GESTATIONAL AND CONGENITAL TOXOPLASMOSIS: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS IN MARANHÃO

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted through different routes, with contact with cat feces being a known form, however not the most frequent. This study analyzed the epidemiological profile of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis in Maranhão between 2019 and 2023. This is a retrospective study using SINAN data, available on DATASUS. Sociodemographic, clinical, and diagnostic variables were evaluated. A progressive increase in notifications of gestational toxoplasmosis was observed, from 243 cases in 2019 to 444 in 2023. There was a higher concentration among women aged between 20 and 39 years, predominantly mixed-race and with complete secondary education. Most cases were recorded in the second gestational trimester. Regarding congenital toxoplasmosis, there was also growth in the number of cases, with a significant increase in 2023. Although most diagnoses were confirmed by laboratory criteria, a high proportion of incomplete data was identified in notification forms. It is concluded that gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis remains a relevant public health problem in Maranhão, highlighting the need to strengthen prenatal care, early diagnosis, and the quality of epidemiological records. It also emphasizes the importance of educational actions, active surveillance, and expanding access to serological tests during proper gestational follow-up.