Toxoplasmosis
Parasites are microorganisms that take over a host’s body in order to reproduce and spread. One of the most common types of parasites is called Toxoplasma gondii. This germ can cause a harmful condition called toxoplasmosis, which is especially dangerous for a pregnant mother and her unborn child.
Typically, toxoplasmosis may not even cause any symptoms in its host. However, it can result in serious complications for a baby. Thus, doctors should take certain steps to prevent the transfer of toxoplasmosis to pregnant women and their children. If a physician fails in this duty to you, resulting in a dangerous infection for your infant, you should contact a Philadelphia birth injury attorney from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today at 215-238-1130.
The Transfer of Toxoplasmosis
Many animals and birds carry the toxoplasmosis parasite in their intestines. Humans can also become infected by the following:
- Touching cat feces that have the parasite
- Eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
- Using contaminated kitchen tools
Everyone should take steps to avoid these hazards, but it is especially important for pregnant women to keep themselves safe.
Toxoplasmosis and Infants
In adults with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can result in brain infection and seizures. However, normally adults do not have significant reactions to this illness. Sadly, though, newborns do not yet have strong immune systems, and they are more susceptible to dangerous infections. Infant complications from toxoplasmosis include:
- Hearing loss
- Blindness
- Developmental delays
- Seizures
Doctors can use special antibiotics to lessen the spread of the toxoplasmosis parasite from mother to child. You should talk to a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer today if your doctor failed to protect your child.
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Of course, physicians cannot always predict when toxoplasmosis will transfer to your child. However, if there is any suspicion of the illness, your doctor should take the proper preventative steps to protect your newborn baby from toxoplasmosis complications. If your baby is a victim of toxoplasmosis due to doctor negligence, contact a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer from Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130.