toxoplasmosis

American  

[tok-soh-plaz-moh-sis] / ˌtɒk soʊ plæzˈmoʊ sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted to humans by consumption of insufficiently cooked meat containing the parasite or by contact with contaminated cats or their feces: the illness produced is usually mild, but in pregnant women may damage the fetus.

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toxoplasmosis British  

/ ˌtɒksəʊplæzˈməʊsɪs /

noun

1. a protozoal disease characterized by jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, and convulsions, caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii

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toxoplasmosis Scientific  

/ tŏk′sō-plăz-mō′sĭs /

1. An infectious disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii that can be transmitted by infected humans and animals, especially cats, often by contact with feces. Toxoplasmosis can be a mild illness with fever and swollen lymph nodes, or progress to severe damage to the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. Fetuses that become infected during pregnancy may have congenital blindness and brain damage.

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Other Word Forms

• toxoplasmic adjective

Etymology

Origin of toxoplasmosis

1925–30; < New Latin Toxoplasm ( a ) ( see toxoplasma) + -osis

Example Sentences

When illness does occur, known as toxoplasmosis, it is most serious in individuals with weakened immune systems.

From Science Daily • Feb. 16, 2026

"The risk of toxoplasmosis by cats is an often overlooked but potentially serious consequence of cats roaming the landscape."

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2023

The strain of Toxoplasma gondii, the single-celled parasite that causes the disease toxoplasmosis, has never been recorded before in the U.S., is unusually virulent, and could pose a threat to other mammals—including people.

From National Geographic • May 31, 2023

It also cited the threat to nene from toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease spread by cat feces.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2023

“Did you know that toxoplasmosis and campylobacteriosis are transmitted to humans from the fecal matter of cats?”

From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson