Toxoplasma gondii

Potential Effect on Fetus

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

Rate of Perinatal Transmission

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