Congenital toxoplasmosis

Definitions & Key takeaways

Congenital toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease that affects fetuses and newborns. It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy and can cause serious problems to the unborn child. Newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis usually present with low birth weight, blindness, hepatosplenomegaly, hydrocephalus, and diffuse intracranial calcifications.