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Toxoplasmosis, Pediatric

Rimsha Iqbal, MD and Rebecca Schein, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite with a complex life cycle, which can cause a wide range of clinical symptoms depending on i...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Exposure to raw meat, unfiltered water, cats or kittens

  • Immune deficiency disease

  • Maternal illness during pregnancy

  • Primary infection may be asymptomatic.

  • Symptoms are nonspecific and inc...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Most cases of acute infection do not require treatment.

  • Persons with eye disease, severe organ damage, pregnant women, congenital infection (symptomatic or asymptomatic), and ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Children with congenital infection should be monitored for neurologic manifestations, including hearing loss and chorioretinitis that may develo...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Berrébi A, Assouline C, Bessières MH, et al. Long-term outcome of children with congenital toxoplasmosis. Am J Obstet Gynecol.  2010;203(6):552.e1–e6. [View Abstract on OvidIns...

CODES

ICD9

  • 130.9 Toxoplasmosis, unspecified

  • 771.2 Other congenital infections specific to the perinatal period

  • 130.4 Pneumonitis due to toxoplasmosis

  • 130.2 Chorioretinitis due to toxoplasmosis

  • 130.7 Toxopl...

FAQ

  • Q: What newborns require evaluation for congenital toxoplasmosis?

  • A: Newborns with known maternal disease or concerning exposure and those with hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, strabismu...

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