Test for toxoplasmosis immunity during pregnancy

In some high-risk countries such as France, all women are screened for toxoplasma antibodies during their first prenatal visit.¹

• A woman who tests positive for immunity to Toxoplasma gondii does not have to take precautions to prevent fetal infection during pregnancy.
• A woman who tests negative for immunity will have to be careful about exposure to Toxoplasma gondii and is screened periodically during her pregnancy.
• A nonimmune woman who develops toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is:
  • Treated with antibiotics to prevent fetal infection.
  • Tested later for fetal infection, using either amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood (after 20 weeks of pregnancy). Fetal ultrasound can also be used to look for severe birth defects. If fetal toxoplasmosis is diagnosed, the mother is given stronger antibiotics to prevent severe fetal infection.

Citations

1. Foulon W, et al. (2000). Prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis. Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 28(5): 337-345.