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Obtaining Highly Purified Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts by a Discontinuous Cesium Chloride Gradient
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Published on: November 3, 2009

Frequency of toxoplasmosis in the appearance of congenital hydrocephalus

J Martinović, D Sibalić, M Djordjević

    Journal of Neurosurgery
    |June 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Congenital toxoplasmosis was confirmed in 39% of infants with hydrocephalus using serological tests. Further investigation is needed for suspected cases lacking sufficient diagnostic data.

    Area of Science:

    • Medical Parasitology
    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Hydrocephalus in infants can have various etiologies, including infectious causes.
    • Congenital toxoplasmosis is a significant parasitic infection transmissible from mother to fetus, potentially leading to severe neurological complications like hydrocephalus.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis in infants presenting with signs of hydrocephalus.
    • To evaluate the utility of serological markers in diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis in this specific pediatric population.

    Main Methods:

    • Clinical assessment of 38 infants with hydrocephalus, including roentgenographical and ophthalmological examinations.
    • Serological testing for toxoplasmosis using the Sabin-Feldman and IgM-Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IgM-IFA) tests.
    • Diagnosis confirmation based on the persistence of Toxoplasma antibodies.

    Main Results:

    • Congenital toxoplasmosis was confirmed in 15 out of 38 infants (39%).
    • Thirteen infants (34%) were classified as having 'suspected congenital toxoplasmosis' due to insufficient serological data.
    • Ten infants with hydrocephalus and negative serology were deemed not infected with toxoplasmosis.

    Conclusions:

    • Congenital toxoplasmosis is a notable cause of hydrocephalus in infants.
    • Serological testing is crucial for diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis, but persistent antibody demonstration is key.
    • A significant proportion of infants with hydrocephalus require further evaluation for suspected toxoplasmosis.

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