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Incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis estimated by neonatal screening: relevance of diagnostic confirmation in asymptomatic newborn infants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 February 2005

C. G. CARVALHEIRO ,
M. M. MUSSI-PINHATA ,
A. Y. YAMAMOTO ,
C. B. S. DE SOUZA  and
L. M. Z. MACIEL
C. G. CARVALHEIRO
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
M. M. MUSSI-PINHATA
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
A. Y. YAMAMOTO
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
C. B. S. DE SOUZA
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
L. M. Z. MACIEL
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
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Abstract

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Congenital toxoplasmosis is rarely identified by routine clinical examination. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of the disease in the region of Ribeirão Preto, south-eastern Brazil. A definitive diagnosis was made on the basis of the persistence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies beyond 1 year of age. Blood samples obtained from 15162 neonates and adsorbed onto filter paper were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. Fifteen samples gave positive results. A definitive diagnosis was confirmed in five of the 13 infants (38·5%) who completed follow-up. These five infants presented with serum IgM and/or IgA antibodies, and clinical abnormalities. Disease incidence was estimated to be 3·3/10000 (95% CI 1·0–7·7), indicating the need for preventive measures. Neonatal screening is feasible, but screening tests with a better performance are required; positive screening results must be carefully confirmed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 133 , Issue 3 , June 2005 , pp. 485 - 491
Copyright
© 2005 Cambridge University Press