Treatment Definition A grouping of findings caused by infection of the fetus with the organism Toxoplasma gondii. Fetal infection with toxoplasmosis results when a nonimmune pregnant mother is initially infected with toxoplasmosis or if she has a history of toxoplamosis during previous pregnancies. For the mother the disease is generally mild and may not be evident. Infection of the fetus, however, can cause severe problems. Infection early in pregnancy results in more severe problems than later infection.
Congenital toxoplasmosis is characterized by damage to the eyes, nervous system, skin, and ears.
Prevention Prospective or expectant mothers can be serologically tested to determine if they are at risk for toxoplasmosis . Pregnant women who have cats as house pets may increase their risk of developing toxoplasmosis. Meat should be cooked until well done and the hands should be washed after handling raw meat. All Rights Reserved. All rights reserved.