Diagnosing congenital toxoplasmosis: where are we?

Purpose: Compile information on laboratory methods for diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, considering the tests conducted since the gestational stage until the child period. Methods:A systematic review of 01.01.2006 to 31.12.2013 was held by VHL (Virtual Health Library). The search was performed with the descriptors ''toxoplasmosis” and “diagnosis. The selected articles were indexed in MEDLINE. The information pertinent to the study was selected, categorized and analyzed. Of the 186 articles found, 41 met the eligibility criteria. Results: Laboratory tests are based on the presence of antibodies IgM and IgG anti-Toxoplasma gondii, in this sense it is important to correctly interpret serology, because the detection of specific antibo dies is often delayed by the presence of maternal IgG or late production of specific antibodies in newborns. Molecular techniques (PCR) have emerged as alternative due to its higher sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing instruments, given the ability to detect parasite DNA and non-dependence of the immune response of the patient, such as serological tests. Conclusions: The need for early treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis in order to avoid sequelae justifies the search for more sensitive and specific laboratory tests in early detection of the parasite. The integration among the different levels of care in the public health system is essential for obtaining effective control of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women.