Outbreak of acute toxoplasmosis transmitted thru the ingestion of ovine raw meat

Abstract

The authors present 17 cases of symptomatic acute toxoplasmosis acquired by the ingestion of raw mutton offered during a party in September 1993. The incubation period carried from 6 to 13 days (10.9 +/- 7.0). Sixteen (94.5%) patients presented fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, and adenopathy (cervical or cervical/axilar). Hepatomegaly was found in 6 patients, splenomegaly in 4 and rash in 2. One patient presented clinical picture of chorioretinitis confirmed by ophthalmological exam. All patients showed increased serum levels of specific antibodies (IgG and IgM) on indirect immunofuorescence assay evidencing acute phase of toxoplasmosis. The patients were treated with specific drugs for toxoplasmosis and presented satisfactory clinical and laboratory response.