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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Congenital toxoplasmosisDefinitionCongenital toxoplasmosis is a group of symptoms that occur when an unborn baby (fetus) is infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. CausesThe fetus can become infected with toxoplasmosis if the mother becomes infected with toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy. The infection may spread to the fetus during the pregnancy itself, or during labor or delivery. For the mother, the toxoplasmosis infection is generally mild, and she may not be aware of it. Infection of the fetus, however, can cause severe problems. Infection early in pregnancy results in more severe problems than later infection. SymptomsUp to half of the fetuses who become infected with toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy ae born early (prematurely). Congenital toxoplasmosis can damage the baby's eyes, nervous system, skin, and ears. Often, there are signs of infection in the baby at birth. However, newborns with milder infections may not have symptoms or problems for months or even years. If they are not treated, almost all develop problems (especially in the eyes) when they become adolescents. Symptoms may include:
Brain and nervous system damage may be severe or very mild, and may include:
Exams and TestsThe physical examination may show signs of:
Signs and symptoms that occur late in the disease include:
Prenatal tests include: Postnatal diagnosis:
TreatmentSpiramycin can treat infection in the pregnant mother. Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine can treat fetal infection (diagnosed during the pregnancy). Treatment of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis typically includes pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and leucovorin for one year. Infants are also sometimes given steroids if their vision is threatened or if the protein level in the spinal fluid is high. Outlook (Prognosis)The outcome depends on the severity of the congenital toxoplasmosis. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you are pregnant and think you are at risk for toxoplasmosis (for example, if you have a cat and are the person who cleans the litter box). Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are pregnant and have not received any prenatal care. PreventionProspective or expectant mothers can be tested to find out if they are at risk for toxoplasmosis. Pregnant women who have cats as house pets may be at increased risk of developing toxoplasmosis. They should avoid contact with any materials that are potentially infected with cat feces, or that could be contaminated by insects exposed to cat feces (cockroaches, flies, etc.). Cook meat until it is well done, and wash your hands after handling raw meat. ReferencesRemington JS, McLeod R, Thulliez P, Desmonts G. Toxoplasmosis. In: Remington JS. Infectious Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn Infant. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006: chap 31. Review Date: 5/27/2009
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychiatry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
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