Prevalência de toxoplasmose gestacional e congênita no município do Rio de Janeiro entre 2018 e 2023

Abstract

Gestational toxoplasmosis is an infection that can lead to severe fetal complications, including congenital toxoplasmosis. In Brazil, despite high prenatal care coverage, failures in early screening and adequate follow-up persist, contributing to preventable congenital cases. This study aimed to analyze the cases of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis in the city of Rio de Janeiro, as well as to describe the sociodemographic and clinical profile of the reported cases. This is a cross-sectional study based on secondary data from the SINAN (Notifiable Diseases Information System) and SINASC (Live Birth Information System). Every pregnant woman and child reside in the municipality who were reported with gestational or congenital toxoplasmosis between 2018 and 2023 were included. The analysis was descriptive, and the data were presented in tables and charts. During the study period, 667 cases of gestational toxoplasmosis and 264 of congenital toxoplasmosis were reported. Gestational toxoplasmosis peaked in 2020 (22.3 per 10,000 live births) and rose again in 2023 (20.7/10,000), while congenital toxoplasmosis showed a continuous upward trend, reaching 9.2/10,000 in the final year. Most pregnant women were young (20–29 years), of mixed race (parda), with a medium level of education, and were diagnosed in the second trimester. Among the congenital cases, 96.2% of children were under six months of age, and most cases were confirmed through laboratory criteria. The findings highlight the persistence of toxoplasmosis as a public health issue in the municipality, with weaknesses in early diagnosis, prevention of vertical transmission, and case surveillance. Therefore, the study reinforces the importance of educational strategies, professional training, and the integration between primary care and epidemiological surveillance to reduce the occurrence and consequences of congenital toxoplasmosis.