Microcephaly due to congenital toxoplasmosis in times of Zika virus epidemic in Brazil
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6108.2018.2.29527Keywords:
Toxoplasma gondii, congenital toxoplasmosis, prenatal care, microcephaly, Zika virus.Abstract
A case of congenital toxoplasmosis with microcephaly, occurred during the epidemic of Zika virus in Brazil, and only diagnosed as toxoplasmosis at seven months of age, is described. This case illustrates the pertinence and urgency for the implementation of specific public policies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment for toxoplasmosis acquired during pregnancy, and shows that when the subject is microcephaly due to congenital infections in Brazil, one must be attentive to other possibilities besides Zika virus infection; in particular to congenital toxoplasmosis, which is highly prevalent in our country, and if diagnosed and treated in due course, irreversible neurological and ocular damage may be avoided. We fully support the Ministry of Health ordinance that makes it compulsory to notify cases of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil. The actions that will be implemented should result in a specific national program for gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis, which will benefit children throughout the country through preventive health education, screening and treatment for pregnant women and newborns.
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