Diagnosis and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis: an updated overview.

INTRODUCTION

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread protozoan infection that exhibits increased pathogenicity in its congenital form. The diagnosis and management of this condition require high accuracy and rapid intervention throughout the maternal-fetal and neonatal periods.

AREAS COVERED: The aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of screening and diagnostic confirmation strategies for congenital toxoplasmosis, covering prenatal screening, neonatal assessment and long-term follow-up. It also examines therapeutic options for prenatal treatment based on gestational age.

EXPERT OPINION: Diagnostic strategies for congenital toxoplasmosis remain highly heterogeneous worldwide, ranging from intensive prenatal screening to a complete absence of systematic testing. When implemented, screening programs promote early diagnosis and treatment, with a positive impact on transmission and disease severity. The recent withdrawal of various key serological tests has forced laboratories to adopt and validate alternative diagnostic algorithms in complex situations. Pyrimethamine-sulfonamide is the cornerstone of treatment, but its toxicity profile remains a major limitation of current management. Cotrimoxazole appears to be a better-tolerated alternative that warrants consideration, although studies are still scarce.