Taeniasis by T. saginata is often subclinical and is only revealed by fecal examination. Clinical symptoms consist of abdominal pains, nausea, debility, weight loss, flatulence, and diarrhea or constipation. Taeniasis by T. solium is rarer. Cysticercosis is a much more serious disease. Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasma gondii , a protozoan.
Cats are both definitive and intermediate hosts.
Cats become infected by eating raw meat, birds, or mice containing encysted bradyzoites. Man becomes infected by consuming raw or insufficiently cooked meat, primarily from sheep, swine, and, in some places, goats. The infection is usually subclinical. Symptomatic toxoplasmosis can be congenital or acquired postnatally. More cases are now seen in patients with immune system defects or those who are receiving immunosuppressive treatment and usually is fatal.