Congenital toxoplasmosis.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• *Toxoplasma gondii* is a widespread zoonotic parasite with significant implications for pregnant women.
• Maternal primary infection during gestation can lead to fetal transmission, with risks escalating with earlier gestational stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the risks and clinical manifestations of congenital toxoplasmosis.
• To highlight factors influencing disease severity and outcomes in infected fetuses and neonates.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on *Toxoplasma gondii* transmission during pregnancy.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and influencing factors in congenital toxoplasmosis.

Main Results:

• Fetal transmission risk is inversely related to gestational age, but severity of consequences (fetal loss, neurological/ocular damage) increases with earlier infection.
• Clinical manifestations vary widely, from fetal demise to asymptomatic cases, with neurological sequelae including hydrocephalus, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy.
• Outcomes are influenced by gestational age at infection, diagnostic screening frequency, treatment timing and efficacy, parasite virulence, and maternal immune response.

Conclusions:

• Congenital toxoplasmosis presents a spectrum of fetal and neonatal complications.
• Effective prevention, early detection through screening, and timely treatment are critical for mitigating adverse outcomes.