Toxoplasmosis infection is most commonly associated with contact with which of the following?

• A. Ingestion of contaminated water
• B. Under cooked beef
• C. Cat feces
• D. Inhalation of spores

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that toxoplasmosis is most commonly transmitted to people through contact with cat feces. Cats are the definitive hosts and shed infectious oocysts in their feces; these oocysts contaminate the environment and can be ingested when people handle litter, soil, or other materials contaminated with cat feces, or drink water that’s contaminated. While undercooked meat containing tissue cysts can also transmit the parasite, that route involves ingestion of tissue cysts from meat rather than direct contact with feces, so it’s less about contact. Inhalation of spores isn’t a means of transmission for this organism. So, handling cat litter or exposure to environments contaminated by cat feces is the most common contact-related route. Preventive tips include careful handwashing after handling cats or soil and cooking meat thoroughly, especially during pregnancy.