Manejo y prevención de la toxoplasmosis en el embarazo

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection capable of seriously affecting pregnancy and is associated with fetal malformations when the disease develops in the first weeks of gestation. Locally, it was established that the causal agent remains latent in the first trimester of pregnancy in the provinces of Pichincha (71.4% of 140 pregnant women), Guayas (73% of 5683) and El Oro (16% of 250). Among the complications that may occur are the "classic triad" of chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus and intracranial calcifications. Its means of transmission is related to the ingestion of food contaminated by the parasite, in addition to establishing contact with cat and pigeon droppings. It is important to make an early diagnosis in pregnant women in order to take the corresponding therapeutic measures. Treatment is focused on preventing infection of the newborn and the possible repercussions on its health. The first-line drugs are spiramycin, pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, whose administration will vary according to the weeks of gestation in which the pathology is detected. Its prevention is based on hygienic-dietary rules such as hand washing, consumption of properly cooked food, avoiding contact with materials contaminated by cat and pigeon feces, as well as not consuming unpasteurized dairy products. The aim of this work is to describe the current approach to toxoplasmosis in pregnancy and prevention measures by means of an exhaustive review of the updated literature.