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Antenatal factors related to congenital toxoplasmosis in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Daniela Pires Ferreira Vivacqua1, Adriana Barbosa Paz1, Ana Cristina Cisne Frota1

  • 1Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|July 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) in Brazil is linked to maternal fever, unwashed vegetables, and third-trimester diagnosis. Infants with CT were born with lower birth weight, highlighting preventable risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Toxoplasmosis is a significant, preventable cause of congenital infections in Brazil.
  • Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) poses a considerable public health challenge, necessitating identification of associated antenatal risk factors.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate antenatal factors associated with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) in infants.
  • To identify specific maternal and pregnancy-related variables that increase the risk of CT transmission.
  • To provide data for improved screening and prevention programs.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study was conducted using medical records of infants under one year of age.
  • Infants diagnosed with CT were classified as cases, and those exposed but uninfected served as controls.
  • Data were collected retrospectively from a reference center in Rio de Janeiro.

Main Results:

  • Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) was confirmed in 14.9% of the 289 infants studied.
  • Maternal fever, consumption of unwashed vegetables, and third-trimester diagnosis were significantly associated with CT (ORs 6.43, 6.55, 2.16, respectively).
  • Infants with CT had lower birth weight, even after adjusting for prematurity.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal fever, consuming unwashed vegetables, and late-term (third trimester) diagnosis are key risk factors for CT.
  • Infants diagnosed with CT exhibit lower birth weights compared to controls.
  • These findings underscore the importance of antenatal education and hygiene practices to prevent CT.
Abstract

Keywords:
Toxoplasmosiscongenital toxoplasmosismaternal-fetal infectionsprenatal toxoplasmosistoxoplasma gondii infection

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