What birth defect is often linked to maternal consumption of undercooked meat?

Maternal consumption of undercooked meat is commonly associated with congenital toxoplasmosis. This infection is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy, leading to significant health issues such as neurological damage, vision problems, and other developmental delays. The risk of contracting Toxoplasma is heightened through the ingestion of undercooked or raw meat, making awareness of proper food handling and cooking practices crucial for pregnant women to reduce the risk of this birth defect.

In contrast, the other conditions mentioned do not have direct links to dietary factors like undercooked meat. Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a viral infection that can also affect fetal development, but it is primarily transmitted through person-to-person contact rather than dietary sources. Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, and fragile X syndrome is a genetic disorder resulting from a mutation in the FMR1 gene. Neither of these conditions is influenced by maternal dietary choices.