Caused by the scratch or bite of a cat infected with the rickettsial Bartonella henselae. A protozoan , Toxoplasma gondii has its complete life cycle only in cats, which are the only source of infective oocysts. The only real risk to lab animal staff is contact with infective oocysts in the feces of cats. Eating undercooked meat and handling soil are also common causes of infection. Infection in a previously uninfected pregnant woman can result in prenatal infection of the developing fetus, which can result in birth defects.
Clinical signs are generally brief and self-limiting.
Usually responds to specific antimicrobial therapy. Responsive to prescription topical therapy. This protein is also found in saliva of cats.