What infection is a pregnant woman at risk of contracting from cat litter?

A pregnant woman is at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis from cat litter because Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite responsible for this infection, is commonly found in the feces of infected cats. When a person comes into contact with cat litter that contains these parasites, they can inadvertently ingest them, leading to infection. This is particularly concerning during pregnancy, as toxoplasmosis can cause serious complications for the developing fetus, including neurological damage and other serious health issues.

Other infections listed are less relevant in this context. HIV transmission primarily occurs through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding, but not from cat litter. Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted through sexual contact rather than through contact with animals or environmental exposure. Cytomegalovirus, while it can indeed affect pregnant women, is primarily spread through bodily fluids and does not relate to cat litter or animal feces. Thus, the link between cat litter and toxoplasmosis specifically highlights the unique risk it poses during pregnancy.