Congenital Toxoplasmosis

Also known as: Toxoplasma gondii infection.

What is congenital toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that causes a disease commonly known as the toxoplasmosis. When the parasite is passed to an unborn fetus by the mother, this is known as congenital toxoplasmosis.

What causes congenital toxoplasmosis?

Congenital toxoplasmosis occurs if the mother is infected with the parasite during pregnancy. In many cases, the mother may be unaware that she has the infection. It is most often passed to the baby during the early months of pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis?

Many babies born with congenital toxoplasmosis may have no symptoms at birth but with time infection may cause progressive visual, hearing, motor, cognitive problems. Skin rash, feeding problems, hearing loss, jaundice, low birth weight, and an enlarged liver or spleen are all potential signs and symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis.

What are congenital toxoplasmosis care options?

A variety of different forms of medication are available to treat a mother with toxoplasmosis, to treat toxoplasmosis while the fetus is still in the womb or to treat an infant with congenital toxoplasmosis.

How can congenital toxoplasmosis be prevented?

Pregnant women should avoid
  • Consuming raw or undercooked meat or eggs
  • Activities with direct contact with soil like gardening
  • Exposure to cat feces/litter
  • Exposure to insect like flies in contact with cat feces

Reviewed by: Carolina Sanchez-Vegas, MD

This page was last updated on: November 18, 2021 02:40 PM

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