A pregnant woman surrounded by protective hands, symbolizing prenatal care and protection from congenital toxoplasmosis.

Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Algeria: What Expectant Mothers Need to Know

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"A review of cases reveals critical insights into prevention and management of this potentially serious condition."

During pregnancy, a mother's health directly impacts her developing child. Infections that are typically mild can pose significant risks. One such infection is toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. While many adults experience toxoplasmosis with few or no symptoms, if a woman contracts it during pregnancy, the parasite can cross the placenta and cause congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) in the fetus.

Congenital toxoplasmosis can lead to a range of health problems in newborns, from mild, unnoticeable issues to severe neurological and ocular damage. Given these potential consequences, understanding the risks, prevention strategies, and management approaches is crucial for expectant mothers and healthcare providers. Although congenital toxoplasmosis is not common, lack of awareness and preventive strategies can be detrimental.

This article explores the topic of congenital toxoplasmosis in Algeria based on a review conducted at the Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie. By examining the data and findings of this study, we will provide expectant mothers and healthcare providers with information to better understand, prevent, and manage congenital toxoplasmosis.

Unveiling the Scope: Understanding Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Algeria

A pregnant woman surrounded by protective hands, symbolizing prenatal care and protection from congenital toxoplasmosis.

A study was conducted at the Centre National de Référence (CNR) Toxoplasmose, Institut Pasteur d'Algérie, between 2002 and 2017. Researchers reviewed 49 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis that were diagnosed during that period. The aim was to better understand the clinical and biological characteristics of the infection in Algeria.

The data revealed several key findings:

Most infections occurred during the first trimester (29 cases).
A smaller number of infections occurred in the second (4 cases) and third trimesters (5 cases).
In 11 cases, the exact timing of the infection could not be determined.
Spiramycin, an antibiotic, was prescribed to 31 pregnant women.
Fetal ultrasounds were not helpful in diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis in these cases.
Out of 47 live births, 40 newborns were asymptomatic, while 7 showed obvious signs of the infection.
Neurological issues (with or without skin rash) were the most common symptoms among the symptomatic newborns.
Western blot testing was the most sensitive method for diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns.
Most newborns (65.95%) were treated with pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine.
There were two early deaths, four cases of chorioretinitis (inflammation of the retina and choroid), and three cases of neurological damage.

These findings highlight the challenges in diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis, the importance of early detection, and the potential for serious complications. The study also points to the need for improved awareness and preventive strategies.

Protecting Future Generations: Steps to Improve Outcomes

The review of congenital toxoplasmosis cases in Algeria underscores the need for a multi-pronged approach to prevention and management. By raising awareness, improving prenatal care, and ensuring access to prompt treatment, healthcare providers and expectant mothers can work together to reduce the burden of this infection and improve outcomes for future generations.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jpp.2018.10.004, Alternate LINK

Title: Toxoplasmose Congénitale : Bilan Du Cnr Toxoplasmose, De L’Institut Pasteur D’Algérie

Subject: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Journal: Journal de Pédiatrie et de Puériculture

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: F. Bachi, E. Gourbdji, S.A. Yebbous Bensaid, L. Taourirt, A. Ouchait, L. Lazizi, M. Boudhane

Published: 2019-02-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is congenital toxoplasmosis and why is it a concern during pregnancy?

Congenital toxoplasmosis occurs when the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus. This can happen if the mother contracts toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. While many adults experience toxoplasmosis with mild or no symptoms, it can have serious consequences for newborns. Congenital toxoplasmosis can lead to various health problems, ranging from mild issues to severe neurological and ocular damage. Early detection and management are crucial to improving outcomes for both mothers and newborns.

What were some key findings of the study on congenital toxoplasmosis in Algeria?

The study in Algeria revealed that most congenital toxoplasmosis infections occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy. Fetal ultrasounds were not helpful in diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis in the reviewed cases. Neurological issues were the most common symptoms among symptomatic newborns, and Western blot testing was the most sensitive diagnostic method. Most newborns were treated with pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine. These findings highlight the challenges in diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis and the importance of early detection.

What is Spiramycin, and how was it used in the cases studied?

Spiramycin is an antibiotic that was prescribed to some pregnant women in the study. While it can be used to treat toxoplasmosis in pregnant women, the study showed that it was not always effective in preventing congenital toxoplasmosis. Other treatments, such as pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine, are typically used to treat newborns who are diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis.

What is Western blot testing, and why is it so important in diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis?

Western blot testing is a highly sensitive method for diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis in newborns. It helps to detect the presence of specific antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in the newborn's blood. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and improving outcomes for affected newborns. Without early detection, the consequences could be dire.

What is chorioretinitis, and how does it relate to congenital toxoplasmosis?

Chorioretinitis is inflammation of the retina and choroid of the eye. It can be a complication of congenital toxoplasmosis, leading to visual impairment or blindness. The study reported four cases of chorioretinitis among newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent or minimize the impact of chorioretinitis on a child's vision. This emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention in newborns diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis.