Current Situation of Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Ecuador

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is a zoonosis resulting from the fetal transmission of the obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii, transplacentally in pregnant women usually in the first trimester of pregnancy. This research consisted in the review of indexed articles made in the Ecuador in the period between the years 2012 and 2017 with prevalence studies of the aforementioned pathology. The purpose of this collection was to determine the current situation of this disease in the Ecuadorian territory and, in addition, to recognize the risk factors involved, affected age groups, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and prevalence of the infection. Among the risk factors were the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, contact with feces of young cats and climatic conditions that stimulate the spread of oocysts, among others. Most affected ages by this disease fluctuate between 20 and 30 years. In 90% of the cases, the disease is asymptomatic or it may present adenopathies, maculo papular erythema, hepatosplenomegaly and other general signs such as fever, malaise, headache and myalgias. According to studies conducted with specific populations, it was established that the causative agent remains latent in first-trimester pregnant women from the provinces of Pichincha (71.4% of 140 pregnant women), Guayas (73% of 5683) and El Oro (16% of 250). The results of this research evidenced missing information in Ecuador, finding few and isolated studies regarding to this pathology. Therefore, it is concluded that an updated research should be conducted in order to elucidate the true epidemiological situation of congenital toxoplasmosis in Ecuador.