Gestational and Congenital Toxoplasmosis: Gaps in Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge at a Public Maternity Hospital in Central-West Brazil

Abstract

Introduction:  Congenital toxoplasmosis is transmitted from the mother to the fetus via the placenta, potentially leading to various adverse outcomes for the infant. Objective: To assess healthcare professionals' knowledge of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis in the maternity ward of a public university hospital. Methods: This is a descriptive study, with a cross-sectional design and mixed approach, carried out between October 2023 and April 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate aspects of gestational and congenital toxoplasmosis, covering topics such as diagnosis, transmission mechanisms, clinical manifestations, prophylaxis measures, and therapeutic options. Results: Fifty-one professionals between the ages of 36 and 50 responded to the questionnaire. All reported having heard of toxoplasmosis, and 43 (84.3%) correctly identified the etiologic agent. Regarding the frequency with which the health care team counsels patients; 37.2% (19/21) and 35.2% (15/51), respectively, stated that they rarely or never do so. The majority of respondents (82.3%) said that contact with cats was the mode of transmission, followed by eating raw meat (72.5%). Less than half of the respondents said that the disease could be transmitted by eating fresh vegetables, drinking unfiltered water and handling soil. In addition, less than half of the respondents correctly identified the possible manifestations of congenital toxoplasmosis. Regarding diagnosis; 94.1% identified serologic testing as the correct method. According to the treatment, the answers varied considerably. Conclusion: The results showed that health professionals who care for pregnant women lack accurate knowledge about the disease, reinforcing the need for this training.