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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
14:56
A Genetic Screen to Isolate Toxoplasma gondii Host-cell Egress Mutants
Published on: February 8, 2012
First Colombian multicentric newborn screening for congenital toxoplasmosis
Jorge Enrique Gómez-Marin1, Alejandra de-la-Torre, Edith Angel-Muller
1Grupo GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindio, Armenia, Colombia. gepamol2@uniquindio.edu.co
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases
|June 10, 2011
Summary
Congenital toxoplasmosis incidence varies across Colombian cities, correlating with annual rainfall. This study identified infection markers in newborns, highlighting regional disparities in congenital toxoplasmosis prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital toxoplasmosis poses a significant global health risk.
- Understanding regional incidence is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in Colombian newborns.
- To investigate geographical and environmental factors influencing incidence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 15,333 umbilical cord blood samples from 19 health services across Colombia.
- Utilized IgM ELISA, Western blot, and IgA assays for diagnosis.
- Follow-up testing and clinical evaluation for suspected cases.
Main Results:
- Identified 15 confirmed cases of congenital toxoplasmosis (incidence rate not explicitly stated but implied by positive IgM/IgA results).
- Observed a 20% lethality rate among symptomatic infants.
- Found a significant correlation between higher annual rainfall and increased incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis markers.
Conclusions:
- Congenital toxoplasmosis incidence shows significant regional variation within Colombia.
- Mean annual rainfall is a key environmental factor correlated with congenital toxoplasmosis incidence.
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