Respiratory distress of unknown etiology in a transplant recipient: think toxoplasmosis!

Abstract

Disseminated toxoplasmosis is a life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals. Infection is contracted from handling contaminated soil, cat litter, or through the consumption of contaminated water or food. It is the third most common lethal foodborne infection in the United States. In transplant patients, most cases occur as a result of reactivation of a latent infection resulting from immunosuppression. We present a case of disseminated toxoplasmosis diagnosed at the time of autopsy. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion and active disease surveillance in this era of sophisticated diagnostic testing.

Keywords

• Autopsy
• Allografts
• Immunosuppression
• Opportunistic infections
• Kidney transplantation
• Toxoplasmosis.