Congenital Toxoplasmosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Congenital Toxoplasmosis?
A pediatric infectious disease doctor (a children's doctor who treats infections) usually leads care. An ophthalmologist, an eye doctor, may also be involved when the eyes are affected. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is congenital toxoplasmosis?
It is a group of symptoms that happen when an unborn baby is infected with a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. A parasite is a living thing that lives on or inside another living thing. Congenital transmission means a newly infected mother passes the infection to her unborn child. Most people with healthy immune systems who get toxoplasmosis do not have symptoms.
Symptoms
Up to half of babies who become infected with toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy are born early. The infection can damage the baby's eyes, nervous system, skin, and ears. Often, there are signs of infection at the time of birth. However, babies with mild infections may not have symptoms for months or years after birth. If not treated, most children with this infection develop problems in their teens. Eye problems are common.
Symptoms may include:
- Enlarged liver and spleen.
- Vomiting.
- Eye damage from inflammation of the retina or other parts of the eye.
- Feeding problems.
- Hearing loss.
- Jaundice (yellow skin).
- Low birth weight.
- Skin rash (tiny red spots or bruising) at birth.
- Vision problems.
Brain and nervous system damage ranges from very mild to severe. It may include seizures and intellectual disability.
Causes and who gets it
The infection can be passed to a developing baby if the mother becomes infected while pregnant. The infection spreads to the developing baby across the placenta. Most of the time, the infection is mild in the mother. She may not know she has the parasite. Problems are worse if the infection occurs in early pregnancy. Babies are at risk for severe illness if the mother is newly infected during or just before pregnancy. People can get infected by eating contaminated undercooked meat or shellfish, or unwashed fresh produce.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider will examine the baby. The baby may have a swollen spleen and liver, yellow skin, inflamed eyes, or fluid on the brain. Tests during pregnancy may include amniotic fluid testing, fetal blood testing, and an ultrasound. After birth, a baby may have antibody tests, a CT scan or an MRI scan of the brain, nerve exams, and an eye exam.
Treatment
Spiramycin can treat infection in the pregnant mother. Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine can treat a fetal infection found during the pregnancy. Infants most often get pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and leucovorin for one year. Infants are also sometimes given steroids if their vision is threatened or if their protein level in the spinal fluid is high. Pyrimethamine can cause suppression of the bone marrow. Leucovorin protects the bone marrow from the toxic effects of pyrimethamine. The outcome depends on the extent of the condition. Possible complications include fluid on the brain, blindness, and severe intellectual disability.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you are pregnant and think you are at risk for the infection. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if a child has a seizure. Also call 911 or go to the emergency room if a child has trouble or abnormal breathing.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either type can be the provider you contact if you are pregnant and think you are at risk for the infection. Such a doctor can also be the provider you talk to about extra precautions if you are at risk for severe infection.
Common questions
Can congenital toxoplasmosis be prevented?
Some steps can lower the risk of getting the parasite. Cook meat until it is well done. Wash your hands after you handle raw meat. Pregnant women with pet cats may be at higher risk. They should avoid contact with cat feces. Women who are pregnant or plan to be can be tested to see if they are at risk.
Do all babies with congenital toxoplasmosis have symptoms at birth?
No, infants infected while still in the womb often have no symptoms at birth. They can develop symptoms later in life.
Can congenital toxoplasmosis be treated?
Yes, doctors treat infants with medicines. The outcome depends on the extent of the condition.
How does a baby get congenital toxoplasmosis?
The infection spreads to the developing baby across the placenta. This can happen if the mother becomes infected while pregnant.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Congenital toxoplasmosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About Toxoplasmosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Clinical Care of Toxoplasmosis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
