TOXOPLASMOSIS IN PREGNANCY

This is a protozoal disease (cause by toxoplasma gondii) considered to be widely distributed throughout the world. The mode of human infestations are unknown. Rawal and Jhala from Bombay found skin test positive in 3 percent population surveyed. Acquired toxoplasmosis in a pregnant woman most often remains asymptomatic, when the recent infection becomes mild or she gets infected before pregnancy. Rarely in a recent infection, fever and generalized lymphadenopathy may appear. Congenital toxoplasmosis: The maternal infection happens to develop placental foci which further damage the foetus. Maternal infections during second trimester of pregnancy have been associated with severe congenital toxoplasmosis at birth, stillbirth and prematurity; infection during first trimester can cause abortion although this does not involve the foetus. The infection during the third trimester causes variable affection of the newborn. It is considered that maternal toxoplasmosis can cause recurrent abortions, premature labor and stillbirths. Mild form of congenital toxoplasmosis which is common may develop a few retinal lesions. More severe infection shows encephalitis, chorioretinitis, fever, diffuse adenopathy, jaundice and maculopapular rash; later on epilepsy and mental retardation may become the sequelae.