Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy: symptoms, prohibited foods, advice

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted to humans if they consume contaminated food or come into contact with a cat carrying the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Very frequented, it is generally benign but is on the other hand particularly dangerous in immunocompromised people and the fetus.

According to data from ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety), the number of infections acquired during pregnancy is around 2,700 per year in France. In 2010, 244 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis were diagnosed in France, with varying degrees of severity. Toxoplasmosis is responsible for 10 to 20 medical interruptions of pregnancy each year in France. Screening is systematic at the start of pregnancy and the immunity acquired during infection is for life.

Symptoms of toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is most often asymptomatic. But it can also cause moderate fever, headaches, fatigue, joint pain. In case of doubt during pregnancy, it is imperative to consult without delay.

What are the risks for a pregnant woman?

When a pregnant woman is infected with toxoplasmosis and the parasite is transmitted to her fetus, We are talking about secondary toxoplasmosis. This contamination is not systematic (around 20%) and the consequences are variable, in particular depending on the stage of pregnancy at which the infection occurs. The earlier the fetus is exposed to the parasite, via the placenta, the greater the risk and the greater the consequences.

Among the risks and possible complications, we can cite :

• Chorioretinitis : it is an inflammation of the choroid, one of the membranes of the wall of the eyeball, associated with damage to the retina which can lead to visual impairment. It does not necessarily start at birth but sometimes during childhood or even in adulthood.
• Neurological sequelae : psychomotor retardation, brain development problems.
• Miscarriage
• Prematurity
• Dead fetal in utero

Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy: our advice to avoid it

To protect yourself from toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, it is important to adhere to some simple rules.

• Wash hands and brush fingernails before cooking and eating, but also after handling raw meat or vegetables
• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables thoroughly, making sure to remove all traces of soil
• Wash the aromatic herbs
• Clean kitchen utensils
• Favor cooked vegetables
• Wear gloves when gardening
• Delegate the cleaning of the cat litter box

Foods to avoid

Some foods to avoid during pregnancy when the mother-to-be is not immune to toxoplasmosis.

• Raw meat (tartare, carpaccio etc.)
• Raw fish (sushi, sashimi etc.)
• Raw eggs (goodbye chocolate mousse!)

Toxoplasmosis and cats: a less risky situation than it seems

When a woman learns of her pregnancy, the question of whether or not she is immune to toxoplasmosis arises immediately. And all the more so when she has one or more cats! The little feline is immediately seen as a potential source of contamination, and too many cats are still abandoned or relocated during their owner’s pregnancy. In practice, however, the risk is extremely low, and above all very easily controlled. The probability for a pregnant woman to contract toxoplasmosis is indeed much higher by consuming poorly washed vegetables or raw meat. The first thing to know is that for a cat to be infested, it must have consumed infested raw meat, either while hunting, or because its master has given it to it. Most cats are fed industrial foods, the risk is therefore almost zero for cats living in apartments. For contamination to take place from animal to human, the latter must touch the cat’s stool and then bring his hands to his mouth. Again, the risk is minimal. All you need to do is have a third party remove the cat’s stool from the litter box every day and wash your hands after petting the animal.

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