CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Congenital toxoplasmosis is a condition that occurs when a pregnant woman is infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can be transmitted to the fetus in the womb. This parasitic infection is contracted through consumption of contaminated food, contaminated water, or contact with infected animals, typically cats.
The infection can have varying effects on the fetus, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the gestational age at the time of infection and the immune response of the mother. In some cases, the infection may result in miscarriage or stillbirth.
If the fetus survives, congenital toxoplasmosis can lead to a range of complications including neurological abnormalities, such as intellectual disability, seizures, and hydrocephalus, as well as vision problems and hearing loss. Other symptoms can include fever, enlarged liver or spleen, rash, and jaundice.
Diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis is often made through prenatal screening, which involves testing the mother's blood for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Testing the newborn's blood for the presence of the parasite and antibody levels can also help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for congenital toxoplasmosis typically involves a combination of medications, such as pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent further complications. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis for affected infants.
Prevention strategies include educating pregnant women about the risks associated with exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, practicing good hygiene, avoiding undercooked or contaminated foods, and wearing gloves while handling soil or cat litter.
Common Misspellings for CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS
- xongenital toxoplasmosis
- vongenital toxoplasmosis
- fongenital toxoplasmosis
- dongenital toxoplasmosis
- cingenital toxoplasmosis
- ckngenital toxoplasmosis
- clngenital toxoplasmosis
- cpngenital toxoplasmosis
- c0ngenital toxoplasmosis
- c9ngenital toxoplasmosis
- cobgenital toxoplasmosis
- comgenital toxoplasmosis
- cojgenital toxoplasmosis
- cohgenital toxoplasmosis
- confenital toxoplasmosis
- convenital toxoplasmosis
- conbenital toxoplasmosis
- conhenital toxoplasmosis
- conyenital toxoplasmosis
- contenital toxoplasmosis
Etymology of CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS
The word "congenital toxoplasmosis" is a combination of two terms:
1. "Congenital" - derived from the Latin word "congenitus", meaning "born with" or "inborn". It refers to a condition or trait that is present at birth, indicating that it is acquired during fetal development.
2. "Toxoplasmosis" - derived from the Greek word "toxon", meaning "bow" or "arrow", and the word "plasma", meaning "that which is formed". Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection caused by a single-celled organism called Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect humans and animals. The name refers to the parasite's ability to form spores (cysts) that resemble an arrowhead or a bow.
Similar spelling word for CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS
- Congenital Toxoplasmoses.
