By Gina White Most people with toxoplasmosis have no symptoms, but it's dangerous for babies, who can contract it in the womb. The fetus and infant eyes they studied had symptoms including inflammation, tissue death and pigment disruption. Toxoplasmosis is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and is transmitted through undercooked meat and cat feces, among other sources.
Fetuses contract the parasite through the mother.
The infection usually causes no symptoms in adults with healthy immune systems, but for fetuses and infants, it can cause central nervous system problems, blindness, learning disabilities and death. Don't eat undercooked meat. Avoid handling soil that may have come in contact with animal feces. Thoroughly wash your hands after touching raw meat, feces or soil. Pregnant women who are concerned that they might have been exposed should ask their doctor to test for the Toxoplasma antibody.