Congenital toxoplasmosis (Complete) Flashcards
Toxoplasmosis is caused by what parasite?
Toxoplasma gondii
What type of parasite if toxoplasma gondii
Protozoan parasite
Where is toxoplasma gondii commonly found? (3)
Cat faeces
Infected meat
Infected soil
How does congenital toxoplasmosis present in normal individuals?
Assymptomatic or mild flu-like illness
What antenatal/perinatal complications can occur in pregnant women who have contracted toxoplasmosis?
Miscarriage
Foetal death
Prematur labour
Low birthweight
What antenatal investigations are conducted in pregnant women with suspected toxoplasmosis?
Bloods:
Maternal IgM testing
Imaging/invasive:
Antenatal ultrasound: Check for foetal abnormalities
Amnioscentesis with PCR testing: Confirm diagnosis
What is the management plan for pregnant women with confirmed toxoplasmosis?
Spiramycin
Believed to reduce transmission rates
What are the clinical presentations of neonates with congenital toxoplasmosis?
Complications at birth:
Chorioretinitis
Hepatosplenomegaly
Jaundice
Intracranial cerebral calcifications
Hydrocephalus
Cerebral palsy
Epilepsy
Blueberry muffin rash
Late presentations:
Learning disability/low IQ
Deafness
Can be initially assymptomatic followed by late-term complications
How is congenital toxoplasmosis diagnosed in neonates?
Serological testing
What is the management plan for infants with congenital toxoplasmosis?
Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine
Folic acid
Both inhibit folic acid synthesis hence require supplements
What differentials should be considered alongside toxoplasmosis?
Congenital CMV
How can congenital CMV be differentiated from toxoplasmosis?
Associated with microcephaly versus microcephaly
Periventricular calcifications versus intracranial
