Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-xbtfd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-15T01:32:32.426Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis estimated by neonatal screening: relevance of diagnostic confirmation in asymptomatic newborn infants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 February 2005

C. G. CARVALHEIRO ,
M. M. MUSSI-PINHATA ,
A. Y. YAMAMOTO ,
C. B. S. DE SOUZA  and
L. M. Z. MACIEL
C. G. CARVALHEIRO
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
M. M. MUSSI-PINHATA
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
A. Y. YAMAMOTO
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
C. B. S. DE SOUZA
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
L. M. Z. MACIEL
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Congenital toxoplasmosis is rarely identified by routine clinical examination. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of the disease in the region of Ribeirão Preto, south-eastern Brazil. A definitive diagnosis was made on the basis of the persistence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies beyond 1 year of age. Blood samples obtained from 15162 neonates and adsorbed onto filter paper were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. Fifteen samples gave positive results. A definitive diagnosis was confirmed in five of the 13 infants (38·5%) who completed follow-up. These five infants presented with serum IgM and/or IgA antibodies, and clinical abnormalities. Disease incidence was estimated to be 3·3/10000 (95% CI 1·0–7·7), indicating the need for preventive measures. Neonatal screening is feasible, but screening tests with a better performance are required; positive screening results must be carefully confirmed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 133 , Issue 3 , June 2005 , pp. 485 - 491
Copyright
© 2005 Cambridge University Press