Designing a Litter Box that Neutralizes Toxoplasma gondii: A Parasite that Causes Toxoplasmosis in Humans
School Name
Center for Advanced Technical Studies
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Microbiology
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
Pregnant women are unaware of the possibility of their cats carrying a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can have effects on the health of their fetuses because the parasite causes Toxoplasmosis, an infection that can be passed on congenitally, increasing the risk of being born with abnormalities. Since there are no vaccines made for human or cat use at the moment, the creation of a litter box that neutralizes the parasite will decrease the risk of pregnant women from getting infected. This litter box is self-cleaning and contains UV light attached to three sides of the hood of the litter box. Self-cleaning litter boxes contain sensors that detect no movement which allows the litter to be moved around. The UV lights have the same sensors as the self-cleaning litter boxes allowing them to turn on for an interval of time. If T. gondii samples are mixed with salt and cat litter, UV light can be used for different intervals of time to test for the inactivation of the parasite. To test the inactivation, samples were observed underneath a microscope. When the litter box was designed, the ranked criteria was based on the affordability, odor control, neutralizing effectiveness, and safety of the litter box. One similar product is the LitterZap which only uses UV light, however, its position in one location doesn’t cover the entire litter box. Pregnant women who clean litter boxes often have complications that can be limited with the use of this new innovative litter box.
Recommended Citation
Khan, Doonya, "Designing a Litter Box that Neutralizes Toxoplasma gondii: A Parasite that Causes Toxoplasmosis in Humans" (2022). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 75.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2022/all/75
Location
HSS 116
Start Date
4-2-2022 9:15 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Designing a Litter Box that Neutralizes Toxoplasma gondii: A Parasite that Causes Toxoplasmosis in Humans
HSS 116
Pregnant women are unaware of the possibility of their cats carrying a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can have effects on the health of their fetuses because the parasite causes Toxoplasmosis, an infection that can be passed on congenitally, increasing the risk of being born with abnormalities. Since there are no vaccines made for human or cat use at the moment, the creation of a litter box that neutralizes the parasite will decrease the risk of pregnant women from getting infected. This litter box is self-cleaning and contains UV light attached to three sides of the hood of the litter box. Self-cleaning litter boxes contain sensors that detect no movement which allows the litter to be moved around. The UV lights have the same sensors as the self-cleaning litter boxes allowing them to turn on for an interval of time. If T. gondii samples are mixed with salt and cat litter, UV light can be used for different intervals of time to test for the inactivation of the parasite. To test the inactivation, samples were observed underneath a microscope. When the litter box was designed, the ranked criteria was based on the affordability, odor control, neutralizing effectiveness, and safety of the litter box. One similar product is the LitterZap which only uses UV light, however, its position in one location doesn’t cover the entire litter box. Pregnant women who clean litter boxes often have complications that can be limited with the use of this new innovative litter box.
