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

Authors

  • Ameer Hamza St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Department of Pathology
  • Ian Jacob Anderson St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Department of Pathology
  • Basim Al-Khafaji St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Department of Pathology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4322/acr.2017.038

Keywords:

Autopsy, Allografts, Immunosuppression, Opportunistic infections, Kidney transplantation, Toxoplasmosis.

Abstract

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.

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Published

2017-12-12

Issue

Section

Article / Autopsy Case Report

How to Cite

Respiratory distress of unknown etiology in a transplant recipient: think toxoplasmosis!. (2017). Autopsy and Case Reports, 7(4), 37-41. https://doi.org/10.4322/acr.2017.038