Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy [Toxoplasmose de la femme enceinte]

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection still frequent in France, the clinical manifestations of which, the short- or long-term consequences, and the diagnostic tools should not be overlooked. The prevention of toxoplasmosis is based on serological screening of pregnant women and hygienic recommendations. When a primary infection is suspected or documented in a pregnant woman, the estimated time of infection is essential and allows to adapt patient management. The maternal treatment, possibly modified after the result of prenatal diagnosis, reduces the frequency of vertical transmission and the severity of congenital infection. Postnatal screening of neonates is necessary, even if Toxoplasma PCR is negative in the amniotic fluid, and is based on imaging and serological follow-up of the newborn during at least 8 months. The serological techniques are numerous and heterogeneous, and require careful interpretation when specific IgM are detected, taking advise from a reference laboratory to adapt the management of the pregnant woman and her baby. © 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS