Protozoa – Toxoplasmosis

Cause: Toxoplasma gondii.

Transmission: ingestion of cysts in undercooked meats (raw pork) or food contaminated with cat faeces. The bug undergoes sexual phases in cat before oocyst excreted in faeces. If pregnant women eats the cysts, then baby gets congenital toxoplasmosis (pregnant women should avoid cats!).

Features: glandular fever syndrome in immunocompetent patients (localised / generalised lymphadenopathy), hepatosplenomegaly, fever, frequently infects meninges of brain ≫ encephalitis in immunocompromised patients.

Dx: look for antibodies in serum – serological (i.e.: four fold increase in IgG/IgM between acute & convalescent period), CAT scan of brain.

Treatment: sulfadiazine + pyrimethamine.

Category: Microbiology Notes