Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnancy

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide spread infection, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water, or consuming infected undercooked meat. Despite the fact that in healthy, non-pregnant population, this infection is predominantly asymptomatic and self-limited, in pregnancy it requires special care to minimize the risks to the fetus by vertical transmission. Congenital toxoplasmosis can result in permanent neurological impairment and even blindness. Once diagnosed in pregnancy, this infection needs prompt medical therapy to prevent fetal complications. Primary prevention of the toxoplasmosis consists of dietary and lifestyle changes with the purpose to limit the contact with the parasite. Secondary prevention includes the screening of the pregnant women. Screening programs are implemented in various countries depending on the prevalence of the parasite in the respective areas. The purpose of this article is to make a review of the medical literature concerning the management of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnancy. For this purpose, scientific research in databases and online medical publications such as Medline, PubMed, Elsevier and The Lancet was conducted.