# What are the symptoms that may appear in infants with congenital toxoplasmosis infection? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-are-the-symptoms-that-may-appear-in-infants-with-congenital-toxoplasmosis-infection Language: en Category: pediatrics Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.308Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:52.308Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-are-the-symptoms-that-may-appear-in-infants-with-congenital-toxoplasmosis-infection Many infants infected with congenital toxoplasmosis show no obvious symptoms at birth, which makes early detection a significant challenge [\[2\]](). However, the infection, which is transmitted from the mother to the fetus through the placenta, may later lead to a variety of health problems ranging in severity from mild to severe. These symptoms may appear months or even years after birth if the condition is not treated [\[3\]](). ## Symptoms and potential health problems at birth In cases where symptoms appear early, doctors may notice clinical signs during the infant's examination that indicate an intrauterine infection. Common signs include an enlarged liver and spleen, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and low birth weight, known as intrauterine growth restriction [\[3\]](). These infants may also present with a rash consisting of small red spots or bruises on the skin at birth [\[3\]](). ## Nervous system and eye complications The impact on the nervous system and the eyes is one of the most serious complications of congenital toxoplasmosis. The infant may suffer from neurological problems varying from mild to severe, including seizures, intellectual disability, fluid accumulation in the brain (hydrocephalus), or an abnormally small head size (microcephaly) [\[3\]](). Regarding the eyes, inflammation of the retina or other parts of the eye may occur, leading to vision problems or even blindness in advanced cases if the infection is left untreated [\[3\]](). ## Secondary symptoms and problems In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, the infant may show other signs resulting from damage to vital organs, such as clear difficulties with feeding and nursing, frequent vomiting, and hearing loss that may be discovered at later stages of development [\[3\]](). It is essential to understand that the severity of these symptoms is significantly linked to the timing of the infection during pregnancy; complications are usually more severe if the infection occurs during the early stages of pregnancy [\[3\]](). ## Medical management and follow-up If an infant is born with the infection, or if the infection is diagnosed later, the standard treatment protocol involves using a combination of medications: pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and leucovorin. This treatment often continues for a full year to ensure the parasites are controlled [\[3\]](). In certain cases, doctors may prescribe steroids if there is an imminent threat to vision or elevated protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid [\[3\]](). For more information on prevention and risk reduction, you can view the details of [Toxoplasmosis: Infection, Risks, and Prevention (Arabic)](). Any mother who suspects she has been exposed to the infection during pregnancy or has concerns about her child's health should immediately consult a doctor to perform necessary tests, such as antibody screening for the infant or diagnostic brain imaging. Early diagnosis and continuous follow-up are the cornerstones of improving the child's health outcomes [\[2\]]() [\[3\]](). ## Medical references - [About Toxoplasmosis]() - [Congenital toxoplasmosis]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-are-the-symptoms-that-may-appear-in-infants-with-congenital-toxoplasmosis-infection#answer