D. Toxoplasma gondii – Explanation
Congenital toxoplasmosis
|
A form of ‘salt and pepper’ chorioretinitis is also seen in congenital rubella but this is not a common
feature.
Chorioretinitis is found in around 75% of patients with congenital toxoplasmosis.
Congenital infections
The major congenital infections encountered in examinations are rubella, toxoplasmosis and
cytomegalovirus
Cytomegalovirus is the most common congenital infection in the UK. Maternal infection is usually
asymptomatic
| Rubella | Toxoplasmosis | Cytomegalovirus | |
| Characteristic features | Sensorineural deafness Congenital cataracts Congenital heart disease (e.g. patent ductus arteriosus) Glaucoma |
Cerebral calcification Chorioretinitis Hydrocephalus |
Growth retardation Purpuric skin lesions |
| Other features | Growth retardation Hepatosplenomegaly Purpuric skin lesions ‘Salt and pepper’ chorioretinitis Microphthalmia Cerebral palsy |
Anaemia Hepatosplenomegaly Cerebral palsy |
Sensorineural deafness Encephalitiis Pneumonitis Hepatosplenomegaly Anaemia Jaundice Cerebral pals |
