Feline Toxoplasmosis Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Toxoplasmosis is a multisystemic disease caused by the obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This zoonotic infection is of significant veterinary and public health importance. Felids (domestic cats and wild felids) serve as the only definitive hosts where sexual reproduction occurs, making understanding of feline toxoplasmosis essential for veterinarians.
While infection with T. gondii is common (up to 50% of cats are seropositive), clinical disease is rare and typically occurs in immunocompromised cats (FIV, FeLV, or immunosuppressive therapy) or congenitally infected kittens. Commonly affected organ systems include the CNS, lungs, eyes, liver, and muscles.
Etiology and Life Cycle
The Parasite
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. It has three infectious stages:
You've been studying hard
Create a free account to keep reading
Free accounts get 5 articles/day + daily practice questionJoin vet students already studying with NavleExam.
No credit card needed — free account takes 30 seconds.
Create Free Account — Keep Reading Already have an account? Log inNo spam. One question per day. Unsubscribe anytime.
Take the free NAVLE practice exam
50 exam-style questions across the NAVLE species. See your score as soon as you finish, then get the full answer key with explanations by email. No payment, no account.
Start the free exam →