Toxoplasma pneumonitis: Fatal presentation of disseminated toxoplasmosis in a patient with AIDS

Abstract

Toxoplasma gondii infection is an uncommon cause of pneumonitis in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). We report a case of fatal pulmonary toxoplasmosis, which clinically resembled Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Conventional diagnostic methods for toxoplasmosis lack of sensitivity. Bronchoscopy and histological evaluation of transbronchial biopsy specimens failed to identify the infecting organism. At autopsy there was evidence of disseminated infection.