How can Toxoplasma gondii be transmitted to humans?

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that can indeed be transmitted to humans through the ingestion of undercooked meat, making this the correct answer. The primary reservoir for T. gondii is cats, which excrete oocysts in their feces. However, these oocysts can also be found in the tissue of infected animals, particularly in undercooked or raw meats from animals such as pigs and sheep. When humans consume this contaminated meat, they risk ingesting the tissue cysts that harbor the parasite.

While airborne spores and touching an infected cat may raise concerns, they are not established modes of transmission for T. gondii. Airborne transmission does not apply to this parasite, as it is not spread through the air like airborne viruses or bacteria. Similarly, simply touching an infected cat does not pose a significant risk of transmission; it is the handling of feline feces or ingestion of contaminated objects that is more relevant. Ingestion of contaminated water can be a potential risk, but it is less common compared to foodborne transmission through undercooked meat, especially in regions where water sanitization practices are inconsistent.