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Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection after allogeneic stem cell transplant can be difficult and requires intensive scrutiny.
- Source :
-
Leukemia & Lymphoma . Aug2010, Vol. 51 Issue 8, p1530-1535. 6p. 1 Chart. - Publication Year :
- 2010
-
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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10428194
- Volume :
- 51
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Leukemia & Lymphoma
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 52719496
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3109/10428194.2010.494260