a 28 y/o female recently lost her fetus pre-term. DNA analysis and microscopy sh

Question

a 28 y/o female recently lost her fetus pre-term. DNA analysis and microscopy showed thst the stillbirth was caused by a microorganism. When the doctor asked about potential risk factors, the woman said she didn't really get out much, but was constantly taking care of her ten cats in her apartment. (a) what was the microbe that caused the stillbirth? (b) describe what happens when it infects rodents? (c) what is the hardy stage of the microbe that can survive in the environment called? (d) why are indoor cats less worrisome than outdoor cats?

Explanation / Answer

a) The microbe responsible for stillbirth is Toxoplasma gondii. This leads to a disease called toxoplasmosis. When a pregnant woman is infected by this microbe, it infects the fetus and leads to miscarriage, poor growth, early delivery or still birth.

b) When rodents are affected by T. gondii, they lose their fear for cats permanently by causing a structural change in the brain.

c) The Oocyst environmental stage is the stage in which the microbe can survive in the environment. Ingestion of these oocysts is the mode of infection in humans.

d) Outdoor cats are more probable to be exposed to T. gondii as compared to indoor cats. This is because the microbe is mostly found in rodents and raw meat which is consumed by outdoor cats. Indoor cats do not feed on it and hence, rarely communicate the disease.

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