Toxoplasmosis lymphadenitis mimicking a parotid mass (original) (raw)

Unusual manifestation of cutaneous toxoplasmosis in a

We report a case of unusual cutaneous toxoplasmosis manifestation in a HIV-positive patient. He presented with hard and painful nodular lesions on the arms, hands and chest. Serology tests for anti-Toxoplasma antibody were negative. However, histopathologic examination of the lesion revealed foci of macrophages containing crescent-shaped organisms resembling the zoites of the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Ultrastructure examination under electron microscopy and PCR confirmed the organism as T. gondii.

Diagnosis of toxoplasmic lymphadenopathy: comparison of serology and histology

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protozoan that infects most species of birds and mammals. It can cause neurologic or ocular disease with wide ranging manifestations. Human infection is usually asymptomatic, but some may develop fever, lymphadenopathy, malaise, chills, sweats, headaches or myalgia. Presence of lymphadenopathy is considered as a positive sign of toxoplasmosis. This is confirmed by biopsy of the inflamed lymph node. Objective: The present study was carried out to determine the reliability of the histological findings in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. Methods: Biopsy reports of seventeen patients who presented with lymphadenopathy were studied. ELISA was carried out in serum samples of the 17 individuals. Toxoplasma IgG avidity ELISA was performed to identify the phase of infection (acute/chronic). PCR was performed to confirm the results obtained by ELISA. Results: Six cases were found to be seropositive. However all 17 cases had a positive biopsy report. PCR was performed to detect bands specific to T. gondii but they were absent. This result was supported by Toxoplasma IgG avidity testing which revealed that all six positive samples had high avidity thus suggesting that the infection was chronic. Conclusion: The study revealed that histological findings produced 64.7 % (11/17) false positive results. Chronic infection does not have the organism in the blood stream resulting in the absence of DNA for PCR amplification which in turn explains the absence of bands specific for T. gondii. Thus it is recommended that serology (ELISA) be used to diagnose toxoplasmosis.

Role of Imaging in a Case of Toxoplasmosis Presenting as Generalized Lymphadenopathy

Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii an obligate protozoan intracellular parasite. The disease has variable prevalence globally and is usually asymptomatic. Pregnant and immunocompromised people are at risk of getting infected. Enlarged lymph nodes are the most frequently observed clinical form of Toxoplasma in humans, mostly affecting posterior cervical nodes. Other organs usually affected are the brain and eyes. We present a case of toxoplasmosis with generalized lymphadenopathy mimicking metastasis in a lady with a previous history of operated pancreatic neoplasm.

Toxoplasma Lymphadenopathy in an Immunocompetent Host

Dubai Medical Journal

Toxoplasma infection can be congenital or acquired. Infection with Toxoplasma gondii can result in multi-organ involvement in immunocompromised patients; whereas in immunocompetent patients, it usually remains asymptomatic. Toxoplasma is a rare cause of isolated lymphadenopathy especially in immunocompetent individuals, though it is a common manifestation of this protozoal infection. We present a 27-year-old male who presented to us with isolated cervical lymphadenopathy. Histopathology and serological studies confirmed the diagnosis of toxoplasma lymphadenopathy. It usually affects the posterior cervical group of lymph nodes, but in our case, it had also affected anterior group and presented without any constitutional symptom. The patient was treated with cotrimoxazole double strength tablet once daily for 1 month and responded well.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Toxoplasmosis: a Case Report

Serbian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology, 2014

Although toxoplasmosis is one of the most widely spread infections in the world, types that involve the skin are extremely rare. However, skin lesions are not specific; moreover, they are quite diverse, which makes the diagnosis of cutaneous toxoplasmosis rather difficult. Thus, differential diagnosis should include a number of other diseases. We present a case of a 43-year-old immunocompetent man with multiple livid erythematous papules and nodules with yellowish discharge that involved the skin of the body and the extremities. By using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay, immunoglobulin G antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected in the serum, confirming the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. The treatment with pyrimethamine and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole led to complete resolution of skin lesions. In conclusion, although rare in the dermatological practice, cutaneous toxoplasmosis should be considered in all patients presenting with lymphadenopathy, non-specific skin eruptions,...

Toxoplasmosis in a patient who was immunocompetent: a case report

Journal of Medical Case Reports, 2011

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan that infects up to one-third of the world's population. Although this case is not the first of its kind, it is clinically important since it will help doctors keep a broad differential diagnosis in mind when attending to similar patients.

Toxoplasmosis: A Review on its Public Health Importance

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Infections with toxoplasmosis usually cause no symptoms in adult humans. It is characterized in humans by a few weeks or months of mild flu-like illness such as muscle aches and tender lymph nodes. In some cases, ocular complications may also develop. The mild symptoms may progress to seizures and in coordination in movements in patients with weaker immune response. The condition of congenital toxoplasmosis proves fatal for carrying mothers during pregnancy.

Toxoplasmosis submandibular lymphadenitis: Report of an unusual case with a brief review

Journal of oral and maxillofacial pathology : JOMFP

A 16-year-old male patient reported with swelling of the right submandibular region for 3 months. The patient was asymptomatic and gave a history of fever lasting for 2 days before observing the swelling. Fine-needle aspiration cytology revealed nonspecific lymphadenitis, and since there was no apparent cause detected in the oral cavity or any systemic condition noted, the enlarged lymph node was surgically excised and submitted for histopathologic examination. The inflammatory condition and large numbers of macrophages appeared nonspecific while granuloma formation was not seen. Specific antibody titer against was carried out and extremely high level of IgG for toxoplasma was detected confirming the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis leading to lymphadenitis.

Pulmonary and Renal Toxoplasmosis in an Immunocompetent Adult Patient

Journal of Medical Cases

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which is one of the most widespread zoonotic pathogens known today. It is a global health hazard as they infect 30-50% of the world's human population. Acute toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic and self-limited in immunocompetent people, recovering without treatment and do not require specific therapy. Therefore, rare complications are associated with infection in the individuals with normal immune systems. However, we present a rare case of an immunocompetent man with acute T. gondii infection confirmed by serology, subsequently presented with two life-threatening organ dysfunctions: severe renal and pulmonary involvement, requiring hospitalization and anti-parasitic treatment.