Treatment:

Spiramycin can treat infection in the pregnant mother.

Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine can treat fetal infection (diagnosed during the pregnancy).

Treatment of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis typically includes pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and leucovorin for one year. Infants are also sometimes given steroids if their vision is threatened or if the protein level in the spinal fluid is high.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome depends on the severity of the congenital toxoplasmosis.

Complications:

• Hydrocephalus
• Blindness or severe visual disability
• Severe mental retardation or other neurological problems

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are pregnant and think you are at risk for toxoplasmosis (for example, if you have a cat and are the person who cleans the litter box).

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are pregnant and have not received any prenatal care.