Fetal toxoplasmosis: Outcome of pregnancy and infant follow-up after in utero treatment

Partial depletion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells significantly increases morbidity during acute phase Toxoplasma gondii infection in resistant BALB/c mice

“…In humans, the two groups at high risk are foetuses due to their immature immune system and immunocompromised individuals [1]. A primo infection during pregnancy does not always result in congenital infection [2] and clinical manifestations during acute infection vary [1]. This variability, to a great extent, is governed by the immune response of the host, although differences in inoculum size, and virulence of the infecting strain are also important contributory factors [3].…”

Prevalence of acute toxoplasmosis infection among 41,112 pregnant women and the mother-to-child transmission rate in a public hospital in South Brazil

“…Several studies have suggested lower rates of foetal transmission when maternal infection took place early during gestation (Hohlfeld et al 1989, Jenum et al 1998, Dunn et al 1999, Remington et al 2005. On the other hand, there are reports that point towards a more serious disease when the mother is infected during the first trimester (Hohlfeld et al 1989, Dunn et al 1999, Montoya & Liesenfeld 2004.…”

Options for clinical trials of pre and post-natal treatments for congenital toxoplasmosis

“…These practices are based on the results of observational studies showing the potential of spiramycine to prevent vertical transmission of the parasite (Desmonts & Couvreur 1974, 1979, Couvreur et al 1988, Hohlfeld et al 1989, Forestier 1991.…”

“…The combination of pyrimethamine and sulphadiazine is highly active against T. gondii and is the most widely used treatment for prenatal infection (Hohlfeld et al 1989, Couvreur et al 1993, Villena et al 1998. Moreover, this combination is assumed to have a higher potential than spiramycine in reducing the risk of clinical manifestations in infected children (Foulon et al 1999, SYROCOT Study Group 2007).…”