Toxoplasmosis

Question 1

What type of organism is toxoplasma gondii?

Answer 1

intracellular protozoan

• oocysts release trophozoites which migrate around the body

Question 2

What animal is known to carry toxoplamosis?

Answer 2

Cat

(can be carried by others e.g. rat)

Question 3

What parts of the body are commonly affected by toxoplasmosis?

Answer 3

eye
brain
muscles

Question 4

Clinical features of infection

Answer 4

can be asymptomatic

symptoms:
- fever
- malaise
- lymphadenopathy
RARE: meningoencephalitis and myocarditis

Question 5

Investigation of choice

Answer 5

serology

Question 6

Management

Answer 6

Only treat if:
- severe infection
- OR immunosuppressed.

Question 7

Patient with HIV experiences headache, confusion, drowsiness

CT: usually single or multiple ring-enhancing lesions, mass effect may be seen

Answer 7

cerebral toxoplasmosis

Question 8

Management of cerebral toxoplasmosis

Answer 8

pyrimethamine plus sulphadiazine for at least 6 weeks

Question 9

Congenital toxoplasmosis mode of spread

Answer 9

placental

Question 10

Clinical features of congenital toxoplasmosis

Answer 10

neurological damage
- cerebral calcification
- hydrocephalus
- chorioretinitis

ophthalmic damage
- retinopathy
- cataracts