Programs for controlling congenital toxoplasmosis: study of current status in a brazilian municipality

ABSTRACT

Measures for congenital toxoplasmosis prevention may be performed at three levels. Primary prevention is characterized by education and public health programs, in which susceptible pregnant women receive guidance on sources of infection and on adopting preventive measures. The secondary level consists of serological screening during prenatal care. Finally, the tertiary level operates in already infected newborns, seeking to prevent clinical damage and late complications. This study aims to describe the situation of control measures for congenital toxoplasmosis in Niterói-RJ according to the National Health Promotion Policy. In Niterói, only secondary prevention is being implemented and there is no guidance on preventive measures to seronegative pregnant women. There is also no notification of congenital and acquired toxoplasmosis cases during pregnancy