Atypical congenital toxoplasmosis presenting with neonatal jaundice and central nervous system involvement: a case report and therapeutic challenges to limited access to first-line anti-toxoplasma medications - Report - MDSpire

Atypical congenital toxoplasmosis presenting with neonatal jaundice and central nervous system involvement: a case report and therapeutic challenges to limited access to first-line anti-toxoplasma medications

  • By

  • Li Wang

  • Kaiwei Ding

  • Shuai Yu

  • Zheng Guo

  • Yongjiao Wang

  • Lingkong Zeng

  • Wenhao Yuan

  • June 25, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Unusual Presentation of Congenital Toxoplasmosis

Overview

This case study presents a neonate with congenital toxoplasmosis who initially exhibited jaundice and was later diagnosed with significant neurological and ocular involvement.

Background

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is a significant parasitic infection that can lead to severe neurological and ocular complications in neonates. The classic presentation includes a triad of symptoms, but isolated jaundice can delay diagnosis.

Data Highlights

Case details include:
- 9-day-old male infant with jaundice
- Positive Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG
- Detection of T. gondii DNA via mNGS
- CSF analysis showing pleocytosis and elevated protein
- MRI revealing cerebral edema and punctate hemorrhages

Key Findings

  • Congenital toxoplasmosis can present with isolated neonatal jaundice.
  • Systematic evaluation is essential for early disease characterization.
  • Standard therapy with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and folinic acid is recommended when available.
  • Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor for potential sequelae.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider congenital toxoplasmosis in neonates presenting with unexplained jaundice. Comprehensive evaluation, including neuroimaging and auditory testing, is critical for effective management.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of congenital toxoplasmosis.

Related Resources & Content

  1. CDC, 2024 -- Congenital Toxoplasmosis 2024 Case Definition
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024 -- Summary of Major Changes in the 2024 Red Book
  3. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2024 -- Evaluating the Role and Challenges of PCR in Diagnosing Toxoplasmosis
  4. Retinal Physician, 2009 -- Ocular Toxoplasmosis as the Presenting Sign of AIDS
  5. Frontiers in Gastroenterology, 2026 -- Case Report: Pancreatic Toxoplasmosis
  6. Frontiers in Pediatrics — Case Report: Early recognition of neonatal alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: a case of subtle presentation and prompt diagnosis
  7. Congenital Toxoplasmosis 2024 Case Definition | CDC
  8. Summary of Major Changes in the 2024 Red Book | Red Book: 2024–2027 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases | Red Book Online | American Academy of Pediatrics
  9. Treatment Protocols for Gestational and Congenital Toxoplasmosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PMC

Original Source(s)

Related Content