Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (2)

Emergency: requires immediate attention
Congenital toxoplasmosis
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed
Emergency: requires immediate attention

Congenital toxoplasmosis

Contributors: Peter Mariuz MD, William Bonnez MD, Ricardo M. La Hoz MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. Toxoplasma gondii exists in 3 morphologic forms: oocyst, tissue cyst (contains bradyzoites), and tachyzoite (the proliferative form). Felines are the definitive host. Mammals (herbivores and carnivores), birds, and reptiles can also be infected. Sexual reproduction takes place only in the feline intestinal tract, resulting in oocysts that are shed in stools.

Human infection may occur from the following:
  • Ingestion of oocysts in contaminated food or water
  • Ingestion of tissue cysts contained in undercooked meat (particularly pork, lamb, bear, and deer) or from tissue cysts in transplanted organs (kidney and heart)
  • Intake of tachyzoites (congenital infection and rarely from blood transfusions or laboratory accidents)
Congenital toxoplasmosis results from acute maternal infection during pregnancy. The incidence of fetal transmission is highest during second- and third-trimester maternal infection. Though less frequent, fetal transmission during first-trimester maternal infection more commonly results in severe illness in the newborn.

Early (during the first and second trimester) congenitally acquired toxoplasmosis can result in abortion, stillbirth, neonatal illness, or death. Most infants infected during the third trimester are born without obvious evidence of toxoplasmosis.

Congenital toxoplasmosis can present with any of the following manifestations: hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, intracerebral calcifications, microcephalus, intellectual disability, seizures, blindness, hepatosplenomegaly, hemolytic anemia, and jaundice. Infected but apparently normal infants at birth may go on to develop chorioretinitis, blindness, intellectual disability, or seizures if left untreated.

Chorioretinitis is the most common manifestation of congenital toxoplasmosis and may recur despite therapy. Treatment during pregnancy may modify the risk of transmission and severity of infection in the fetus.

Immunocompromised Patient Considerations:
HIV-infected infants with congenital toxoplasmosis may have multi-organ involvement including central nervous system (CNS), pulmonary, and cardiac disease.

Codes

ICD10CM:
P37.1 – Congenital toxoplasmosis

SNOMEDCT:
73893000 – Congenital Toxoplasmosis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Updated:04/30/2023
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Emergency: requires immediate attention
Congenital toxoplasmosis
A medical illustration showing key findings of Congenital toxoplasmosis (Clinically Apparent Disease) : Seizures, Fever, Hepatomegaly, Jaundice, Lymphadenopathy, Anemia, Pleocytosis in CSF, Splenomegaly, PLT decreased
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.