never been tested for toxoplasmose - is that normal?

[frogalou]

Hi

I have two cats who go outside to poo so I don't have to deal with their litter but I am slightly concerned that the midwife never asked me any question or tested me for toxoplasmose.

Is that normal? My friend in Italy got tested for toxoplasmose every month.

Thanks
F

Pretty sure its normal here, in 3 pregnancies never been tested or asked about it. Have heard they test routinely in other parts of Europe though.

yeah, i don't think they test for it in the uk. I live in france and they routinely test us for it on a monthy basis.

Having lived my childhood with always having pet cats I am not too concerned about this as I will no doubt be immune after making thousands of mud pies in the garden. However, I am still careful when gardening or at least try to avoid it but if I have to I wear thick robust gloves and make sure I wash my hands really well. Our current cat doesn't poo in our garden though!

Thanks! I seem to remember I may have had toxoplasmose when I was younger (I did not have cats or pets, so not sure how), but I thought they would at least warn you or mention it.

If you test positive, what do they do?

I have no idea....
:(

www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1107.aspx?CategoryID=54&SubCategoryID=137

if you test positive here (france) they put you on antibiotics i think

I was tested for it at St Peters in Chertsey but had to request it. They don't do it in
Basingstoke where I am now.

they don't routinely test for it here.

I grew up with cats, one was incontinent, slept on my bed. I tested negative for toxoplasmosis.

I think you are most likely to get it from undercooked meat. I think it's actually quite hard to get it from cats...

I asked to be tested for toxoplasmosis as had young cat who was going outside and hunting for first time - time when cat is most likely to get toxo. I tested positive for active toxo, caught either just before pregnancy or in first 10 weeks. I am on antibiotics and am getting frequent scans - no problems showing so far, thank the lord, the most severe consequences happen if toxo passes to foetus in first trimester. Am waiting for results from amnio to see if infection has passed to baby, with resultant stronger drugs if it has. Monitoring will continue throughout first year of baby's life. Anxious time as you can imagine.
If you're worried, ask to be tested - probability is you'll be immune which will be a comfort. I assumed I would be, having grown up with cats, but obviously wasn't.