Pregnancy Complications: Toxoplasmosis, Its Triggers, Signs, and Potential Dangers

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a single-celled organism that can have serious consequences for pregnant women and their unborn babies.

The infection can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby, but it is not contagious between people unless there is a case of blood transfusion or organ transplant. In developed countries, about one in 200 women get infected with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. However, the rate in countries like India is not well-defined.

Pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and newborns are most at risk of severe symptoms. If a mother is infected during pregnancy, about half of the infections are transmitted to the baby. Of these transmitted cases, 60% do not show symptoms, 30% show severe damage, and 9% of them result in death.

Toxoplasmosis in the womb can cause congenital toxoplasmosis, which can impair the foetus's development, leading to miscarriages, stillbirth, mental and motor developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy.

A positive test result shows that there has been an infection in the past and does not mean an active infection. A negative test result could mean that there has never been an infection or a false negative due to a recent infection. The type of antibody present in the blood determines the time of the infection. IgG antibodies indicate a past infection and immunity, while IgM antibodies indicate a recent infection.

The diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis involves a blood test that detects specific antibodies. If there is a risk of an infection during pregnancy, further blood tests can determine how recent it is through an IgM antibody count.

To prevent Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, guidelines recommend paying attention to personal hygiene, checking meat storage, ensuring proper cooking of meals, avoiding certain types of poultry, checking milk before consumption, being careful while cooking meat, washing utensils, avoiding cleaning cat feces, not adopting a new kitten during pregnancy, wearing protective gear while cleaning cat litter, and washing hands thoroughly afterwards.

Adults may experience mild flu-like symptoms, tender or inflamed lymph nodes, muscle pains, and eye problems. Pregnant women who own cats are at a greater risk of an infection, especially if they get a new cat during pregnancy. The infection can be contracted through cat poop, undercooked infected meat, improperly washed utensils used to handle infected meat, and drinking contaminated water.

However, women can breastfeed while having an infection, as the transmission of the infection through breast milk is unlikely.

It is crucial for pregnant women to be aware of the risks associated with Toxoplasmosis and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their unborn babies.