To the Editor: Vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii can result in significant morbidity in the fetus and newborn, although it is rare in Australia.1 Antenatal testing has shown seroprevalence of 23%–35%,2,3 which is possibly lower than overseas estimates. This may be because there is a higher awareness in Australian mothers of the risks of contracting toxoplasma infection from uncooked meat.
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- 1. Gilbert L. Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy: often suspected, rarely convicted. Microbiol Aust 2008; 29: 188-190.
- 2. Karunajeewa H, Siebert D, Hammond R, et al. Seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus, parvovirus B19 and Toxoplasma gondii in a Melbourne obstetric population: implications for management. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2001; 41: 23-28.
- 3. Walpole IR, Hodgen N, Bower C. Congenital toxoplasmosis: a large survey in Western Australia. Med J Aust 1991; 154: 720-724.
- 4. Sfameni SF, Skurrie IJ, Gilbert GL. Antenatal screening for congenital infection with rubella, cytomegalovirus and toxoplasma. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 1986; 26: 257-260.
- 5. Robertson PW, Kertesz V. Modified fluorescent antibody technique to detect immunoglobulin M antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in congenital infection. J Clin Microbiol 1975; 2: 461-462.
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