Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection after allogeneic stem cell transplant can be difficult and requires intensive scrutiny

Leuk Lymphoma. 2010 Aug;51(8):1530-5. doi: 10.3109/10428194.2010.494260.

Abstract

Infectious complications remain a major problem after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Specifically Toxoplasma gondii infection is a life-threatening condition in immunocompromised patients. In order to highlight the difficulties in obtaining an early and definitive diagnosis, we report three cases of toxoplasmosis after HSCT for hematologic malignancies: two cases of T. gondii retinochoroiditis, and one case of encephalitis. All patients had unrelated donors and received antithymocyte globulin; none had received trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis. Toxoplasmosis occurred early post-transplant and diagnosis was obtained by real-time PCR. In one case, the correct diagnosis could only be established by PCR analysis of a retinal biopsy specimen. Rapid diagnosis--by invasive approaches--and an immediate onset of antiparasite treatment are crucial to avoid disseminated and often lethal Toxoplasma infections in the post-transplant period. Post-transplant prevention strategies and treatment to control advanced infection in this setting are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / diagnosis*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / drug therapy
  • Graft vs Host Disease / parasitology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / parasitology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / parasitology*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / therapy
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / parasitology*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy
  • Survival Rate
  • Toxoplasma / genetics
  • Toxoplasma / pathogenicity*
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis*
  • Toxoplasmosis / drug therapy
  • Toxoplasmosis / parasitology
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination