The Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Congenital Toxoplasmosis
A condition called congenital toxoplasmosis occurs when a mother infected with Toxoplasma gondii transmits the parasite to her unborn child. When the mother becomes infected with Toxoplasma gondii for the first time (primary infection) or reactivates a previous infection during pregnancy, the parasite can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta.
Symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis depend on when the infection occurs during pregnancy and its severity. Common symptoms include:
Hepatosplenomegaly is an enlargement of the liver and spleen
The condition of jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Rash on the skin
Fever
Feeding problems and failure to thrive
Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
Vision impairment and chorioretinitis (inflammation of the retina and choroid) are eye abnormalities
Complications related to the nervous system, such as seizures, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities
A combination of maternal screening, newborn testing, and diagnostic tests is used to diagnose congenital toxoplasmosis:
Pregnant women may undergo serological tests for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies to determine their immune status and assess the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis transmission.
Tests for newborns born to mothers with suspected or confirmed toxoplasmosis during pregnancy include tests for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and other diagnostic tests to detect the parasite and assess the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis.
To assess for signs of congenital toxoplasmosis and determine the appropriate treatment, diagnostic tests are available, including serological tests, PCR tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging), and ophthalmological evaluations.
Congenital toxoplasmosis can be treated to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications:
Congenital toxoplasmosis is typically treated with antibiotics such as pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, often combined with folinic acid (leucovorin).
In newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis, antiparasitic medications such as spiramycin, pyrimethamine, and sulfadiazine may be prescribed to treat active infection and prevent disease progression.
Affected infants may be provided with supportive measures such as nutritional support, hydration, and symptomatic treatment to address specific symptoms and improve their overall health.
Congenital toxoplasmosis is prevented by reducing the risk of maternal infection during pregnancy and minimizing the risk of transmission to the unborn child:
Pregnant women should practice good hygiene and food safety measures to prevent exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, including thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables, cooking meat thoroughly, and avoiding raw or undercooked meat.
A pregnant woman should avoid handling cat litter and soil that contains cat feces, as cats are a common source of Toxoplasma gondii. Hands should be thoroughly washed after handling litter boxes if it is necessary to care for cats.
Screening for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies during pregnancy can help identify maternal infections and reduce the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis transmission to the unborn.
It is a condition caused by the transmission of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite from an infected mother to her unborn child during pregnancy that causes congenital toxoplasmosis. To reduce the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis and improve outcomes for affected infants, early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and preventive measures are essential. During pregnancy or when planning to become pregnant, it is important to seek prenatal care and follow recommended guidelines to prevent toxoplasmosis infection and protect your unborn child's health.
