Toxoplasmosis is a maternal infection worldwide, due primarily to ingestion of undercooked or raw meat containing tissue cysts. Ingestion of water or food with oocytes that have been excreted by infected cats (fecal contamination) is the most common form of transmission in the United States. Advise pregnant women not to change/clean cat litter while pregnant.
Findings
Jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly
Thrombocytopenia, anemia
Microcephaly
Chorioretinitis
Hydrocephalus
Intracranial calcifications
Seizures
Outcomes
Psychomotor retardation
Seizure disorder
Visual impairments
Treatment
maternal treatment during pregnancy reduces the likelihood of transmission significantly (spiramycin)
Infants are treated with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazide, and leucovorin.