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3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
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3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii

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[Congenital toxoplasmosis: severe ocular and neurological complications]

Franka Hoekstra1, Cecile Buzing, Jan M J Sporken

  • 1Canisius-Wilhelmina Ziekenhuis, Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|May 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Congenital toxoplasmosis affects 2 in 1000 infants, often presenting asymptomatically. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent severe neurological and vision complications in newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Medical research
  • Infectious diseases
  • Pediatrics

Context:

  • Congenital toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
  • In the Netherlands, it affects approximately 2 per 1000 live births.
  • Infants may be asymptomatic at birth, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose:

  • To present two cases of congenital toxoplasmosis in infants.
  • To highlight the varied clinical presentations and outcomes.
  • To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Summary:

  • A prematurely born girl, treated antenatally, remained asymptomatic postnatally.
  • A 2-month-old boy developed hydrocephalus and chorioretinitis, later experiencing epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and vision impairment despite treatment.
  • Untreated congenital toxoplasmosis frequently leads to chorioretinitis, deafness, and neurological deficits.

Impact:

  • Educating pregnant women on toxoplasmosis prevention is crucial.
  • Clinician awareness of clinical signs aids early diagnosis and intervention.
  • Timely treatment can potentially minimize long-term sequelae in affected infants.

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