Evaluation of the avidity test for the follow up on children treated for congenital toxoplasmosis during the first year of life

Abstract

Objective: To determine the use of avidity testing in the follow up of patients diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis, through the observation of its behavior in time. Methods: Retrospective study from clinical records of children with confirmed diagnosis and treatment for congenital toxoplasmosis, which took place on a toxoplasmosis consultation in the third reference level University of Quindío clinic. A total of 21 children were selected among an initial cohort of 168 patients, recruited during prenatal screening, neonatal screening or children that attended for neonatal diagnosis. Results: There was no statistical significance found between low avidity during the first month and having received prenatal treatment (p=0,47). There was no statistical relationship either between the percentage of avidity and the levels of IgG or the months of age, despite having received postnatal treatment. Nevertheless, when studying specifically the group of children > 5 months of age a significant correlation was found with levels of IgG (p=0,01). Conclusion: In this cohort of Colombian children with congenital toxoplasmosis, the same results were found comparing with those reported in series with greater number of cases. Avidity testing did not prove to be useful for the follow up of children with congenital toxoplasmosis.

Keywords

• follow-up studies
• immunoglobulin g
• toxoplasmosis congenital