Toxoplasmosis

Exam Cram

• Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic parasitic infection, that typically infects the immunocompromised (e.g. HIV )

• Presentation: severe Headache, diplopia, ring enhancing lesions on CT-H

• Diagnosis: CSF PCR for toxoplasmosis

• Management: pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine

Outline

Background

• Protozoan type of parasite

Assessment

History:

• Immunocompromised, e.g. HIV

• Seizure

• 24hrs of confusion, drowsiness, headache

Examination:

• Focal neurology

• Febrile

• GCS < 15, lymphadenopathy

Investigations

• CT-H: ring enhancing lesions

• CSF: PCR toxoplasmosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria: CSF PCR toxoplasmosis

Differentials: cerebral abscess, brain cancer

Management

Acute

• P & S: pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine

  • Or Trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole

• HIV testing +/- treatment

• Folinic acid

References and Resources

Links

• Body systems: hematopoietic & immune; nervous

• Disease: Infection 

• Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Written in 2025