Dark-field exam of lesions or umbilical cord scraping in syphilis. Send placenta to pathology lab for culture and microscopy. General lab screen including liver function tests, electrolytes, glucose, CBC and clotting studies. Specific Agents Toxoplasmosis. Caused by Toxoplasma gondii.
Fetus is infected by transplacental passage during maternal parasitemia.
Infection occurs through ingestion of sporulated oocysts in cat feces or ingestion of poorly cooked meat. Isolation of organism from placenta. Most of those who acquire toxoplasma in utero are asymptomatic. Infants with untreated congenital toxoplasmosis and generalized or neurologic abnormalities at presentation almost uniformly develop mental retardation, seizures, and spasticity. Prevention and treatment.