Congenital Toxoplasmosis: An Incidental Finding

Abstract

Congenital toxoplasmosis occurs through trans-placental transmission and features may not be apparent until later in life. If untreated, it can lead to significant disabilities such as mental retardation, blindness, deafness, epilepsy and death.

We report a case of congenital toxoplasmosis to raise awareness of the often-forgotten challenges associated with the management of congenital infections.

A late preterm neonate conceived via in-vitro fertilization was delivered with microcephaly. The mother had a positive history of contact with cats and cat’s litter. No toxoplasma screening was done during antenatal care. Physical examination findings revealed microcephaly (OFC = 29cm) only. Laboratory results were normal except for T. gondii immunoglobulin G and M seropositivity in the baby and the mother. The baby was placed on Pyrimethamine.

Perinatal care should focus on health education and increased vigilance for these congenital infections so as to aid in prevention, early detection and management.

Key-words: Congenital toxoplasmosis, Congenital infection, Cats.

Key Messages:

Congenital toxoplasmosis is an avertible infection which can have long-term devastating consequences and can also lead to death. Perinatal care should focus on health education, with mandatory efforts targeted towards making diagnostic tests and treatment options available to limit preventable morbidity and mortality.

Introduction
Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is a preventable, trans-placentally acquired infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii with devastating consequences in the new-born or later in life.¹ In the new-born, it commonly develops following acute infection during pregnancy and less commonly from maternal infection shortly before conception or as a result of reactivation of a previous quiescent infection in an immunocompromised mother. Transmission of infection is also known to occur at the time of delivery. Breastmilk transmission however has gondii immunoglobulin G and M seropositivity in the baby and the mother. The baby was placed on Pyrimethamine. Perinatal care should focus on health education and increased vigilance for these congenital infections so as to aid in prevention, early detection and management