Congenital Toxoplasmosis Flashcards
What is toxoplasmosis caused by?
Protozoan parasite Toxoplasma Gondii
Where is toxoplasma gondii found?
Cat faeces
Undercooked meat
When does toxoplasmosis usually occur after ingestion?
Within 3 weeks of ingestion
How does toxoplasma gondii spread from mother to baby?
Trans-placentally
How does toxoplasmosis present in adults mainly?
Asymptomatically
How can toxoplasmosis present in adults?
Mild flu-like symptoms
fever, sore throat, Coryza, Arthralgia
What can happen if a woman becomes infected with toxoplasmosis while pregnant?
The infection can spread to the fetus and cause congenital toxoplasmosis
When is the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis higher?
When the infection is caught while the woman is pregnant rather than before
How do babies with congenital toxoplasmosis usually present?
They have no symptoms at birth
Can develop complications later in life
What are possible maternal complications of toxoplasmosis?
Chorioretinitis
Encephalitis
Myocarditis
Pneumonitis
What are possible fetal neurological complications of congenital toxoplasmosis?
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral calcifications
Hydrocephalus
Chorioretinitis
What are fetal ophthalmic complications of congenital toxoplasmosis?
Retinopathy
Cataracts
What can infection of congenital toxoplasmosis in the third trimester cause?
Increased risk of miscarriage and intrauterine death
Becoming infected with toxoplasmosis in which trimester leads to a worse outcome?
Becoming infected in the first trimester
How can a neonatal congenital toxoplasmosis infection be diagnosed?
With amniocentesis
