Best Answer - Chosen by Asker What is toxoplasmosis? A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis. While the parasite is found throughout the world, . Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person's immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems. How do people get toxoplasmosis? A Toxoplasma infection occurs by: Eating undercooked, contaminated meat (especially pork, lamb, and venison). Accidental ingestion of undercooked, contaminated meat after handling it an not washing hands thoroughly (Toxoplasma cannot be absorbed through intact skin). Eating food that was contaminated by knives, utensils, cutting boards and other foods that have had contact with raw, contaminated meat. Drinking water contaminated with Toxoplasma gondii. Accidentally swallowing the parasite through contact with cat feces that contain Toxoplasma. This might happen by cleaning a cat's litter box when the cat has shed Toxoplasma in its feces touching or ingesting anything that has come into contact with cat feces that contain Toxoplasma accidentally ingesting contaminated soil (e.g., not washing hands after gardening or eating unwashed fruits or vegetables from a garden) Mother-to-child (congenital) transmission. Receiving an infected organ transplant or infected blood via transfusion, though this is rare. What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis? Symptoms of the infection vary. Most people who become infected with Toxoplasma gondii are not aware of it. Some people who