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Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy

Primary Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy can cross to the fetus, causing congenital toxoplasmosis.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department. Book Appointment →

What is Toxoplasmosis in Pregnancy?

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite whose definitive host is the cat. It is transmitted to humans through cyst-containing raw or undercooked meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and soil contaminated with cat feces. In healthy adults, it is usually asymptomatic or presents as mild lymphadenopathy.

In primary infection acquired during pregnancy, the risk of fetal transmission rises with each trimester: 10–15% in the first trimester, 25% in the second, and 60–70% in the third. The severity of fetal disease, however, is greater when infection is acquired earlier in pregnancy.

The classical triad of congenital toxoplasmosis is hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, and chorioretinitis. Most newborns are asymptomatic at birth, but if untreated, long-term outcomes include vision loss, epilepsy, and neurodevelopmental delay.

Symptoms

Maternal fever, malaise and cervical lymphadenopathy
Flu-like clinical picture
Fetal ventriculomegaly and hydrocephalus on ultrasound
Fetal intracranial calcifications
Hepatomegaly and ascites
Chorioretinitis (not seen prenatally, postnatal finding)
Thrombocytopenia and jaundice in the newborn

Risk Factors

Seronegative pregnancy
Consumption of raw or undercooked red meat
Contact with cat feces and garden soil
Consumption of unwashed raw fruits and vegetables
Living in endemic regions
Unpasteurized dairy products

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For pre-pregnancy or early-pregnancy serology
  • When febrile lymphadenopathy develops
  • When ventriculomegaly or fetal calcifications are detected on ultrasound
  • After unprotected contact with soil while caring for cats
  • When concerned after consumption of raw or undercooked meat

Treatment Methods

01
Diagnosis of acute infection by serology (IgM, IgG and avidity)
02
Amniocentesis and PCR when fetal infection is suspected
03
Spiramycin: first-line therapy to reduce placental transmission
04
Pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine + folinic acid: in confirmed fetal infection
05
Long-term treatment and ophthalmologic follow-up of the newborn
06
Prevention: cooking meat, washing vegetables, cat hygiene measures

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.