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Frequency of toxoplasmosis in the appearance of congenital hydrocephalus
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.
Abstract:
Thirty-eight children with signs of hydrocephalus have been tested for toxoplasmosis. On the basis of clinical data, including roentgenographical and ophthalmological findings, and serological data (Sabin-Feldman and IgM-IFA tests), congenital toxoplasmosis was confirmed in 15 (39%) infants. The diagnosis was established by demonstration of the persistence of Toxoplasma antibodies. In 13 (34%) infants aged 1 to 3 months there was not enough serological data and these were placed in a group of cases with "suspected congenital toxoplasmosis." Ten children with negative serology for toxoplasmosis and with hydrocephalus were considered not to be infected.