Classification system and case definitions ofToxoplasma gondii infection in immunocompetent pregnant women and their congenitally infected offspring (original) (raw)

Abstract

Classification systems and case definitions provide the foundations upon which clinical and epidemiological studies are based. The European Research Network on Congenital Toxoplasmosis acknowledged the lack of such a system or definitions within its field of interest and established a working group to address the issue. Congenital_Toxoplasma gondii_ infection was defined as occurring in four separate patient groups: pregnant women, fetuses, infants, and individuals > 1 year of age. The likelihood of_Toxoplasma gondii_ infection was separated into five mutually exclusive categories: definite, probable, possible, unlikely, and not infected. Inclusion within a specific category is dependent upon the case definition, which is in turn derived from criteria based on serological, parasitological, and clinical information. Notes are included within the classification not only to clarify the definitions, but also to improve the reliability and quality of diagnosis. The goal is to construct a system that encompasses all aspects of congenital toxoplasmosis, which is applicable to different countries and health services, suitable for large epidemiological studies, aids the diagnosis and management of individual cases, and lends itself to computerisation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Parasitology, Statens Seruminstitut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark
    M. Lebech & E. Petersen
  2. Toxoplasma Reference Laboratory, Public Health Laboratory, Singleton Hospital, SA2 8QA, Sgeti, Swansea, UK
    D. H. M. Joynson
  3. Institut für Medizinische Parasitologie, Universität Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, D-53105, Bonn, Germany
    H. M. Seitz
  4. Laboratoire de la Toxoplasmose, Institut de Puericulture, 26 Boulevard Brune, F-75014, Paris, France
    P. Thulliez
  5. Department of Paediatric Epidemiology, Institute of Child Health, University of London, 30 Guildford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK
    R. E. Gilbert
  6. Western Infirmary, West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust, Dumbarton Road, G11 6NT, Glasgow, UK
    G. N. Dutton
  7. Gynacologie/Obsteric Department, Hillerod Gygehus, DK-3400, Hillerod, Denmark
    B. Øvlisen

Authors

  1. M. Lebech
  2. D. H. M. Joynson
  3. H. M. Seitz
  4. P. Thulliez
  5. R. E. Gilbert
  6. G. N. Dutton
  7. B. Øvlisen
  8. E. Petersen

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Lebech, M., Joynson, D.H.M., Seitz, H.M. et al. Classification system and case definitions of_Toxoplasma gondii_ infection in immunocompetent pregnant women and their congenitally infected offspring.Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 15, 799–805 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01701522

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