Which disease poses a risk for animal care workers as well as expectant mothers handling domestic cat litter?

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can often be found in cat litter, especially that of domestic cats. For animal care workers and expectant mothers, the risk associated with this disease is significant.

When handling cat litter, particularly if it is contaminated with the parasite's oocysts, individuals can become infected through accidental ingestion or touch that may lead to the parasite entering the body. For expectant mothers, contracting toxoplasmosis can lead to severe complications for the fetus, including developmental issues and even miscarriage.

In the context of animal care workers, the risk arises from frequent handling of cat waste or environments where cats reside, making awareness of safety practices around handling litter essential for minimizing exposure to the parasite. This parallels the concern for expectant mothers who are advised to avoid changing cat litter during pregnancy due to the potential impact on their unborn child.

The other diseases listed are less commonly linked to direct risks from domestic cats. Therefore, understanding the specific transmission pathways of toxoplasmosis highlights why it is the most relevant concern for both animal care workers and expectant mothers in this context.