Active congenital toxoplasmosis, an underestimated threat: case report

Abstract

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is a consequence of vertical transmission of the toxoplasma gondii parasite during gestation. We present a case of premature CT, adolescent mother diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy with gestational toxoplasmosis, without treatment. After birth, the patient was admitted to the neonatal intermediate unit, with normal vital signs, on physical examination with mild signs of shortness of breath, splenomegaly approximately 7cm, hepatomegaly 3 cm, generalized micropapular lesions, chest X-ray without alteration and positive IgG and IgM serologies, confirming a severe CT diagnosis due to ocular, cerebral, hematologic and skin involvement; she received pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, folinic acid and prednisolone. The appearance of these cases of severe component sets off alarms in prioritizing maternal and family education and also human talent at the time of approaching and monitoring the pregnant woman, contributing substantially to the decrease in vertical transmission, and in turn the long-term impact on the newborn and her family.