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

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Etymology

Origin of toxoplasmosis

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

toxoplasmosis

Shkreli came to prominence a decade ago for buying the rights to Daraprim, a drug used to treat a rare parasitic infection known as toxoplasmosis that primarily affects people who are immunocompromised.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

Initially they thought it was toxoplasmosis, external, an infection spread through contact with infected cat faeces.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

Congenital toxoplasmosis remains a serious concern when infection occurs for the first time during pregnancy, as it can result in severe fetal complications.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 27, 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

“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

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