University:
Eastern Kentucky University
Course:
BIO 273 | Clinical Microbiology
Academic year:

2022
Views:

487

Pages:

2
Author:

Leilani Contreras

Toxoplasma Gondii Features: 1. Intracellular parasitic protozoan 2. TORCHeS infection Transmission: Transmission is through 3 routes: 1. Eating raw or undercooked meat contaminated with Toxoplasma’s tissue cysts 2. Ingesting water or vegetables contaminated with oocytes a. These oocytes are shed in the feces of infected animals, especially cats 3. Transplacental transfer of infection from infected mother to the fetus The populations at risk of infections are: 1. Pregnant women 2. Immunocompromised patients Diseases: It causes Toxoplasmosis. The symptoms vary according to immune status of the patient. Hence it is divided as follows: 1. Toxoplasmosis in Immunocompromised Patients 2. Toxoplasmosis in Healthy/immunocompetent patients 3. Congenital toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis in Immunocompromised Patients: 1. Toxoplasma Encephalitis a. Brain abscesses i. Seen as ring enhancing lesions on CT or MRI ii. Occasionally causes single brain lesion on MRI which leads to alternative diagnosis of CNS Lymphoma iii. Brain biopsy is performed to differentiate CNS Lymphoma Toxoplasmosis in Immunocompetent Patients: 1. Mostly asymptomatic 2. Flu-like symptoms might be seen Congenital Toxoplasmosis: 1. Caused by transplacental infection due to infected mother (TORCHeS infection) 2. Classic triad of symptoms is as follows: a. Chorioretinitis i. HIV patients with low CD4+ count can also develop chorioretinitis b. Hydrocephalus c. Intracranial calcifications 3. Other symptoms are: a. Seizures b. Deafness Lab Diagnosis: 1. Serology a. Positive finding doesn’t necessarily mean active infection 2. Biopsy a. Intramuscular cysts are seen Prevention: 1. TMP-SMX 2. This prophylaxis is given to HIV patients if they fulfill the following two criteria: a. CD4+ count <100 b. IgG is positive for Toxoplasmosis Treatment: 1. Sulfadiazine + Pyrimethamine