[Evaluation of the efficacy of the Toxoplasma gondii screening program among pregnant women in Nunavik, 1994-2003].

OBJECTIVES

(1) To evaluate the efficacy of the Toxoplasma gondii screening program among Nunavik pregnant women in identifying seroconversions during pregnancy and performing an appropriate follow-up of the seroconverted women and their child; and (2) to evaluate the consequences of congenital Toxoplasma gondii infection.

PARTICIPANTS

Women of child-bearing age and their children born between January 1994 and September 2003.

SETTING

Nunavik.

INTERVENTION: Potential cases of infection during pregnancy and of congenital toxoplasmosis were identified on the basis of serologic and hospitalization data. A medical chart revision was then performed. Descriptive statistics regarding the medical follow-up and treatment of suspected cases were compiled.

OUTCOMES: 31 women who gave birth to 32 children were identified as potential cases. According to the medical charts, 19 women had a potential infection during pregnancy, the others were deemed to have been infected before conception. One woman had a definite infection. This woman and most of the 18 other potentially infected women and their children were treated appropriately. Because of missing data, it was impossible to determine with certainty the final status of two children. A diagnosis of congenital infection was rejected among the other children.

CONCLUSION

Women with suspected infection and their children were generally well managed by the health care system. No clinical effect of congenital toxoplasmosis was noted during the studied period.