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 - Summary - 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

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Objective:

To report a case of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) in a neonate presenting with jaundice and to highlight treatment challenges due to limited access to first-line therapies.

Approach:
  • Case Presentation: A 9-day-old male infant presented with persistent jaundice. He was born at 39 +4 weeks' gestation, with a prenatal history notable for maternal cat exposure and treated hypothyroidism. Initial serological tests were positive for Toxoplasma gondii, and subsequent evaluations revealed chorioretinitis, cerebral edema, and auditory dysfunction.
Key Findings:
  • Isolated neonatal jaundice can be an initial sign of congenital toxoplasmosis.
  • The infant had subclinical chorioretinitis and central nervous system involvement.
  • Initial treatment with azithromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole showed no improvement, while standard therapy with pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and folinic acid led to rapid clinical improvement.
Interpretation:

Congenital toxoplasmosis should be considered in neonates with unexplained jaundice, necessitating comprehensive evaluations.

Limitations:
  • Limited access to first-line anti-parasitic agents may hinder effective treatment.
  • The case is based on a single patient experience, which may not be generalizable.
Conclusion:

Early recognition and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis are crucial for better clinical outcomes.

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