[Diagnostic problems with congenital toxoplasmosis]

Abstract

Congenital toxoplasmosis results from the primary infection with Toxoplasma gondii during the pregnancy. The more advanced pregnancy the higher risk of foetus infection, however the symptoms might be mild or the infection can be asymptomatic. However, undiagnosed infection in a new born baby results in further development of the disease in early childhood reflecting in sight and hearing impairment, neurological symptoms or mental retardation. Systematic and frequent serologic tests performed during the pregnancy can lead to the early diagnosis of primary infection and help to implement the treatment which slows down the disease progression in children with intrauterine infection. It also reduces the costs of long-term medical care required for the significantly disabled patients.