Toxoplasmosis | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of toxoplasmosis?
Infants afflicted with toxoplasmosis often appear normal at birth, only exhibiting symptoms several years after they are born.
The most common complications from prenatal exposure to the disease include:
- Chorioretinitis: inflammation of the choroid layer behind the retina, which can progress to blindness
- Hydrocephalus: buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain
- Intracranial calcifications: the calcifications indicate parts of the brain that have been damaged by the parasite, and are often linked to:
- Mental retardation
- Seizures
- Motor and developmental delays
The symptoms of toxoplasmosis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Toxoplasmosis | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is toxoplasmosis diagnosed?
A blood test before or during pregnancy can determine if you have been exposed to the toxoplasma gondii parasite.
If you are infected, another type of test can determine whether the baby is infected. In addition, fetal ultrasounds/prenatal ultrasounds can determine if the baby's organs are damaged.
Currently, physicians in the U.S. do not routinely screen pregnant women for toxoplasma gondii.
How is toxoplasmosis treated?
If detected early, antiparasitic treatments can eliminate toxoplasmosis before the parasite harms the fetus.
How we care for toxoplasmosis
Through the joint work of researchers, genetic specialists, surgeons, and other care providers, Boston Children's Hospital's Fetal Care and Surgery Center is breaking ground in diagnosing and treating fetal health problems.
