CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS: CURRENT PERSPECTIVES ON DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES

Congenital toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, has a global incidence of approximately 190,000 cases annually. Maternal infection prevalence during pregnancy ranges from 1% to 40%, with European seroprevalence varying between 10% and 60%. Early infections often result in severe fetal outcomes, such as hydrocephalus, intracranial calcications, and chorioretinitis. Pathogenesis involves the transmission of tachyzoites, the rapidly dividing form of T. gondii, across the placenta, leading to infection of fetal organs. Clinical manifestations are diverse, including neurological and ocular involvement, as well as systemic symptoms like hepatosplenomegaly and jaundice. Diagnosis involves serological tests, PCR, and imaging studies. Treatment typically includes a combination of pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and folinic acid, with glucocorticoids for severe inammation