pediatrics
Congenital Toxoplasmosis
Introduction
Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by transplacental acquisition ofToxoplasma gondii. Manifestations, if present, are prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, myocarditis, pneumonitis, rash, chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, microcephaly, and seizures. Diagnosis is by serologic or polymerase chain reaction testing. Treatment is withpyrimethamine,sulfadiazine, andleucovorin. ( See also Toxoplasmosis in adults and Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found worldwide, causes congenital infection in about 1/10,000 to 80/10,000 births. 