Animals such at pigs, cattle, chickens, and sheep can also be infected by these oocysts. They don't usually clean out cat's litter boxes however cats do defecate in fields were these animals feed. After infecting the animal the oocysts change into a different form, a tachyzoite, and then infect the animal's muscles. Therefore, the second common means of human infection by Toxoplasma gondii occurs following ingestion of raw or undercooked (rare, medium-rare, medium) meat.
If a pregnant woman is infected with Toxoplasma gondii the parasite can also infect the baby in her womb causing severe damage to her baby. In some cases death of the baby can occur. Many physicians will test a pregnant woman's blood to see if she is making antibodies to this parasite. If the pregnant woman's test is negative for Toxoplasma gondii then the woman is strongly encouraged to avoid eating raw and undercooked (rare) meat and handling the cat litter. If the pregnant woman's test is positive then physician has a problem. A prior infection with Toxoplasma gondii is not a problem for the baby. The parasite is not able to infect the baby. However, if the mother has just gotten the infection (an active infection) then the parasite can infect the baby potentially causing serious damage.
With many other infections an active infection or recent infection can be detected by looking for a certain type of antibody made during the early stages of most infections. These antibodies are called IgM antibodies. Usually IgM antibodies are produced early in an infection and will be broken down and eliminated from the blood stream within 2-6 months following an
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