Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection associated with which of the following?

Toxoplasmosis is primarily associated with cat feces, and this is because the parasite Toxoplasma gondii has a significant part of its life cycle that takes place in the intestines of felines. When cats excrete feces, they can shed oocysts (the infectious form of the parasite), which can contaminate soil, water, and food sources. Humans can become infected by ingesting these oocysts, which can happen through touching contaminated hands to the mouth or consuming food or water that has been contaminated.

While other animals can be involved in the transmission chain, cats are the definitive host for Toxoplasma gondii, meaning they are the only animals in which the parasite can reproduce. This makes cat feces the key element in the transmission of the disease. Bird, rodent, and bat droppings are not significant sources of Toxoplasma gondii and do not play a critical role in its lifecycle or transmission to humans. Thus, the association is specifically with cat feces. Understanding this distinction is essential for managing risks related to toxoplasmosis and emphasizes the importance of proper hygiene when handling cat litter or gardening in areas that may be contaminated by cat feces.