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Updated: May 1, 2026
3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii
Published on: December 9, 2014
Congenital toxoplasmosis in a reference center of Paraná, Southern Brazil
Jaqueline Dario Capobiango1, Regina Mitsuka Breganó2, Italmar Teodorico Navarro3
1Department of Clinical Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil.
Insights
Early diagnosis and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis during pregnancy are crucial. This study highlights the significant long-term health consequences for affected infants, emphasizing the need for timely interventions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital toxoplasmosis, caused by *Toxoplasma gondii*, poses significant risks to newborns.
- Prenatal care is common, but treatment for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy remains low.
- Understanding the clinical spectrum and sequelae is vital for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize clinical and neurological manifestations of congenital toxoplasmosis in infants.
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes and sequelae in affected children.
- To underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 31 infants with congenital toxoplasmosis admitted between 2000-2010.
- Review of clinical data, ophthalmic and neurological examinations, and laboratory findings.
- Assessment of treatment outcomes and adverse effects of standard therapy (sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, folinic acid).
Main Results:
- High incidence of low birth weight (37.9%) and neonatal symptoms like hepatosplenomegaly (62.1%).
- Frequent ocular (74.2%) and neurological abnormalities, including chorioretinitis (58.1%) and brain calcifications (27.6%).
- Significant sequelae observed: visual impairment (55.2%), developmental delay (31.0%), and convulsions (27.5%). Treatment adverse effects noted in 55.2%.
Conclusions:
- Congenital toxoplasmosis leads to severe, long-lasting health issues in children.
- Low rates of maternal treatment highlight a gap in prenatal care for toxoplasmosis.
- Emphasizes the critical need for improved prenatal screening and early intervention to prevent severe outcomes.
Abstract:
This study describes the characteristics of 31 children with congenital toxoplasmosis children admitted to the University Hospital of Londrina, Southern Brazil, from 2000 to 2010. In total, 23 (85.2%) of the mothers received prenatal care but only four (13.0%) were treated for toxoplasmosis. Birth weight was <2500g in 37.9% of the infants. During the first month of life, physical examination was normal in 34.5%, and for those with clinical signs and symptoms, the main manifestations were hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly (62.1%), jaundice (13.8%), and microcephaly (6.9%). During ophthalmic examination, 74.2% of the children exhibited injuries, 58.1% chorioretinitis, 32.3% strabismus, 19.4% microphthalmia, and 16.2% vitreitis. Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibodies were detected in 48.3% of the children. Imaging brain evaluation was normal in 44.8%; brain calcifications, hydrocephaly, or both conditions were observed in 27.6%, 10.3%, and 17.2%, respectively, of the patients. Patients with cerebrospinal fluid protein≥200mg/dL presented more brain calcifications (p=0.0325). Other sequelae were visual impairment (55.2% of the cases), developmental delay (31.0%), motor deficit (13.8%), convulsion (27.5%), and attention deficit (10.3%). All patients were treated with sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid, and 55.2% of them exhibited adverse effects. The results demonstrate the significance of the early diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy to reduce congenital toxoplasmosis and its consequences.
