Toxoplasmosis: A Timeless Challenge for Pregnancy

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, as well as the general characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, and pregnancy and fetal outcomes of pregnant women diagnosed with acute toxoplasma infection (ATI). The toxoplasma IgM, IgG, and IgG avidity test results of pregnant women who applied to our referral hospital between January 2016 and June 2022, and among them, those diagnosed with ATI, were analyzed. The 119 patients diagnosed with ATI during this time period were included for further analysis. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women was found to be 46.2%, and the rate of ATI was 4%. The total mother-to-child transmission rate was 5% (5/101). Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) was observed in 1 (1.1%) child of the 87 pregnant women who received spiramycin prophylaxis, though it was found in 4 (30.8%) of the children of the 13 untreated mothers. With respect to prenatal treatment, CT rates were significantly higher in the children born to untreated mothers (p = 0.001). In conclusion, although toxoplasma seroprevalence was found to be high in our region, there was a paucity in diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment. Our findings support that prenatal spiramycin prophylaxis is effective in preventing the transmission of parasites from mother to child.

Automated summary

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women and the outcomes of acute toxoplasma infection (ATI) during pregnancy. The results showed a prevalence of toxoplasmosis of 46.2% and an ATI rate of 4% in pregnant women. The transmission rate from mother to child was 5%, with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) observed in 1.1% of children born to mothers who received spiramycin prophylaxis and 30.8% of children born to untreated mothers. Prenatal spiramycin prophylaxis was found to be significantly effective in preventing CT.