Congenital Toxoplasmosis Screening in Colombian Newborns
Author Information
Author(s): Gómez-Marin Jorge Enrique, de-la-Torre Alejandra, Angel-Muller Edith, Rubio Jorge, Arenas Jaime, Osorio Elkin, Nuñez Lilian, Pinzon Lyda, Mendez-Cordoba Luis Carlos, Bustos Agustin, de-la-Hoz Isabel, Silva Pedro, Beltran Monica, Chacon Leonor, Marrugo Martha, Manjarres Cristina, Baquero Hernando, Lora Fabiana, Torres Elizabeth, Zuluaga Oscar Elias, Estrada Monica, Moscote Lacides, Silva Myriam Teresa, Rivera Raul, Molina Angie, Najera Shirley, Sanabria Antonio, Ramirez Maria Luisa, Alarcon Claudia, Restrepo Natalia, Falla Alejandra, Rodriguez Tailandia, Castaño Giovanny
Primary Institution: Grupo GEPAMOL, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad del Quindio, Armenia, Colombia
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in Colombian newborns?
Conclusion
The incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis varies significantly between different cities in Colombia, with a notable correlation to mean annual rainfall.
Supporting Evidence
- 61 positive samples for specific IgM (0.39%) and 9 positives for IgA (0.5%) were found.
- Congenital toxoplasmosis infection was confirmed in 15 children, with a 20% lethality rate among symptomatic cases.
- A significant correlation was found between higher incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis and higher mean annual rainfall.
Takeaway
This study tested over 15,000 newborns in Colombia for a disease called congenital toxoplasmosis, which can cause serious health problems. They found that the number of sick babies varied a lot depending on where they were born.
Methodology
Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from newborns in 19 hospitals across seven cities, and tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgA antibodies.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to voluntary participation of hospitals and mothers.
Limitations
The study may not represent the entire population of Colombia as it only includes data from participating hospitals.
Participant Demographics
Newborns from various socioeconomic backgrounds across seven cities in Colombia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.000
Confidence Interval
IC95% 3.4–5.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website