The Austrian Toxoplasmosis Register for Connatal Toxoplasma Infections – Overview of 17 years prenatal screening program

Ziel: In 1974, Austria was the first country implementing a nationwide prenatal screening to identify fetuses with connatal toxoplasma infection. The aim of the study was to report the long-term follow-up of the offspring after gestational infection.

Methodik: In Austria, the routine serological screening for gestational toxoplasma infections is part of the “mother-child-booklet”, an Austrian health program. Acute infected women are treated until birth and amniocentesis is recommended. Children with connatal infection are treated for the first twelve months. Furthermore, the offspring are included in a standardized serological and clinical follow-up program. In 1992 the nationwide data base “The Austrian Toxoplasmosis register” has been established by the reference center for toxoplasmosis, Medical University of Vienna. This was a prospective, observational study of parturient women between 1992 and 2008. Non-infected offspring born to infected mothers were examined until seronegativity and infected children has been followed-up annually until February 2011. Individuals are under local physician’s care and relevant data from mother and child has been reported by the register. This register serves as a tool for quality control of the routine screening program.

Ergebnis: An overall of 2184 women with suspected toxoplasma infection were included in the toxoplasmosis register. Furthermore the follow-up of 2213 offspring were reported. 154 children were diagnosed with connatal infection and were followed-up intensively between 3 and 19 years.

Schlussfolgerung: Acute gestational toxoplasma infection is not a rare disease. Our results provide evidence for the importance of a surveillance program and the necessity of pre- and postnatal treatment. The Toxoplasmosis register is a valuable quality control tool and make support to improve the routine screening. Moreover the results of the register emphasize the establishment of national guidelines.

congenital toxoplasmosis - screening