Pregnant women who empty cat litter boxes are at increased risk for which infection?

• A. Toxoplasmosis
• B. Cytomegalovirus
• C. Listeria monocytogenes infection
• D. Tetanus

Answer: (A)

The infection being tested is toxoplasmosis, transmitted when a pregnant woman handles cat litter. Cats shed Toxoplasma gondii oocysts in their feces, and these oocysts become infectious after a few days in the environment. If a woman with a primary infection during pregnancy ingests these oocysts—often through contaminated hands, soil, or litter—the parasite can cross the placenta and cause congenital toxoplasmosis. This can lead to serious fetal problems such as chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, and intracranial calcifications, and even miscarriage. Prevention focuses on reducing exposure: avoid changing litter boxes if possible, or have someone else do it; wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact with soil or litter; clean litter boxes daily to reduce the chance that oocysts become infectious; and practice good food safety (cook meat thoroughly, wash produce).

Cytomegalovirus, Listeria monocytogenes infection, and tetanus are not classically associated with cat litter exposure. CMV is typically spread via bodily fluids, Listeria is usually foodborne, and tetanus comes from wound contamination.