Author/Editor		Arnež, M; Frelih, J; Kraut, A; Logar, J; Zore, A; Novak-Antolič, Ž
Title		Congenital toxoplasmosis in Slovenia: pediatric follow-up of children at risk
Type		članek
Source		In: Novak-Antolič Ž, editor. Učinkovitost predporodnega varstva v Sloveniji. Zbornik prispevkov 7. Novakovi dnevi; 2000 jun 1-3; Moravske Toplice. Ljubljana: Slovensko zdravniško društvo, Združenje za perinatalno medicino,
Publication year		2000
Volume		str. 142-6
Language		eng
Abstract		Background: Seropositivity among pregnant women in Slovenia is 37%. The incidence of suspected primary infection acquired in pregnancy is 0.75%. The incidence of congenital infection is suggested to be 3/1000 live births. In 1995, compulsory screening for toxoplasmosis in pregnancy was introduced in Slovenia. In 1998, additional guidelines on the prevention, screening and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis were accepted. We are presenting children at risk for congenital toxoplasmosis, referred to our institution during May 1998 and February 2000. Methods: 88 children (52 girls, 36 boys) were included in this prospective clinical study. The basic data on pregnancy, labour and newborns were collected by a questionnaire. A clinical and neurological examination, the basic haematological and biochemical investigations and serological tests were performed at the time of the first visit as well as 3, 6 and 12 months later. Results: 3/88 children (3.4% ) were congenitaly infected with Toxoplasma gondii parasite. All 3 mothers were acutely infected during last trimester of pregnancy and none of them was treated for recent infection. All 3 children were treated. When one year old, two children were free of the signs and symptoms of infection. The third child remained severely affected despite immediate postnatal treatment. Conclusion: Slovenia is an endemic region for Toxoplasma gondii infection. Despite serological screening and treatment of pregnant women for recent infection, there are still cases of congenital infection in children at risk.
Descriptors		TOXOPLASMOSIS, CONGENITAL PREGNANCY INFANT, NEWBORN SLOVENIA INCIDENCE SERODIAGNOSIS SPIRAMYCIN CONJUNCTIVITIS BCG VACCINE