[CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS: AWARENESS ENABLES PREVENTION, EARLY TREATMENT, AND IMPROVED OUTCOME].

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Public Health
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Toxoplasma gondii infection is a common, often asymptomatic, global parasitic infection.
• Congenital toxoplasmosis poses significant risks to fetal development, with damage severity increasing with earlier infection.
• The parasite can cause inflammation in fetal organs, leading to miscarriages, neurological, visual, and cardiovascular disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To raise awareness of congenital toxoplasmosis and its potential harm to fetuses and children.
• To review current prevention strategies, including primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention measures.
• To provide updated information and recommendations for policy changes regarding congenital toxoplasmosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on toxoplasmosis, congenital infections, and prevention strategies.
• Analysis of clinical manifestations and risk factors associated with congenital toxoplasmosis.
• Comparative analysis of congenital toxoplasmosis incidence and severity in different regions.

Main Results:

• Congenital toxoplasmosis can lead to severe, long-term health issues in children, including neurological and developmental impairments.
• Primary prevention focuses on hygiene and food safety; secondary prevention involves serological screening; tertiary prevention includes early treatment.
• Israel shows a higher relative rate of severe clinical manifestations in children compared to European countries, potentially due to lack of screening and treatment.

Conclusions:

• Effective prevention and early detection of congenital toxoplasmosis are essential to mitigate severe fetal and child health outcomes.
• Implementing comprehensive screening programs for pregnant women and ensuring timely treatment are crucial policy recommendations.
• Increased public awareness and adherence to preventive measures can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of congenital toxoplasmosis.