Toxoplasma gondii

Potential Effect on Fetus

  • Fetal loss
  • Congenital Syndrome especially:
    • chorioretinitis
    • hydrocephalus
    • intracerebral calcification

Rate of Perinatal Transmission

  • 1st trimester – 10-25% (increased risk for severe perinatal infection)
  • 2nd trimester – 30-54%
  • 3rd trimester – 60-65%

Maternal Screening

- Routine screening not recommended.

- If maternal exposure or suspect infection, contact lab re: Toxoplasma IgG/IgM/IgA.

Prevention

- Wash hands:

  • before eating
  • after handling raw meat
  • after contact with soil/cat feces.

- Pregnant woman should avoid:

  • eating raw or rare beef, pork, or lamb
  • contact with cats of unknown feeding history
  • cleaning litter boxes.

- If mother has suspected acute toxoplasma infection in pregnancy, consult Infectious Diseases and Maternal/Fetal specialist re: antimicrobial therapy, amniocentesis, and need for further therapy to decrease fetal effects.