intestinal phases of Toxoplasma gondii, including "banana bunch" schizonts (upper right and
elsewhere) and trophozoites (upper left with prominent nucleus and small clear
area around it). This is a feline parasite and this section is probably
from a kitten. Humans become infected either through cat feces or eating
raw or poorly cooked meat. The incidence of infection is quite high in
many countries, such as France where steak tartare is relished. 1000x
"banana bunch" schizont with trophozoite of T. gondii below and slightly to the right.
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common causes of congenital birth
defects. Previously-uninfected women should never handle outdoor cats
(those that eat rodents) or eat raw meat. Primary infections occurring
during pregnancy present the principle risk. Women, already infected prior
to the pregnancy, pose no known risk to the developing fetus. 1000x