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At least 1,117 records · Page 62Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Toxoplasmosis in wild turkeys: a case report and serologic survey.

Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in a free-ranging wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) from West Virginia (USA) in June 1993. Gross findings included emaciation, splenomegaly, multifocal necrotizing hepatitis and splenitis, and crusting dermatitis on the head and neck. Histologically, multifocal necrosis with mononuclear inflammation was present in kidney, liver, spleen, heart, lungs, and pancreas. Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed in sections of liver by avidin-biotin immunohistochemical analysis. Subsequently, a retrospective serosurvey of wild turkeys for T. gondii antibodies was conducted using turkey sera collected between 1984 and 1989. An antibody prevalence of 10% was detected in 130 birds from 21 locations in the southeastern United States. While wild turkeys in the Southeast have T. gondii antibodies, this is only the second natural case of fatal toxoplasmosis reported; it appears that wild turkeys infrequently develop clinical disease when infected with T. gondii.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Pathology of experimental toxoplasmosis in eastern barred bandicoots in Tasmania.

Wild-caught eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) initially seronegative to Toxoplasma gondii, were inoculated orally with approximately 100 T. gondii oocysts. The bandicoots were maintained in indoor pens under laboratory conditions and observed daily. Serial blood samples were tested for agglutinating antibodies to T. gondii. Inoculated bandicoots died 15 and 17 days post infection. A rise in Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) titres was detected at the time of death (1:256, 1:64 respectively). Clinical observations, serological changes, gross findings at necropsy, and histopathological changes were consistent with acute toxoplasmosis. The findings indicate that eastern barred bandicoots are likely to die from primary T. gondii infection, often even before detectable antibodies are produced, reinforcing the significance of toxoplasmosis as a potential contributor to the reduction in numbers of wild populations of eastern barred bandicoots.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed2000

Fatal toxoplasmosis in free-ranging endangered 'Alala from Hawaii.

The 'Alala (Corvus hawaiiensis) is the most endangered corvid in the world, and intensive efforts are being made to reintroduce it to its former native range in Hawaii. We diagnosed Toxoplasma gondii infection in five free-ranging 'Alala. One 'Alala, recaptured from the wild because it was underweight and depressed, was treated with diclazuril (10 mg/kg) orally for 10 days. Antibodies were measured before and after treatment by the modified agglutination test (MAT) using whole T. gondii tachyzoites fixed in formalin and mercaptoethanol. The MAT titer decreased four-fold from an initial titer of 1:1,600 with remarkable improvement in physical condition. Lesions of toxoplasmosis also were seen in two partially scavenged carcasses and in a third fresh intact carcass. Toxoplasma gondii was confirmed immunohistochemically by using anti-T. gondii specific serum. The organism was also cultured by bioassay in mice from tissues of one of these birds and the brain of a fifth 'Alala that did not exhibit lesions. The life cycle of the parasite was experimentally completed in cats. This is the first record of toxoplasmosis in 'Alala, and the parasite appears to pose a significant threat and management challenge to reintroduction programs for 'Alala in Hawaii.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed2005

Exploring the ecologic basis for extreme susceptibility of Pallas' cats (Otocolobus manul) to fatal toxoplasmosis.

Recent efforts by North American zoos to establish a genetically viable captive population of Pallas' cats (Otocolobus manul) have been compromised by high newborn mortality (approximately 60%), primarily because of toxoplasmosis. The basis for this extreme susceptibility to toxoplasmosis is unknown. In the present study, the general health status of wild Pallas' cats in Mongolia was evaluated, including assessment of basal hematologic parameters and fecal corticoid metabolite concentrations. The prevalence of exposure to Toxoplasma gondii in Mongolian Pallas' cats, local domestic cats, and prey species also was determined based on serology and/or polymerase chain reaction analysis. Biologic samples (blood, feces, and/or brain tissue) were obtained from 15 wild Pallas' cats, 15 domestic cats, and 45 prey animals (rodents and pikas) captured in Mongolia during the summers of 2000 and 2001. Comparative data were obtained from nine captive Pallas' cats maintained in North American zoos. Based on physical examinations, complete blood counts, and blood chemistry analyses, only minor differences were observed in the general health status of wild and captive Pallas' cats. Fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations did not differ (P > 0.05) between populations, indicating that Pallas' cats in captivity and in the wild have similar basal adrenocortical activity. A pronounced difference (P < 0.01) in seroprevalence to T. gondii was observed between populations. Whereas all captive Pallas' cats exhibited elevated immunoglobulin titers (IgG > 2,048) to T. gondii, only two of 15 (13%) wild Pallas' cats were seropositive, with both cats having lower IgG titers (< 1,024). Furthermore, no evidence of exposure to this parasite was found in any of the Mongolian domestic cats or prey species. These findings suggest that wild Pallas' cats have minimal opportunity for exposure to T. gondii in their natural habitat and, typically, do not become infected with this parasite until being brought into captivity. Accordingly, maintenance of a viable captive population may require implementing effective strategies to prevent exposure of immunologically naive Pallas' cats to T. gondii and to reduce parasite transmission between seropositive females and their highly susceptible offspring.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Morphological study of 2 cases of congenital toxoplasmosis].

A morphological study of two cases of acute generalized congenital toxoplasmosis has shown that in one case the most heavily involved organ was the heart (focal necrotic myocarditis), in addition to some changes in the central nervous system (leptomeningitis), and in the other case, the most affected organ was the cerebrum (focal necrotic encephalitis). In both cases, in almost all organs, there were degenerative and reactive changes. Toxoplasma was found in necrotic foci of the myocardium and the brain. Some basic views concerning a special vulnerability of the central nervous system in toxoplasmosis are put forward. The basic fact is that the explanation for the infection of exposed fetuses lies in the condition of the immune system (in the degree of its development and activity), especially regarding certain localizations of changes in the organs with a less developed activity of the local immune system.

Autopsy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lymphonodular form of toxoplasmosis.

On the basis of 3 cases of lymphoglandular toxoplasmosis recognized after biopsy of lymph nodes the authors established the clinical and morphological syndrome of this disease entity. Attention is called to the possibility of erroneous histological evaluation of the examined lymph nodes owing to the similarity of glandular toxoplasmosis to other diseases of the lymphatic system.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Fatal toxoplasmosis in children].

Fatal cases of toxoplasmosis seen at the Hospital Infantil de México between 1943 and 1973, together with postmortem studies are reviewed. There were five postmortem studies where it was possible to identify toxoplasma in histologic lesions. Clinical manifestations were grouped in pictures; thus, the infectious picture, the intracranial hypertensive, the neurological and the meningeal pictures were made up. In all five cases of this small group, toxoplasma was identified within and without parasitized cells and was found specially abundant in the central nervous system. Considering the early initiation of neurological manifestations and the intensity of encephalic lesions, it may be assumed that all five cases of prenatal toxoplasmosis. The reason why an infection so usually light in the mother is able to cause a disease so severe in the fetus seems to have an explanation on the fact that toxoplasma increases in virulence when reaching the product as second-step infection. In all five cases, the intensity of the lesions agrees with the severeness of the clinical picture and with the early manifestations following birth. The parasite was identified in the brain in all cases and in some of them, in the liver and lungs.

Female↗
PubMed1976

[Demonstration of specific IgM antibody in cases of suspect congenital toxoplasmosis: interpretation of results (author's transl)].

From the aspect of laboratory Toxoplasmosis examination, a series of clinically and parasitologically confirmed cases of congenital Toxoplasmosis (CT) were selected. Serological findings (CFT, DT, IgM-IFAT) in infants and mothers were critically examined. The IgM titers in CT as a rule lay between 1:16 and 1:64, the highest recorded being 1:256. The serum IgM globulin levels showed no dependence on the high CFT titers. T recognize unspecific reactions amongst infants with positive IgM values, the serological testing of mothers was indispensable. It is also absolutely necessary with infants to repeatedly test serologically at intervals to clearly bring out the results of all the three serological reactions. The technical problems encountered for a definative diagnosis of CT and the clinical picture in the present critical examination are discussed.

Complement Fixation Tests↗
PubMed1976

Studies on the lymphoid system of mice with lethal acute toxoplasmosis.

Acute toxoplasmosis was induced in CFLP mice by infecting them intraperitoneally with the 25 x 10(3) multiplicity of the virulent RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii. The lymphoid system of mice succumbing to acute toxoplasmosis showed characteristic changes. Significant spleen hypertrophy (spleen index: 1.76), severe thymus atrophy (thymus index: 0.27) and a striking decrease of the lymphocyte count in blood (86%) was found as compared with the uninfected controls.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

[Problems of congenital toxoplasmosis. Evolution over four decades].

EFFECT OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES: The development of reliable routine serology tests and the demonstration of the high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in France led to mandatory prospective screening of pregnant women in 1978, followed by prenatal screening in 1985. In addition, in utero diagnosis, first on fetal blood and now with the reliable and safe method using polymerase chain reaction on amniotic fluid, formally identifies the parasite. THE SITUATION TODAY: A comparison of the experience of a specialized center in Paris during three different periods over the last 40 years showed that currently 71% of all cases of congenital toxoplasmosis are infraclinical at birth and only 5% are severe. Mean incidence of seroconversion during pregnancy is 1.48%, with a 40% risk of fetal contamination if no treatment is given. The risk of overt fetopathy predominantly concerns maternal infections occurring prior to 26 weeks gestation. IN UTERO TREATMENT: Positive PCR diagnosis on amniotic fluid imposes serial ultrasound examinations to identify any fetopathy and an in utero treatment by giving the mother the pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine combination. Biological results are favorable. POST-NATAL TREATMENT: Post-natal treatment is indicated even in latent forms and should be continued for the first year of life. The pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine combination is the only pharmaceutical regimen with well-proven efficacy. New compounds should allow better prophylaxis against maternofetal contamination or improved post-natal treatment. RECURRENCE: In 70% of the cases, serology tests become positive again, but are not associated with significantly increased risk of ocular recurrence.

Female↗
PubMed1997

[Hodgkin's disease with concurrent infection of toxoplasmosis].

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is a specific type of malignant lymphoma characteristic of local and general lymphadenectasis. Aquired toxoplasmosis (AT) is one kind of lymphoadenopathy without fever and fatigue. When the two diseases coexist, clinical and pathological misdiagnosis may be made. This is the first male case of toxoplasmosis and Hodgkin's disease in China, diagnosed by surgical removal of the major part of the cervical and supraclavicular masses, detection of blood anti-toxoplasma gondii antibody, PCR analysis of toxoplasma gondii DNA, and pathological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies of the tumour tissues. The patient treated by radiation and chemotherapy was abated.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Nodular toxoplasmosis as a diagnostic and therapeutic problem].

Enlargement of lymph nodes of the neck, slightly elevated body temperature and discomfort are symptoms characteristic of many illnesses. One of these can be toxoplasmosis. Because the rarity of its occurrence, sometimes toxoplasmosis may be last to be recognized. In many cases absence of specific additional examination guidelines can contribute to several problems with correct diagnosis. At the present time, the most reliable sample analysis methods are the examination of levels of antibodies IgG and IgM, and the histopathological verification. The authors also indicate that varying therapeutic effects using prophilactic treatment and insufficient additional examination could lead to diagnostic problems.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Seroepidemiological survey of human toxoplasmosis in Osorno, Region X, Chile, 1998].

A serological survey was carried out in Osorno X Region, Chile (40 degrees 21'-40 degrees 46' South lat, and 73 degrees 26' -72 degrees-46' West long.). An indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) for toxoplasmosis was performed to 305 persons--160 blood donors and 145 with sexually transmitted disease (STD). The age of the surveyed persons (167 males and 138 females) varied between 10 and 72 years. IHAT titers > 16 were considered as positive. The general prevalence was 20.3%--21.2% in blood donors and 19.3% in persons with some STD--with no differences between males and females. However, significant differences between males and females with STD were found (35.6% and 8.1% respectively). No differences between urban and rural inhabitants were found with a slight higher prevalence in the urban ones. No antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii were detected in six AIDS patients. The importance of performing toxoplasmosis immunodiagnosis and individual prophylaxis to avoid the infection in high risk group are recommended.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1999

[Ocular manifestation of toxoplasmosis in children].

The paper presents contemporary opinions on toxoplasmosis infection in the children, commonest form of posterior uveitis. Different clinical forms of ocular affection, current by available diagnostic methods, possible therapeutic approaches, their indications and contraindications, are analyzed. Risk of transplacentar infection and therapy of affected women are emphasized with the purpose of congenital toxoplasmosis prevention. (Fig. 2, Ref. 6.)

Child↗
PubMed1999

Central nervous system toxoplasmosis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: An emerging disease in India.

With the incidence of patients infected with human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) increasing in India, the central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of the disease will be seen more frequently. The CNS may be primarily afflicted by the virus or by opportunistic infections and neoplasms secondary to the immune suppression caused by the virus. In India, although mycobacterium tuberculosis has been reported to be the most common opportunistic infection, toxoplasmosis may become as common owing to the ubiquitous nature of the protozoan. Since an empirical trial of medical therapy without histopathological diagnosis is recommended, the true incidence of this condition may remain under estimated. The role of ancillary tests such as radiology and serology in the initial diagnosis of this condition remain crucial. This report highlights two patients who were diagnosed to have acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS) only after the biopsy of the intracranial lesion was reported as toxoplasmosis. Presently all patients for elective neurosurgery are tested for HIV antigen. The management protocol to be followed in a known patient with AIDS presenting with CNS symptoms is discussed in detail. The value of ancillary tests is also reviewed.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1975

[Encephalic pseudotumoral toxoplasmosis in the course of blood diseases].

The authors report two cases, the first pathological and the second clinical of pseudo-tumoural cerebral toxoplasmosis, occurring during the course of blood diseases. They refer to the conditions of appearance of this rare complication, with only twenty cases recorded in the literature, during malignant blood diseases. They stress the primordial role of immunological deficiency related either to the underlying disease (especially Hodgkin's disease) or to immuno-suppressive therapy. The clinical picture, with little in the way of typical features, is thus that of a diffuse méningo-encéphalitis. Pseudo-tumoural forms are rare. The authors also stress the minimum conditions required for the validity of the dye test and the value of the diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis. An association of sulphadiazine-purimethamine, active and effective, cured the second patient.

Brain↗
PubMed1999

[Fuchs' uveitic syndrome in a patient with ocular toxoplasmosis].

We report a case of Fuchs' uveitic syndrome associated with toxoplasmic chorioretinis scars, and a positive Desmonts' coefficient. This allows us to emphasize ocular toxoplasmosis as a main association to be searched for clinically. In the cases in which this association is found, it would be warranted, if a high level of specific antitoxoplasmic antibodies is demonstrated in aqueous humor, to consider toxoplasmosis as one of the potential etiopathogenic factors of the Fuchs' uveitic syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Control of congenital toxoplasmosis in Italy: The project of the Istituto Superiore di Sanità].

Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy is a public health concern; many resources are used in diagnostic and therapeutic activities, sometime with a low benefit/cost due to lack of standardization in practices. In the lack of suitable epidemiological knowledge at national level regarding the congenital toxoplasmosis trend in Italy, an evaluation of the public health impact of this pathology is required. The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) has worked out a project on a prevalence-incidence study at national level, performing standard reference methods for diagnosis and both case definition and case management. Furthermore, the ISS urges all the involved centers on congenital toxoplasmosis to set up a network for an active collaboration to this project.

Female↗