Congenital toxoplasmosis: prevention in pregnant woman and management of the newborn

The management of a pregnant women or a child infected by Toxoplasma gondii rests on the screening of pregnant women at risk of infection. Treatment is prescribed if an infection occurs. A prenatal diagnosis (detection of T gondii in amniotic fluid) may be performed, a positive result leading to a reinforcement of the treatment. After birth, the follow-up of the child is needed in order to prevent and detect the sequellae, mainly ocular. For all these steps, the biological methods used to diagnose T gondii infection are of paramount importance. (C) 2002 editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.