What organism causes congenital toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis gondii is the organism responsible for congenital toxoplasmosis. This parasitic infection is particularly concerning during pregnancy because it can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus, leading to a range of serious health issues for the newborn. These can include neurological disorders, vision problems, and other systemic complications.

This transmission typically occurs when a pregnant woman becomes infected, often through exposure to cat feces, contaminated food or water, or unwashed fruits and vegetables. The risk of transmission increases with the gestational age at which the mother becomes infected, but the severity of the disease in the infant is generally greater if the infection occurs in the first trimester.

In contrast, the other organisms listed—Chlamydia trachomatis, Syphilis, and the Rubella virus—are associated with different maternal-fetal transmission issues and conditions. Chlamydia can lead to complications like preterm labor and neonatal infections, while syphilis can cause a range of congenital illnesses, including stillbirth. The Rubella virus can lead to congenital rubella syndrome, which is associated with a specific set of birth defects. Each of these pathogens has its own distinct pathophysiology and implications for pregnancy, but Toxoplasma gondii is