Respiratory distress of unknown etiology in a transplant recipient: think toxoplasmosis!

• Main Authors: Ameer Hamza, Ian Jacob Anderson, Basim Al-Khafaji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of São Paulo 2017-12-01
• Series: Autopsy and Case Reports
• Subjects: Autopsy; Allografts; Immunosuppression; Opportunistic infections; Kidney transplantation; Toxoplasmosis.
• Online Access: http://www.revistas.usp.br/autopsy/article/view/141473

Disseminated toxoplasmosis is a life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals. Infection is contracted from handling contaminated soil, cat litter, or through the consumption of contaminated water or food. It is the third most common lethal foodborne infection in the United States. In transplant patients, most cases occur as a result of reactivation of a latent infection resulting from immunosuppression. We present a case of disseminated toxoplasmosis diagnosed at the time of autopsy. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion and active disease surveillance in this era of sophisticated diagnostic testing.