Analysis of the epidemiological profile of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis in the North Region between 2019 and 2023

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological profile of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis in the Northern region of Brazil between 2019 and 2023.Methods: This is astudy observational and descriptive study conducted in region Northern Brazil, focusing on cases of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis. Results: During the study period, 5,127 cases of gestational toxoplasmosis and 906 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis were confirmed. There was an increase in cases among pregnant women (from 16.7% to 22.6%) and in the vertical transmission rate (from 9.9% to 25.1%), while outpatient care provided by the Unified Health System (SUS) decreased over the same period. Additionally, there was an increase in gestational toxoplasmosis cases in Rondônia, Acre, Amazonas, and Pará from 2021/2022 onwards, while Roraima, Tocantins, and Amapá showed a reduction in 2023. Furthermore, Tocantins recorded the highest vertical transmission rate (44.8%) and a high prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis. Gestational toxoplasmosis cases were more frequent in the second trimester, among women aged 20 to 39 years, predominantly of mixed race (parda) and with low educational levels. Regarding congenital toxoplasmosis, the female sex predominated in some states, and high cure rates were observed across all states. Conclusion: These findings reveal weaknesses in primary healthcare, social vulnerability, regional inequalities, and potential underreporting of cases.