Pregnancy is a time of happiness and anticipation, but it can also be a time of worry, especially regarding the health of the mother and baby. Among the infections that can affect pregnant women, toxoplasmosis is often mentioned. This disease, caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii , can have serious consequences for the development of the fetus and for people with immunodeficiencies. This article will guide you on the measures to take to protect yourself against toxoplasmosis during pregnancy .
What is toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted in several ways, but most commonly through the consumption of undercooked meat, contact with infected cat feces, or consumption of contaminated food. This parasite infects animals before it infects humans.
For most people, the infection causes only mild symptoms or none at all. However, in a pregnant woman, the parasite can be passed to the fetus, leading to serious complications, including birth defects, vision problems, or neurological disorders.
Symptoms of toxoplasmosis
Although many infected people do not have symptoms (about 80% of people), some may experience flu-like signs, such as:
- Prolonged fatigue
- Headache
- Mild fever (less than 38°C)
- Sore muscles and joints
- Presence and swelling of lymph nodes (mainly in the neck and at the base of the skull)
- Appearance of small pimples on the body
These symptoms can go unnoticed, hence the importance of prevention, especially during pregnancy.
There is an incubation period after infection with toxoplasmosis which is of the order of 5 to 10 days.
Following contamination with toxoplasmosis, people remain immune for life.
Congenital toxoplasmosis
Congenital toxoplasmosis occurs when the parasite Toxoplasma gondii is passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy.
The earlier in pregnancy the parasite infection occurs, the greater the severity of congenital toxoplasmosis. Conversely, the more likely it is that the parasite will be transmitted to the child The later in pregnancy, the less serious the damage congenital toxoplasmosis causes .
- in the first trimester of pregnancy: the risk of parasite transmission is approximately 10%;
- in the second trimester of pregnancy : the risk of transmission to the fetus increases from 10 to approximately 30%;
- in the third trimester of pregnancy : this figure doubles and rises to around 60%.
Some lesions may not appear immediately after birth, but may appear later in childhood or even in adulthood. In newborns, signs are often difficult to detect, making it important to follow up children born to infected mothers.
Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause other serious complications if infection occurs early in pregnancy, including risks of fetal death , premature delivery , and neurological sequelae such as abnormal brain development or psychomotor retardation.
In about 90% of cases , congenital toxoplasmosis remains asymptomatic in the newborn, although laboratory tests reveal exposure to the parasite. Prompt treatment can limit the risk of later complications, including possible delayed ocular or neurological damage. However, ocular damage can occur at any time in life in about 25% of cases. This is why annual medical monitoring, including an eye examination, is recommended until adulthood.
Therefore, screening and awareness of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women is essential to reduce the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis and protect the health of the baby.
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How is toxoplasmosis transmitted?
1. Consumption of contaminated meat
Raw or undercooked meat, especially pork, lamb and game, can contain parasite cysts. Cooking to the proper temperature is therefore essential to destroy the parasite.
2. Contact with cat feces
Cats are definitive hosts of the parasite and can excrete oocysts in their feces. Direct contact with cat feces or contaminated surfaces can lead to infection. Only cats that hunt outdoors can carry this parasite. An indoor cat poses no risk to a pregnant woman.
3. Contaminated food, soil and water
Toxoplasmosis can also be contracted by eating poorly washed fruits and vegetables or contaminated water.
Preventive measures during pregnancy
To protect your health and that of your future baby, here are some practical tips to avoid toxoplasmosis:
1. Avoid raw or undercooked meat
- Cook meat to safe temperatures : Make sure meat reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for pork and lamb, and 160°F (71°C) for poultry. You can use a kitchen thermometer to check.
- Choose vacuum-packed meat : Vacuum-packed meats sold in supermarkets are often processed in strictly controlled environments, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination with parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii . Additionally, these products are sometimes frozen or pasteurized, which can kill the parasite.
- Avoid cut-to-size products: Cut-to-size products are handled and exposed more frequently than packaged products, which can increase the risk of cross-contamination, especially if work surfaces or equipment (knives, slicing machines) are not cleaned regularly.
- Do not eat raw or undercooked cold meats : The cold meats most at risk are those that have not been cooked to a temperature sufficient to kill the parasite: raw ham (e.g. Parma ham, Serrano ham), dry sausage (e.g. salami, rosette, chorizo), pâtés and terrines (especially homemade or artisanal ones), rillettes (especially artisanal), raw or semi-cooked foie gras, black pudding (if undercooked).
- Very low temperature freezing : The parasite can be killed by freezing food at a temperature of -18°C or lower for several days (at least 48 hours). This can kill cysts present in meat.
- Caution when using the microwave : It is not recommended to cook meat exclusively in the microwave, as this may not ensure uniform and complete cooking, leaving areas where the parasite could survive.
2. Practice good food hygiene
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly : Use running water to rinse all fruits and vegetables, even those you peel. Do the same with aromatic plants. Avoid eating raw vegetables or fruits outside your home.
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products : Consume only pasteurized dairy products to reduce the risk of contamination.
3. Be careful with animals, especially cats
- Avoid changing the litter box : If you have a cat, ask someone else to take care of it. If this is not possible, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Keep your cat indoors : This reduces the risk of infection by preventing it from hunting prey that may be carrying the parasite.
- Avoid feeding your cat raw meat : This can increase the risk of exposure.
4. Avoid gardens and places where stray cats are common.
If you must garden, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling soil or plants.
5. Bleach and disinfection
- Surface Disinfection : The parasite can survive on contaminated surfaces (worktops, kitchen utensils). Using disinfectant products such as diluted bleach can kill the parasite on these surfaces.
- Cleaning the refrigerator: Clean the inside of your refrigerator regularly.
6. Consult your doctor for tests
- Screening tests : If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, ask your doctor to do a screening test for toxoplasmosis, especially if you have risk factors. Then, a blood test to be done every month may be prescribed to check that you are not positive for toxoplasmosis.
- Vaccines for toxoplasmosis : Although there is no vaccine against toxoplasmosis, your doctor will be able to advise you on precautions to take.
What to do if you are infected?
If you are diagnosed with toxoplasmosis during pregnancy, do not panic. Most pregnant women who contract toxoplasmosis do not pass the infection on to their babies. However, regular medical follow-up is essential.
- Medical monitoring : Your doctor may recommend ultrasound scans to monitor your baby's development.
- Treatment : In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat the infection, especially if it is diagnosed early.
Importance of education and awareness
It is crucial to raise awareness among pregnant women and those considering pregnancy about the risks associated with toxoplasmosis. Education on food safety practices and hygiene can help significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Protecting yourself against toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is a priority to ensure the health of both mother and child. By following prevention advice, practicing good hygiene and staying informed, you can reduce the risk of infection and fully enjoy this precious period. If you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to consult your doctor for personalized advice. Your health and that of your baby depend on it.
