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Toxoplasmosis

Jonathan Edward MacClements, FAAFP, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 

 

BASICS

  • Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite.

  • Most common latent protozoan infection

  • Clinically significant disease typically manifests only in pregnancy or in an immunocompr...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Congenital toxoplasmosis

    • Clinical presentation varies widely; 80% of patients are asymptomatic at birth.

    • Classic triad (uncommon): chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, cerebral calcification...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Immunocompetent patients usually require no treatment. 

MEDICATION

Recommended treatment drugs for toxoplasmosis target the tachyzoite stage of the parasite and do not eradicat...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Precautions 
  • Monitor for bone marrow, renal, or liver toxicity.

  • Good hydration: Sulfadiazine is poorly soluble and may crystallize in the urine.

  • Wa...

REFERENCES

1
Dubey JP. Outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in humans: five decades of personal experience, perspectives and lessons learned. Parasit Vectors. 2021;14(1):263. doi: 10.1186/s13071-021-047...

ADDITIONAL READING

SEE ALSO

  • Maldonado YA, Read JS, AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Congenital Toxoplasmosis in the United States. ...

CODES

ICD10

  • B58.9 Toxoplasmosis, unspecified

  • P37.1 Congenital toxoplasmosis

  • B58.2 Toxoplasma meningoencephalitis

  • B58.00 Toxoplasma oculopathy, unspecified

SNOMED

  • 187192000 Toxoplasmosis (disorder)

  • 73893000 C...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Toxoplasmosis is typically asymptomatic in immunocompetent patients.

  • Primary prevention is important, particularly for pregnant women and immunodeficient patients.

  • The most common manife...

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