A term newborn presents with seizures, hydrocephalus, and bilateral chorioretinitis on fundoscopy. CT head shows periventricular calcifications. The mother kept several pet cats during pregnancy. Which organism is the most likely cause?
- A Cytomegalovirus
- B Toxoplasma gondii ✓
- C Treponema pallidum
- D Rubella virus
Correct answer: B. Toxoplasma gondii
Explanation
The classical triad of congenital toxoplasmosis is chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus and intracranial calcifications, acquired transplacentally when a seronegative mother has a primary infection, often from cat faeces containing sporulated oocysts. Congenital CMV causes periventricular calcification too, but its hallmark is sensorineural deafness and petechial rash, not hydrocephalus with chorioretinitis in this combination.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 22nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.