Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmed, Maimoona; Sood, Akanksha; Gupta, Janesh
• Is Part Of: European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. Volume 255(2020)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 50
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Toxoplasmosis -- Mother-to-child transmission -- Congenital toxoplasmosis; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Obstétrique -- Périodiques; Gynécologie -- Périodiques; Reproduction -- Périodiques; Verloskunde; Gynaecologie; Voortplanting (biologie); Gynecology; Obstetrics; Reproduction; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.10.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-2115

Abstract

Abstract: Toxoplasmosis is one of the common chronic infections caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Even though its infection in healthy non-pregnant women is self-limited and largely asymptomatic, the main concern is the risk to the fetus by vertical transmission in pregnancy. Congenital toxoplasmosis can result in permanent neurological damage and even serious morbidity such as blindness. Screening programs are implemented in various countries depending on the prevalence and virulence of the parasite in the respective regions. Upon diagnosis of infection, appropriate antibiotic therapy should be initiated as it has been proven to reduce the risk of fetal transmission. Primary prevention remains the key intervention to avoid the infection and hence patient education is an important aspect of the management.