Autopsy and Case Reports
http://autopsyandcasereports.org/article/doi/10.4322/acr.2017.038
Autopsy and Case Reports
Article / Autopsy Case Report

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

Ameer Hamza; Ian Jacob Anderson; Basim Al-Khafaji

http://dx.doi.org/10.4322/acr.2017.038 Autops Case Rep, vol.7, n4, p.37-41, 2017

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.

Keywords

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

References

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