What preventive measure is recommended to reduce Toxoplasma gondii infection risk during pregnancy?

• A. Wash hands after handling cat litter
• B. Do not drink water during pregnancy
• C. Vaccinate against Toxoplasma
• D. Avoid swimming in pools

Answer: (A)

Reducing exposure to Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy hinges on interrupting how the parasite is transmitted. Cats shed the parasite in their feces, and oocysts can get onto hands, soil, or food. The most reliable and practical preventive step is washing hands thoroughly after handling cat litter, then avoiding ingestion of any contaminated material. This simple hygiene practice directly removes any oocysts from the skin before they can be swallowed, which is a key way to lower the risk of congenital infection.

There is no vaccine for humans against Toxoplasma, so vaccination isn’t an option. Avoiding drinking water or pools isn’t a standard preventive measure for this parasite; safe water is important in general, but these actions don’t specifically address the main transmission routes of Toxoplasma. Along with good hand hygiene, other good practices include having someone else change the litter or wearing gloves, cooking meat thoroughly, and washing fruits and vegetables.