Health's Book

Definition

Congenital toxoplasmosis is a group of symptoms that occur when an unborn baby (fetus) is infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

Symptoms

Up to half of the fetuses who become infected with toxoplasmosis during the pregnancy ae born early (prematurely). Congenital toxoplasmosis can damage the baby's eyes, nervous system, skin, and ears.

Often, there are signs of infection in the baby at birth. However, newborns with milder infections may not have symptoms or problems for months or even years. If they are not treated, almost all develop problems (especially in the eyes) when they become adolescents.

Symptoms may include:

* Enlarged liver and spleen
* Diarrhea or vomiting
* Eye damage from inflammation of the retina or other parts of the eye
* Feeding problems
* Hearing loss
* Jaundice
* Low birth weight (intrauterine growth restriction)
* Skin rash (petechiae or ecchymosis) at birth

Brain and nervous system damage may be severe or very mild, and may include:

* Seizures
* Abnormal brain and nervous system (neurologic) function