CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS IN BOYS INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE IN THE STATE OF TOCANTINS, BRAZIL,2019-2024

Abstract

Congenital toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted to the fetus transplacentally during gestation, and can cause serious neurological, ocular, and systemic repercussions. In Brazil, it constitutes a significant public health problem, especially in regions with socioeconomic vulnerabilities and failures in prenatal screening. The general objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiological profile of reported cases of congenital toxoplasmosis in male infants under one year of age in the state of Tocantins, from 2019 to 2024. This is an epidemiological, observational, descriptive, and retrospective study with a quantitative approach, conducted using secondary data obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN/DATASUS). All cases reported during the analyzed period were included, considering variables such as year of notification and final case classification. A total of 497 notifications were registered, of which 55.7% were confirmed. A reduction was observed between 2019 and 2021, followed by a significant increase from 2022 onwards, peaking in 2023. The high proportion of ignored/blank records stands out, indicating weaknesses in the completion of notifications. It can be inferred, therefore, that congenital toxoplasmosis remains epidemiologically relevant in Tocantins, highlighting the need to strengthen surveillance actions, improve prenatal care, and enhance the quality of collected data.