Bill Angel wrote in message ...
>In article <7m5g84$l82$1 at gxsn.com>,
>Graham Shepherd <muhero at globalnet.co.uk> wrote:
>>...
>>There probably aren't too many bacterial infections that commonly affect
>>cats and dogs and people.
>> I did a little research on the Web, and located one disease that
>humans can contract from cats, and that is usually treated (in humans) by
>taking antibiotics: Toxoplasmosis.
>> According to what I read "Toxoplasma can grow and complete its
>life cycle only in cats and other felines". Apparently, the current form
>of the disease poses a significant health risk only to pregnant women (as
>the disease can be passed on to the fetus) and to persons with "weakened
>immune systems".
>> --- Bill
>>
Toxoplasma isn't a bacterium and can't be treated with antibiotics. It's a
protozoan. It's difficult to diagnose clinically because the symptoms are
mild (and it may be subclinical) and the differential diagnosis may include
bacterial infections. Doctors overuse antibiotics anyway. Antenatal blood
screening may include checking for antibody to toxoplasma. Unless something
has appeared recently, there's no specific treatment for toxoplasma - for
people or animals.
GS
