True or False: Toxoplasmosis from cat feces can cause severe birth defects if a woman is infected during pregnancy.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is commonly found in cat feces. If a woman becomes infected during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and potentially lead to serious consequences for the developing fetus. This can include severe birth defects, such as vision problems, hearing loss, and neurological issues.

Understanding the transmission of toxoplasmosis is important, especially for pregnant women who may be at risk. The infection can occur from handling contaminated cat litter or soil, ingesting undercooked contaminated meat, or even through contaminated water. Hence, knowing that it can have significant effects on pregnancy highlights the necessity for proper hygiene and awareness regarding handling cat feces.

The other options imply situations that dilute the general understanding of the risk, as the potential for severe birth defects arises primarily from any infection during pregnancy, not from specific conditions or whether a cat has been vaccinated. Vaccination does not protect humans against Toxoplasma, as the vaccine is primarily for the cats and does not eliminate shedding of oocysts in feces. Therefore, the correct understanding here emphasizes the direct correlation between cat feces and the risk of severe fetal effects when a woman is infected during pregnancy.