Reactivation of ocular toxoplasmosis during pregnancy

Abstract

We wished to assess whether ocular toxoplasmosis can be reactivated during pregnancy in immunocompetent females, and whether such reactivation is confined to the eye or whether the fetus is exposed to the risk of vertical transmission. For this purpose, we retrospectively examined 18 females with ocular toxoplasmosis during the course of 35 pregnancies. Of these 18 patients, seven developed recurrences during seven pregnancies. Due to the potential risk of functional damage to the mother and the possibility of vertical disease transmission to the fetus, we suggest following such cases carefully during pregnancy until the dimensions of the problem are more fully appreciated.