Expert: Doctor Early Options - 4/3/2011

Question
Hello Doctors...
I want to ask about pregnancy and texoplasma...
I have a cat, it has been with me for over a year now, I’m married for about 18 months and I’m thinking of getting pregnant…
I have got the toxoplasma test and it was negative… my doctor said that I have give up the cat but I need another solution because I cant give her up at all.
My cat has been with me since she was 40days and she eats dry food only… she doesn’t go outside and so she’s not exposed to toxo herself!!
Please advise if there is something to be done without the risk of being infected during my pregnancy
And many thanks for your concern
Manal

p.s. I’m 27 years old and I have somehow good immune system as I don’t get sick a lot.

Answer

This site can help
http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/medicalresources_toxoplasmosis.html
Here is their recommendation
How can a woman prevent toxoplasmosis during pregnancy?
Cat feces and raw or undercooked meat are the most common sources of this infection. A pregnant woman can help prevent toxoplasmosis by avoiding known sources of infection (4). She should:

•Not eat raw or undercooked meat, especially lamb or pork. She should cook meat to an internal temperature of 160º F; the meat should not look pink, and the juices should be clear. Freezing meat for several days before cooking helps reduce the risk of infection.
•Wash her hands immediately with soap and water after handling raw meat. She should never touch her eyes, nose or mouth with potentially contaminated hands.
•Clean cutting boards, work surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water after contact with raw meat or unwashed fruits and vegetables (which can be contaminated by soil containing cat feces).
•Peel or thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables before eating.
•Not empty or clean the cat’s litter box. Someone else should do this. An infected cat (which usually appears healthy) can shed the parasite in its feces. The litter box should be emptied every day, because the stage of the parasite found in the cat’s feces does not become infectious for 24 hours. If nobody else can change the litter box, a pregnant woman should wear gloves and wash her hands thoroughly after emptying.
•Not feed the cat raw or undercooked meats.
•Keep cats indoors to prevent them from hunting birds or rodents (which can be infected with the parasite and pass it on to the cat).
•Not get a new cat during pregnancy. She should not handle stray cats, especially kittens (which are more likely to be infected than older cats).
•Wear gloves when gardening. Outdoor soil may contain the parasite from cats. She should keep her hands away from her mouth, eyes and nose, and wash her hands thoroughly when finished. She also should keep gloves away from food.
•Avoid children’s sandboxes; cats may use them as litter boxes.