Causes & Risk Factors
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is an infection that, when passed during pregnancy, can affect the brain and cause hydrocephalus.
In short: Toxoplasmosis
- It is an infection caused by a parasite.
- Congenital toxoplasmosis can affect the developing brain.
- It can cause hydrocephalus and other findings.
- It is one of the congenital (TORCH) infections.
What it is
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite (Toxoplasma gondii). When a pregnant person becomes infected, it can be passed to the baby (congenital toxoplasmosis), potentially affecting the developing brain.
Understanding Toxoplasmosis
Congenital toxoplasmosis is one of the infections classically associated with hydrocephalus, along with brain calcifications and eye findings. The parasite can damage the developing brain and disrupt CSF pathways, leading to hydrocephalus in some cases. As one of the congenital (TORCH) infections, toxoplasmosis is considered when evaluating a baby with hydrocephalus, particularly when the pattern of findings suggests an infectious cause. Testing can help identify it, and recognizing it can guide treatment and monitoring. Preventive measures during pregnancy can reduce the risk of infection.
Why it matters
Understanding congenital toxoplasmosis helps families see how this infection, passed during pregnancy, can affect the brain and cause hydrocephalus, and why it may be tested for in evaluating a baby with hydrocephalus.
Common questions
What causes toxoplasmosis?
A parasite (Toxoplasma gondii).
Can congenital toxoplasmosis cause hydrocephalus?
Yes — it can affect the developing brain.
Is it a TORCH infection?
Yes.
Bottom line
Congenital toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection passed in pregnancy that can affect the brain and cause hydrocephalus.
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