - CLL Support

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Toxoplasmosis Implicated in Mental Health Disorders

AussieNeil profile image
AussieNeilAdministrator
4 Replies

Not CLL related, but for those that have pet cats, something to consider given your low immunity with CLL.

"An estimated 22.5% of the U.S. population aged 12 and older has been infected with toxoplasmosis, which is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Though cats are the target hosts of T. gondii, any vertebrate can be infected and serve as an intermediate host.

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Humans can become infected by coming in contact with infected cats, which shed them in microscopic oocyte form through their waste. It is estimated that 60 million Americans are latently infected with toxoplasmosis, but most people don't show obvious symptoms because they have healthy immune systems. (my emphasis)

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A growing body of research suggests the parasite should be considered more of a threat than it is, especially in the realm of mental health. The link between T. gondii and schizophrenia, in particular, has been well established.

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...a study released last year suggested the parasite could be involved in one-fifth of schizophrenia cases."

Full article:

psychiatryadvisor.com/targe...

Perhaps a good excuse to have someone else handle the kitty litter tray, or at least wash your hands very well and consider wearing a mask when disposing of the kitty litter.

Neil

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Cllcanada profile image
CllcanadaTop Poster CURE Hero

Here is a great website about 'What you can catch from your cat' ...Zoonotic diseases

vet.cornell.edu/FHC/health_...

gotCLL profile image
gotCLL

CLL patients and family members should also be aware of the risks from droppings on and around bird feeders. E.g., ours has an acrylic dome which is splattered, so I no longer clean, handle, or fill the feeder.

Cllcanada profile image
CllcanadaTop Poster CURE Hero in reply to gotCLL

Yes, bird and bat droppings around bird feeders, in barns, toolsheds and greenhouses etc... can have a fungus that causes Histoplasmosis - it can be extremely serious in the immunocompromised patients, and is airborne.

Cllcanada profile image
CllcanadaTop Poster CURE Hero

More on this from the CDC...

Toxoplasmosis Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

cdc.gov/parasites/toxoplasm...

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