P37.1: Congenital toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis involves pathogens that are mainly found in cat feces, unwashed vegetables and raw meat. If the mother initially contracts toxoplasmosis while pregnant, the toxoplasmosis can be passed on to the child via the placenta. Toxoplasmosis can also be passed on to the child during the birth. Toxoplasmosis can harm the child.

The placenta forms in the mother’s womb during pregnancy. The placenta consists of cells from the mother and cells from the unborn child. The umbilical cord connects the child to the placenta.

If the child has contracted toxoplasmosis, its liver or spleen may be enlarged, for example. The liver and spleen are situated in the top right and left of the abdomen. Fluid may also accumulate in the abdomen. The skin and the whites of the eyes may turn yellow. There may also be changes to the eyes and an accumulation of spinal fluid in the head.

There are cavities with cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, around the brain and around the spinal cord. Among other things, the cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord during knocks and also nourishes the brain cells. If the spinal fluid is unable to drain properly, it can increasingly accumulate in the head.

If the child is severely ill it can suffer inflammation of its heart or brain. Lung inflammation can then occur.