Toxoplasmosis: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in congenitally exposed infants

J Pediatr Health Care. 2011 Nov;25(6):355-64. Epub 2010 Jun 12.

Toxoplasmosis: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in congenitally exposed infants.

Kaye A.

Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a rare disease caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Most persons with toxoplasmosis in the United States are asymptomatic, but if a woman is infected during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and cause congenital toxoplasmosis in the fetus. The severity of congenital toxoplasmosis depends on when in the pregnancy the mother is exposed, but it can cause ocular and central nervous system disease as well as lead to growth failure and hearing and vision abnormalities. Congenital toxoplasmosis is treated with a combination of pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and leucovorin. It is important for pediatric nurse practitioners to be aware of the clinical presentation and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Copyright © 2011 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

PMID:22018426[PubMed - in process]