Congenital toxoplasmosis in Martinique: Clinical features and Caribbean genotypes in a comparative study with mainland France.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the epidemiology, clinical features, and genotypic characteristics of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) in Martinique over a 12-year period.

STUDY

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective study of CT cases diagnosed at the University Hospital of Martinique between 2010 and 2022. We then compared the clinical, genotypic, and epidemiological data of these cases with those from the Limousin region in mainland France.

RESULTS

Twenty-five CT cases were identified in Martinique, with no pregnancy terminations or in utero deaths. Clinical findings showed low severity at birth, with ocular involvement of 8% within the first few months and 21% within the first 2 years. Of the 11 isolates genotyped in Martinique, nine belonged to Caribbean lineages (Caribbean 1, 2, and 3), whereas all the isolates from Limousin were of the Type II lineage. There was no significant difference in clinical severity between the two regions. However, the incidence of CT was three times higher in Martinique than in mainland France.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains associated with diagnosed cases of CT in Martinique differed from that observed in mainland France, no increase in clinical severity was observed; however, a higher risk of transplacental passage was possible. These findings provide important data to improve our understanding of the epidemiological and clinical aspects of CT in relation to the genetic diversity of circulating strains in Martinique. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of screening for CT on an ongoing basis and monitoring affected children.