[Neonatal screening of congenital toxoplasmosis. Prospective study]

Abstract

Background: While toxoplasmosis infection in women is often benign, transmission of maternal infection to the fetus can lead to severe sequelae. Because the majority of patients with acute toxoplasmosis are asymptomayic, a systematic serologic screening program will needed with monthly serologic screening of all seronegative pregnant women until delivery. The aim of this study was to identify cases of congenital toxoplasmosis among all live births of women found to be seronegative in pregnancy once at least.

Methods: During a prospective study period of 16 months (from 07/02/2003 to 30/06/2004) we conduct a neonatal screening of all live births of women found to be seronegative in pregnancy once at least. Peripheral samples were obtained from every couple mother/infant. Serological methods performed for diagnosis of toxoplasma specific IgM and IgG antibodies were Hemaglutination and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Four cases of congenital toxoplasmosis were diagnosed after birth. All cases were asymptomatic and a specific treatment was started soon after diagnosis. The clinical and serologic evolution was normal in three cases. A serologic rebound at two years was reported in one case with a chorioretinitis in the examination of the ocular fundus.

Conclusion: Neonatal as well maternal screening during pregnancy and at birth should be systematic to prevent, diagnose and treat early the affected neonates usually asymptomatic.