[Acute toxoplasmic myelitis in the newborns]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Congenital toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection transmitted from mother to fetus.
• Neurological complications in congenital toxoplasmosis can be severe and varied.
• Differential diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of neonatal neurological disorders.

Observation:

• Three neonates presented with severe spinal cord involvement.
• Clinical symptoms mimicked other serious neonatal conditions such as poliomyelitis and hypoxic brain injury.
• Detailed clinical and imaging assessments were performed.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination definitively diagnosed toxoplasmosis in all three cases.
• The spinal cord was identified as a primary site of infection and damage.
• The findings highlight the potential for severe, localized neurological damage in congenital toxoplasmosis.

Implications:

• This case series underscores the importance of considering congenital toxoplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of neonatal myelopathy.
• Early and accurate diagnosis through histopathology is critical for timely treatment and improved outcomes.
• Further research into the specific mechanisms of spinal cord involvement in congenital toxoplasmosis is warranted.