Imagine the shock of your baby being born with a swollen brain, blindness and debilitating seizures. Now imagine learning that these devastating conditions would have been prevented if you took a simple test for the common parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In the United States, prenatal screening for the common parasite Toxoplasma gondii remains absent despite its potential to cause severe birth defects and miscarriages. This oversight poses a significant health risk to pregnant individuals and their fetus.

Understanding Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread parasite that is contracted through various means, including contact with infected cat feces, consumption of contaminated water, undercooked meat or shellfish. While most adults experience mild symptoms and are able to control the infection, the parasite poses a severe threat if contracted for the first time during pregnancy. This condition, known as congenital toxoplasmosis, leads to devastating outcomes such as spontaneous abortion, swollen brains, blindness and debilitating seizures in newborns.

The Prevalence and Detection

Research indicates that up to 4,400 babies may be born with congenital toxoplasmosis annually in the US. Despite this, the disease is not included in standard prenatal screenings. Blood tests measure the presence of Toxoplasma antibodies to identify acute infections, which are then managed with anti-parasitic drugs to protect the fetus. New, cost-effective testing methods, like finger-prick and saliva-based diagnostics, may help address concerns about the affordability of widespread screening.

Emerging Risk Factors

Experts warn that Toxoplasma prevalence may rise due to factors like the growing popularity of free-range, organically raised foods and the impacts of climate change. Free-range animals are more prone to picking up the parasite, while warmer temperatures and extreme weather promote the spread of infectious Toxoplasma oocysts in the environment.

Preventive Measures

In the absence of systematic screening, pregnant individuals must take preventive measures. These include avoiding areas where cats may have defecated, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and ensuring meat is cooked to safe temperatures.