Congenital toxoplasmosis: an uncommon disease in Thailand

AbstractBackground:The seroprevalence of toxoplasma antibodies in pregnant women and the prevalence of congenital infection differ widely between countries. A few cases of congenital toxoplasmosis diagnosed after the neonatal period, with long-term sequelae, have been reported in Thailand. No data on the prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis have been documented and no screening for toxoplasmosis during pregnancy has been undertaken in Thailand.Subjects and Methods:A questionnaire enquiring about cases of congenital toxoplasmosis during 1995–2013 was distributed to paediatricians in referral and university hospitals in Thailand and the responses were analysed. Specific toxoplasma IgM antibody and clinical features were used for diagnosis.Results:There were 20 cases – 13 most likely and seven suspected cases of congenital toxoplasmosis. Most patients had systemic manifestations, but only 25% of diagnosed patients exhibited the classic triad of hydrocephalus, cerebral calcification and chorioretinitis. One...