THE toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by Toxoplasma gongii, a protozoan existing in raw or undercooked meat, contaminated sand and animal faeces, especially cats. It is a disease that often does not show symptoms in the mother, but it is very harmful for the baby.
If the infection occurs during pregnancy, the mother may experience the following symptoms, or remain without feeling anything:
- fever;
- chills;
- body loops (painful lumps);
- generalized pain in the muscles;
- increased liver.
The risks of Toxoplasma infection during pregnancy, especially if acquired during the first quarter, are the occurrence of:
- spontaneous abortion;
- hydrocephalus (accumulation of "water" in the baby's skull);
- mental retardation;
- calcifications in the brain;
- ocular lesions (chorioretinitis);
- blindness;
- deafness;
- convulsions;
- delayed development.
Due to the risk of serious complications, the serology for toxoplasmosis should be requested in the prenatal care of all pregnant women. O diagnosis is based on the collection of a blood sample for serology (IgM and IgG). Isolated IgG positivity indicates ancient infection, and the mother has antibodies. If there is isolated IgM positivity, it is an indication of acute infection and the pregnant woman should start treatment immediately for toxoplasmosis. If there is double positivity (IgG and IgM), it is necessary to proceed with the determination of the avidity of IgG, to infer the time of contact with the parasite. Sometimes treatment will be needed.
O treatment is made with spiramycin in the first trimester of pregnancy, or the combination of sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine and folinic acid in the second and third trimester of gestation. To determine if the baby was infected, umbilical cord blood collection (cordocentesis) is required, which can only be performed after 18 weeks of gestation. In case the baby is already infected, treatment should only begin after birth. Treatment, if initiated early and performed correctly, may prevent congenital toxoplasmosis. However, if the baby has already had contact with the parasite, it can be born with severe sequelae.
The care to avoid toxoplasmosis in pregnancy if the woman is not immune to the disease, are the following:
- Cook the meat thoroughly and wash hands thoroughly;
- Wash vegetables and fruits well;
- Wash hands after contact with cats;
- Avoid contact with abandoned cats;
- Avoid contact with cat feces and always wear gloves while handling them;
- Wear gloves to deal with the earth;
- Avoid consumption of raw meat, especially pork and lamb.
It is essential to perform prenatal care during pregnancy. If you suspect you are pregnant, you should immediately seek an obstetrician to start prenatal care.
