Changes

Multiplication of ''Toxoplasma gondii'' in the placeneta causes multiple foci of necrosis, which limit effective function during pregnancy. After birth, these areas of necrosis are visible as white spots on the cotyledons. The intercotyledonary areas appear normal.

Multiplication of ''Toxoplasma gondii'' in the placeneta causes multiple foci of necrosis, which limit effective function during pregnancy. After birth, these areas of necrosis are visible as white spots on the cotyledons. The intercotyledonary areas appear normal.

the shed placenta, a feature used to aid diagnozsis"31.

Histologically, foetal tissues may display changes. In the brain, glial foci surround a necrotic centre and represent a foeal immune response to damage initiated by parasite multiplication. An associated mild lymphoid meningitis is often seen. Focal leukomalacia is also common and is thought to be due to foetal anoxia in late gestation, caused by extensive necrosis of the placentome. Focal inflammatory lesions with diffuse lymphoid infiltrates can be found in many other tissues, including the liver, lung and heart. The kidneys and skeletal muscle are less frequently affected.

of the brain where there may be both primary

and secondary lesions32'33. Glial foci, surrounding a

necrotic and sometimes mineralized centre, often

associated with a mild lymphoid meningitis, represent

a fetal immune response following direct damage by

parasite multiplication. Focal leukomalacia is also

common and is thought to be due to fetal anoxia in

late gestation caused by advanced focal necrosis in

the placentome preventing sufficient oxygen transfer

from mother to fetus33. Focal inflammatory lesions

and associated diffuse lymphoid infiltrates may also

be found in the liver, lung and heart and less

frequently in kidneys and skeletal muscle33.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==