A full-term neonate is diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis with evidence of CNS involvement. The treatment of choice for this neonate is:

• A Spiramycin for 12 months
• B Cotrimoxazole alone for 6 weeks
• C IV ganciclovir for 6 weeks
• D Pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine + folinic acid for 12 months ✓

Explanation

Congenital toxoplasmosis with CNS involvement is treated with pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine + leucovorin (folinic acid to prevent bone marrow suppression) for 12 months. Spiramycin is used in pregnant women with acute acquired toxoplasmosis to reduce placental transmission but does not cross the blood-brain barrier adequately. Cotrimoxazole is used for Pneumocystis prophylaxis. Ganciclovir is the treatment for congenital CMV.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.