toxoplasmosis

[ tok-soh-plaz-moh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted to humans by consumption of insufficiently cooked meat containing the parasite or by contact with contaminated cats or their feces: the illness produced is usually mild, but in pregnant women may damage the fetus.

toxoplasmosis

/ ˌtɒksəʊplæzˈməʊsɪs /

noun

1. a protozoal disease characterized by jaundice, enlarged liver and spleen, and convulsions, caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii

toxoplasmosis

/ tŏk′sō-plăz-mō′sĭs /

1. An infectious disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii that can be transmitted by infected humans and animals, especially cats, often by contact with feces. Toxoplasmosis can be a mild illness with fever and swollen lymph nodes, or progress to severe damage to the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. Fetuses that become infected during pregnancy may have congenital blindness and brain damage.

Derived Forms

• ˌtoxoˈplasmic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of toxoplasmosis¹

1925–30; < New Latin Toxoplasm ( a ) ( toxoplasma ) + -osis

Example Sentences

The virus is associated with severe inflammation in humans infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, leading the team to hypothesize that it exacerbates toxoplasmosis disease.

From Science Daily

Malaria, toxoplasmosis, and listeria are widespread infections that can lead to pregnancy complications.

From Science Daily

"The risk of toxoplasmosis by cats is an often overlooked but potentially serious consequence of cats roaming the landscape."

From Salon

The strain of Toxoplasma gondii, the single-celled parasite that causes the disease toxoplasmosis, has never been recorded before in the U.S., is unusually virulent, and could pose a threat to other mammals—including people.

From National Geographic

It also cited the threat to nene from toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease spread by cat feces.

From Seattle Times